When you are a good student, you will likely have a lot of commuting to do. Buses can be helpful, but they have a waiting time, are usually crowded, and stop running at certain times of the night. Cars are also an option, but not every student can afford to get one. This leaves the average student with one option: the motorcycle.
Motorcycles are cool, and one has to admit there is a certain admiration when you see someone driving them on the streets. That being said, are there any advantages to getting a motorcycle as a student, in favor of a car? Are there any drawbacks to making such an acquisition? In this article, we will discuss several pros and cons of owning a motorcycle during your student years:
PRO: They Are Cost-Efficient
A car can bring a lot of expenses with it. Not only does it generally have a high price tag, but you also need to pay for maintenance and insurance. Motorcycles are different, as they are usually less expensive than cars. Also, you won’t have to pay as much for gas or maintenance. Considering that the average student loan debt is about $28,400, the last thing you want is to spend all of your money on transportation.
CON: Limited Passenger Capability
When you drive around in a car, you can easily carry three or four people with you. This makes it convenient when you plan on carrying family members with you. A motorcycle allows you to carry one person at most. Unless you are a loner without too many friends or have a car on the side, a motorcycle can prove quite inconvenient for you.
PRO: Increased Confidence
Riding a bike can give you a much better sense of confidence. For one, surveys show that motorcycle owners are seen as much more attractive than drivers. Plus, if you have a motorcycle, you will not have to rely on other people to transport you to places. You can simply hop on your seat and enjoy your independence, which will help you improve your confidence in return.
CON: You’re at a Higher Accident Risk
When you are on a motorcycle, you are at a higher risk for an accident, and not just because of the motorcycle itself. In fact, when you are on a motorcycle, it’s easier for you to survive, especially since you can jump off the bike when things get nasty. Cars don’t give you that opportunity.
The problem with motorcycles is that when you are riding one, the car drivers may miss you. This is because they are looking for other cars, not a bike. Therefore, when you or they make a turn, they may not realize you are there and slam right into you. Very often, a motorcycle accident attorney would say that these incidents occur simply because the car drivers did not mind the bikers as they would a car.
PRO: More Parking Options
When you have a car, parking will always be a problem. However, when you have a motorcycle, especially a smaller one, you have more parking options. Students can park just about anywhere on campus if they have a motorbike. They can even squeeze into some of the smaller spaces that a car cannot fit into.
This gives them a lot of parking options, without having to worry much about parking fees. Plus, unlike cars, bikes can get away with being parked in different small spaces, as long as they don’t bother anyone.
CON: License Challenges
In some states, getting a motorcycle license can be a very time-consuming process with a lot of hidden expenses. If you are a student, this may become very challenging. You will need to determine that you indeed have the time and resources to get a motorcycle license.
PROS: Good for Fitness
Believe it or not, owning a motorcycle can be very good for your physique. When you are driving a car, you are simply sitting in the driver’s seat, pressing pedals from a comfortable position. On the other hand, when you ride a motorcycle, you will need to use your legs and core to balance the motorcycle. It is why so many new bike owners feel so sore after a ride, especially a long-distance one.
CON: Weather Limitations
Cars keep you covered during rain and let you drive during winter. With motorcycles, you can only ride on a sunny day. This can make it very challenging for students since they have classes all year long.
The Bottom Line
There are some perks to owning a motorcycle as a student, and it can also save you a lot of money. However, you should consider the potential drawbacks before purchasing one. Each person is different, so you need to put everything in the balance.
