Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Savings - pt. 2

Yesterday I posted about the saving money by riding a motorcycle, weighing the pros and cons of bike ownership. So, can you save money by commuting on a motorcycle? Yes, absolutely. Guess what, you could also save a ton of money on a root canal by doing it yourself...or better yet just ride a unicycle to work and juggle at the same time. That way you won't spend any money on gas and you can collect tips along the way.

Not a great idea right? The reason why: it's not practical or safe.

Motorcycles aren't safe or practical? Shocking news I know...but you'd be surprised at how many people ignore the fact that driving a car beats a motorcycle in virtually every comparison of practicality and safety. It seems when some begin crunching the numbers on gas savings they feel that's all they need to know and one written test later with permit in hand it's off to the dealership. I've known people so scared after their first ride on the new bike they immediately head back to the dealer in search of refund.

There are a host of challenges you face on a bike that some take for granted. First of all, most people don't know how to drive. Whereas that guy trying to eat a Big Mac while changing lanes without signaling would annoy you and maybe cause a fender bender if you're driving a car, he will now maim or kill you if you aren't paying attention while on a bike. Second, everything is a hazard on a motorcycle whether you see it or not....trust me when I say a cigarette flicked from a car window at high speed can hit you in the neck, fall into your jacket and smolder for a bit. Calmly pulling over to remove it in due time is not fun or easy. Third (and the main reason I am writing this post ), motorcycle accidents are very unforgiving. Motorcycle-related deaths in the US have increased steadily each year since 1997. They have doubled in the past nine years, reaching over five thousand in 2008.

Think long and hard about this when you weigh the savings potential. You must be infinitely more focused on what you are doing when on two wheels in any form of traffic; you will need to commit to becoming a better driver in every way. I would never recommend someone purchase a motorcycle for the sole purpose of saving money given the inherent risks involved. There are many reasons to learn how to ride, and saving money should be pretty far down on that list. From my experience (and I would love to hear comments proving me wrong ) those who buy a motorcycle as a means to save money typically underestimate the risks involved and make for careless riders in general. There are other ways to save money (Shameless plug: I hear this site Savings.com has some pretty good deals on it that can help you do just that ).

You may be asking yourself what's at the top of the list for reasons to buy a motorcycle. The frequent cliché response is: If you have to ask then you don't get it. Having been obsessed with all things motorcycle from a very young age, it's hard for me to answer this question in a meaningful way. Until my move to Santa Monica earlier this year I commuted on my bike over 50 miles each way, 5 days a week--and rarely used my car on the weekends unless I was grocery shopping. By doing this I saved tons of money on gas, made excellent time commuting to work (safely splitting lanes in slow traffic) and arrived in the mornings with a big smile on my face.

Those long coastal rides are what keep me sane--there is an overwhelming sense of peace that comes from clearing your mind of absolutely every thought, concern, and emotion that clouds it in the day to day. Placing 100% of your attention--and all your senses--solely on the here and now, and being completely engaged in doing just one thing. For me riding PCH or even splitting lanes on the 405 in heavy traffic is my form of meditation, my church, my therapy. Saving money is just a nice added bonus some motorcyclists get for doing what they love.

Another bonus for motorcyclists: Our motorcycle coupons. Share your motorcycling experiences in the comments below and follow me on Twitter @SavingsTKuljis for more great motorcycle-related deals.