 Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
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OP
Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
Several people I've met recently have told me they are considering a motorcycle to save money on gas. That got me thinking about the economics of fuel savings when operating a motorcycle. For the purposes of this discussion, I'll not include sidecars/hacks, because this would simply make things more complicated.
Operating a motorcycle solo or two up IS more econimical than driving a car, however; there is more to it than that. We are much more prone to ride our bikes merely for the sake of enjoyment as much as for transportation, therefore, the gas we burn while riding is often an unnecessary expense. This must be added to the equation when considering the economics. For example, a motorcycle may have an average MPG or 'fuel burn' of 40 MPG. While on the surface, this looks as though it may be as much as twice the efficiency of a car which may have a combined average MPG rating of 20 MPG, but the motorcycle may have been driven twice as much as the car has, since half of that mileage is 'recreational.' Therefore, the economics of a 40 MPG bike is reduced to the same as a car burning 20 MPG, since the bike in this example is used as much for recreation as for basic transportation.
Another example would be that a single 40 MPG bike carrying two people gets twice as much MPG as a car averaging 20 MPG and carrying two people. However, again, the 'recreational' part plays a role. If, for example, three buddies take off on their respective 40 MPG motorcycles on an 80 mile ride, the trip will burn 6 gallons to convey three people. Now, a 20 MPG car carrying 3 people 80 miles will burn 4 gallons of fuel. In this example, a car was a more economical way of carrying three people than each person riding his/her own bike.
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 585
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 585 |
I think my head is going to explode! 
"Will Ride or Fly for food"
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
One rider no passengers
4 dollars per gallon for fuel:
Tires is a major cost. 350 bucks a year. Chain kit every other year = 125 bucks a year. oil change = have to do for cage too. So everything else constant, we are looking at least 4 bills over and above what it cost to operate a cage. Cages need tires too. Every 5 years so add 100 bucks a year for cage tires.
20 mpg Cage fuel = 10,000 miles or 500 Gallons = $2,000 just for fuel + $100 for tires = $2,100 yearly cost
40 mpg Sickle fuel = 10,000 miles or 250 gallons = $1,000 for fuel plus $475 for tires and chain kit = $1,475 say 1500 for a savings of roughly 6 bills a year.
More detailed analysis would yield tighter results, but the point is the savings of operating a motorsickle are eroded by higher maintenance cost of operating a motorsickle.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,721 Likes: 5 |
I put way more chrome on my bike than on my car I cant imagine anyone with a bike without some sort of personalization
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 381
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 381 |
dang, i must be doing something wrong. in the last year with 2 bikes I have bought 5 sets of tires, 2 chain and sproket sets and who knows how many oil changes. my truck on the other hand is still using the same tank of gas I bought when I had to pick mark up at the airport in feb
The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese!
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1 |
Starting out on two wheels you have quite an expense on helmets, gloves, boots, jackets, locks, etc as well.
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
The real problem is that, if too many people started saving a lot of gas, they would jack up the prices to maintain their profit level. Look at the price of fuel in the UK. They get their oil from the same places as the rest of the world but, people don't use as much. Next time you pay almost 2 quid for a liter, blame all the 250 - 350 motorbikes, 3 wheel cyclecars such as Riley, and econo cars like Morris and Hillman. Had folks bought more 6 cylinder Austins, Jensen V8's, Bristols, Bentley's and Nash Healeys, you'd be paying the same price for petrol as the yanks.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Greybeard, with that theory if we do create some sensible fuel alternatives in the near future and consume less crude the price will go higher, Hmmmmm. And if we continue to use more(see the Chinese market) the price goes up,hmmmmmmmm.
I would tend to disagree with that theory. I'm going with the law of suppy and demand. If we demand less they aint going to put a preminum price on something we do not need.
Be nice to see what the oil sheiks would do to live the high life if no one wanted their liquid gold.
Mike
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
And your petrol is still half the price of ours.....  If it gets any worse, I'll be riding the 125 back down here and using that for work.
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Had folks bought more 6 cylinder Austins, Jensen V8's, Bristols, Bentley's and Nash Healeys, you'd be paying the same price for petrol as the yanks.
Only problem is they tax them as bad as the fuel.
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
The real problem is that, if too many people started saving a lot of gas, they would jack up the prices to maintain their profit level. Look at the price of fuel in the UK. They get their oil from the same places as the rest of the world but, people don't use as much. Next time you pay almost 2 quid for a liter, blame all the 250 - 350 motorbikes, 3 wheel cyclecars such as Riley, and econo cars like Morris and Hillman. Had folks bought more 6 cylinder Austins, Jensen V8's, Bristols, Bentley's and Nash Healeys, you'd be paying the same price for petrol as the yanks.
Ummm....yeah, sure GB. That's it alright. If those poor Limeys would'a just started driving Cadillac Coupe de Villes back in the day, they'd would'a had relatively cheap gas today too, huh?! Riiiiiight! 
Well, I PERSONALLY know of one Limey bloke who's doin' his best to prove your theory here!
Yep. He drives a '72 "boattail" Buick Rivera around over there. And so...I suppose if wasn't for that dude...err...bloke...those poor suckers over there would evidently be payin' TWICE what they do already!!!
So, all my brit "cousins"....ALL HAIL FUNKLETRUMPET!!!! 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
My parents had a big Daimler Sovereign when I was growing up (in fact they only got rid of it 5 years ago). OK so that's not as big as FT's Buick, but that drank fuel and ran on 5*... something that wasn't readily available. Me dad made a copper gasket to lower the compression so it could run on 4*. How much petrol would you like a car to drink...?
They now have a Triumph Stag - also drinks fuel, just not like the Daimler - and a Range Rover. Though that runs on LPG to keep costs down...
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel...
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel...
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
I figure most of my bike miles are recreational. Sometimes I might ride to a doctor appointment or the like, but still, most is recreational. NOW, the big savings is spending the Sunday afternoon on my bike instead of my boat. 40 mpg vs. 2 mpg means the bike is saving me a ton of money. My wife likes bike riding with me more than boating. My dog is not happy with the situation.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
thats all fine for those that are going "start" riding to save $$.
For those of us that already own were in a better situation. Add to that that, yes we ride for recreation, if we didnt have the bikes to ride wed be driving the cages on some of those nice scenic roads OR worse yet wed have to have some sort of two seater performance cage for some of the same fun driving riding we already do. Talk about spending money on fuel...most of those "performance cages" use premium...ouch!
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 819 |
There is a BIG savings with insurance. Although I own my bike outright, I pay for full coverage and it is still a fraction of my auto insurance!
I would be unstoppable if not for law enforcement and physics.
2002, Cardinal Red & Silver
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 820
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 820 |
I don't know for sure, but I'm sure my car gets better mpg than my bike  Diesel Peugot 206. I think that bikes are better for the enviroment though, they spew out less fumes and I never sit in traffic jams on tock-over
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,540 |
My wife put it best the other day.
Her bike gets 15 mpg better than the car. But if she rides the bike into work. She'll ride at least 30 miles more a day.
But the Smiles per gallon, now there is no comparison.
Oh and she's one smart cookie. The daycare we use is on MY way to work. So I have to take Charlotte, so no bike for me unless I come home and switch.
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 274 |
I ride for pleasure. Whether It's a business related trip, a scenic trip, just going to work, a vacation or whatever, it's still pleasure and comes with a price. Thanks to Triumph's great "bang for the buck" value, the price is affordable.
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Since we are talking economics, I notice you haven't included the savings we get from not having Psychiatric bills. Look in a Psychiatrist's parking lot ... you'll seldom find a motorcycle.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 227
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 227 |
I have learned to love riding so much that I don't care if I save or not ( i think I save overall though), I just want to ride.
I commute every no-rain day (10 plus months out of the year here in northern Cal) and anymore I just don't have as good a day if I have to open a car door and get in that cage to go to work. I figure the fewer minutes a day I sit static in a 4 wheel vehicle stuck in traffic the more time I have to go a couple extra miles the long way home or on a weekend to Alice's Resturant or the like.
Screw the Economics - Just Ride!
Gary
If your ship doesn't come in - swim out to it !
Nothing but Triumph -'05 Speedmaster - Ride with the NorCal Presidents
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,555 |
My Triumph is recreation not transportation.I'f I did not have to own a car, I wouldn't.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
I've looked at the economics of truck (in my case) vs bike and had to quit when my head started spinning... The truck gets 13.5 mpg on a good day. The bike gets 45 mpg. I ride the bike to work whenever possible, run errands with it whenever possible, and ride for fun whenever possible. The bike requires gear, chrome, luggage, and maintenance items. The bike also soothes my mind, lets me meet people, and lets me see places I otherwise wouldn't see. There's a value in that I can't put a dollar figure on.... The truck sits in the driveway and essentially rots for 7-8 months out of the year. I put less than 5000 miles a year on the truck, so I don't have to pay for the local emissions test. That's about a $35 savings. I recently had to put new parking brake cables on the truck, that was about $120 in parts and a major pia. Rusted due to non-use. I also notice some body rot around the fenders. That will cost me as well. The bed has a bedliner and I shudder to think what is going on under it.... Bottom line is.. I don't care about the bottom line. I'm gonna ride till I no longer can, and then I'm gonna look back and smile at all the memories. My truck can't give me that....
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
Quote:
One rider no passengers
4 dollars per gallon for fuel:
Tires is a major cost. 350 bucks a year. Chain kit every other year = 125 bucks a year. oil change = have to do for cage too. So everything else constant, we are looking at least 4 bills over and above what it cost to operate a cage. Cages need tires too. Every 5 years so add 100 bucks a year for cage tires.
20 mpg Cage fuel = 10,000 miles or 500 Gallons = $2,000 just for fuel + $100 for tires = $2,100 yearly cost
40 mpg Sickle fuel = 10,000 miles or 250 gallons = $1,000 for fuel plus $475 for tires and chain kit = $1,475 say 1500 for a savings of roughly 6 bills a year.
More detailed analysis would yield tighter results, but the point is the savings of operating a motorsickle are eroded by higher maintenance cost of operating a motorsickle.
Commute being the best part of the work day: Priceless. 
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Greybeard, with that theory if we do create some sensible fuel alternatives in the near future and consume less crude the price will go higher, Hmmmmm. And if we continue to use more(see the Chinese market) the price goes up,hmmmmmmmm.
I would tend to disagree with that theory. I'm going with the law of suppy and demand. If we demand less they aint going to put a preminum price on something we do not need.
There is a president. There was a water shortage in So. California, so the L.A. DWP banned lawn watering and other water uses that they considered unnecessary. (of course, the lawns on city owned property stayed mysteriously green) Then, they cited the lowered income due ti reduced water consumption as an excuse to raise rates. Of course, when the shortage was over and they allowed normal use, the rates did NOT go back down.
Quote:
Be nice to see what the oil sheiks would do to live the high life if no one wanted their liquid gold.
Mike
They would go back to their old passtime of riding around the dessert chopping each others heads off. Except in Dubai. There, they would live on the income of their bazar construction projects they've been building.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,485 |
My car gets 30 mpg, my bike gets 40 mpg. Sounds like a commuting no-brainer until you consider when taking the car the round trip is 15 miles and when taking the bike the trip is closer to 25 miles around. Looks like I'm losing money but much happier doing so.
"Despite all the amputation, you could dance to a rock 'n roll station..."
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,541 |
If i could get my twins on the bike i would use the bike much more, and the car would stay parked for long periods. I paid $4.15 for a gallon of the good stuff the other day, nearly fainted. Good job i was not paying for it.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948 |
Last week I traded my beloved 2002 F150 and my wifes 2002 Escape for a new Escape. The truck was perfect with 43,000 miles and sat in the garage all the time-but the value had dropped below that of my wife's 2002 Escape. I have a 4X8 trailer that I can carry the bike in for service and I also use it to haul things I would have hauled in the pickup. The Escape get 20 in town and pulls the bike fine.
I use the bike for small errands when I don't have to carry heavy items and I ride the bike for relaxation. I agree the bike is expensive because I always 'need' something for it.I read that the average owner spends $1,000 a year on accessories for their motorcycle-but it is my main hobby.
We're just going to have to learn to live like the rest of the world on expensive gasoline.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 380
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 380 |
Speaking of economics and fuel when the heck is EFI bonnies hit the market?
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,518 Likes: 31 |
Quote:
I'm gonna ride till I no longer can, and then I'm gonna look back and smile at all the memories.
What Deon said ... +1.
May the roads be many, Sir ... very many.
Bedouin.
Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).
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Re: Motorcycle economics
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15 |
The question you have to ask is: why do you ride?
I had to give up my passion for being a private pilot because of costs. I got the taste for it when a friend of my father took me up in his plane when I was 12. And eighteen years later with my first real career job and an extremely modest salary I too every penny left over after paying bills got my pilot's cert and was able to finally grasp the goal I had dreamt of for all those years. But as time went on and we wanted to buy a house and my salary wasn't getting any closer to being able to justify the costs of flying, I had to give it up. It's just not practical for the average joe when even a small plane measures fuel consumption around 5 GALLONS PER HOUR.
Yes riding my America is mostly recreational. But ****** if I'm going to be giving up this passion too just in the name of practicality. I'll pay for the gas. And with the bike I'll get a lot more than an hour's ride out of 5 gallons.
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