As the traffic situation continues to worsen, here are my top reasons to start riding a motorcycle
1. MOTORCYCLES ARE PRACTICAL
If you commute to work on a daily basis, a scooter or low displacement motorcycle will get you to where you need to go around the city. Purchasing one will not break the bank. In fact, if you drive a car to work and consider the cost of fuel and parking fees, then buying a scooter will pay for itself from the money you will save on fuel and parking alone. Motorcycles are more fuel efficient than cars. Low displacement scooters and motorcycles on the average churn out 30 to 40 kms per liter while bigger displacement leisure bikes are on the 20 km per liter bracket. Maintenance and operating costs are relatively low and they are easy to fix yourself.
2. MOTORCYCLES ARE GREEN
Even a red Ducati is green when pertaining to its impact on our environment. Motorcycles produce less pollution because it is more efficient, and leaves a smaller carbon footprint because it takes fewer parts to manufacture and it produces less waste. Motorcycles are also lighter, therefore contribute less to the deterioration of the roads they travel on.
3. THE CONSTRUCT OF TIME IS BETTER ON A MOTORCYCLE
You save a lot of valuable time on a motorcycle. Your dreaded rush hour commute will be reduced by at least half and boring trips for errands are quickly dispensed of. You can easily schedule to go to 4 or 5 different places a day, something almost impossible on four wheels. You also don’t have to worry about rain or excessive sweating on hot days, as there is nothing an extra set of clothes in a waterproof bag cannot remedy.
4. MOTORCYCLES ARE FUN TO RIDE
The feeling of riding your motorcycle is one of the best feelings in the world. Feeling the wind on your face and the openness of the motorcycle with only the handlebars in front of you gives you an unexplained sense of freedom and adventure. Whether you’re carving your way in and out of the city or enjoying a cruise down some twisties, riding motorcycles will always put a smile on your face.
5. THERE’S A MOTORCYCLE FOR EVERYONE
There is a wide range of motorcycles to fit the style and budget of everyone. With prices ranging from 30,000.00 to 3,000,000.00 Pesos, there is always something that will fit your budget. Undoubtedly, the scooter is the most practical motorcycle to have especially if you are a beginner. No matter what style of bike you choose, there are equally as many types of safety gear that will fit your style. Did I mention that motorcycles are cool? Actually, they are hot, and they also up your “coolness” factor so pick the right motorcycle that suits your style.
6. MOTORCYCLES ARE ACTUALLY SAFE
Hear me out. It’s a common misnomer that riding two wheels is dangerous. While it is true that many riders on two wheels meet a lot of accidents, it is usually because of driver error, and not the fault of the bike. Most of your non-motorcycle riding friends will deter you from acquiring a motorcycle for the sole reason that it is dangerous and they are convinced that you will die prematurely. I agree! However, I believe that with proper training and self-discipline, riding motorcycles can be a safe and fun activity. Just remember to always leave your ego at home before riding, obey traffic rules, be courteous to your fellow road users, and you should be okay.
RIDE SAFE!
Photos by Marco Clemente of MC Customs