Upgrade car or get a motorbike in my situation
Discussion
Thought I would post here as I assume people will have appreciation for bikes and cars to give a balanced perspective.
Basically I’m quite bored of my current car (1.5 cvt Honda civic) despite only owning it for 16 months and also been looking to pick up a new hobby after moving to a new city. I used to go out for drives when I had more fun cars but still enjoy going on longer road trips.
I’m wondering if changing my car and paying a bit more for something like an M240i will give me that joy back.
Or, something I’ve wanted to do for years after previously having a 125cc motorbike (barely used before it was sold due to an injury unrelated to biking I had) is doing a full test and getting a motorbike.
Im struggling to decide if getting a bike is worth it over getting a more fun car.
Upgrade Car cons:
1) I live in the city so most driving stuck in traffic (although have access to Scottish countryside and highlands).
2) Annoys me a bit losing money selling a car after relatively little time
3) Probably doesn’t fulfil the hobby gap or allow me to meet many new people
4) Might want to change cars again in couple years when probably starting a family
Bike cons:
1) I live in the city so the bike would be parked on street/resident car park where theft isn’t uncommon
2) I mainly wfh so could end up being a toy I rarely use throughout summer months and so not guaranteed it turns into a hobby/social thing either
3) Cost and time of getting license, bike, insurance (£1000 a year is cheapest I could find), security.
4) The danger, especially with how people drive in Glasgow
car pros
In my situation would it make sense to keep my current car and just go for getting a bike to see how I get on.
Or
Upgrade my current car and maybe revisit the bike idea in a few years when I’ll likely have moved out the city and have a house with more secure storage.
Curious to hear others thoughts, cheers
Basically I’m quite bored of my current car (1.5 cvt Honda civic) despite only owning it for 16 months and also been looking to pick up a new hobby after moving to a new city. I used to go out for drives when I had more fun cars but still enjoy going on longer road trips.
I’m wondering if changing my car and paying a bit more for something like an M240i will give me that joy back.
Or, something I’ve wanted to do for years after previously having a 125cc motorbike (barely used before it was sold due to an injury unrelated to biking I had) is doing a full test and getting a motorbike.
Im struggling to decide if getting a bike is worth it over getting a more fun car.
Upgrade Car cons:
1) I live in the city so most driving stuck in traffic (although have access to Scottish countryside and highlands).
2) Annoys me a bit losing money selling a car after relatively little time
3) Probably doesn’t fulfil the hobby gap or allow me to meet many new people
4) Might want to change cars again in couple years when probably starting a family
Bike cons:
1) I live in the city so the bike would be parked on street/resident car park where theft isn’t uncommon
2) I mainly wfh so could end up being a toy I rarely use throughout summer months and so not guaranteed it turns into a hobby/social thing either
3) Cost and time of getting license, bike, insurance (£1000 a year is cheapest I could find), security.
4) The danger, especially with how people drive in Glasgow
car pros
In my situation would it make sense to keep my current car and just go for getting a bike to see how I get on.
Or
Upgrade my current car and maybe revisit the bike idea in a few years when I’ll likely have moved out the city and have a house with more secure storage.
Curious to hear others thoughts, cheers
Upgrading the car will get you something that, for most of your driving, will be no better than the Civic. Why? Because you live in Glasgow, 98.9%* of the time 95% of the performance will go unused, a 118i would be the exact same experience. Cutting through EK in my M135i has been the highlight of 99% of my driving for the past decade, it's nice to work the six and zip through the roundabouts, cutting past the drones. But even a 125 gives you something it can't deliver, 100% of the time.
If bikes are in your blood it's an itch you have to scratch, there is no downside to trying; if you decide it isn't really for you, it's an itch that's scratched and you move on.
If bikes are in your blood it's an itch you have to scratch, there is no downside to trying; if you decide it isn't really for you, it's an itch that's scratched and you move on.
I'm not surprised you are bored with a 1.5 CVT Civic. Insurance will go down a lot once you actually have a licence, unless you live in Easterhouse or something.
Glasgow is a great place to have a bike, you can get out and onto some epic roads very quickly. In a car, you can get stuck in convoy. In a bike you don't.
Also, even working from home as I do, you've got hours of daylight after work in the summer.
Glasgow is a great place to have a bike, you can get out and onto some epic roads very quickly. In a car, you can get stuck in convoy. In a bike you don't.
Also, even working from home as I do, you've got hours of daylight after work in the summer.
Motorcycle for fun, I wish I was into biking when I lived up there for work.
On the hobby note: I used to join the mountain biking scene up at milngavie area quite often for evening rides. I imagine everyone has e-bikes now, that could be worth exploring. Get some nightlights and have some fun meeting new folks.
On the hobby note: I used to join the mountain biking scene up at milngavie area quite often for evening rides. I imagine everyone has e-bikes now, that could be worth exploring. Get some nightlights and have some fun meeting new folks.
My neighbour has a 1.5 civic , I’ve been in it and it seems fine to me , I guess it depends what cars you’ve had in the past
Bike v car , my car did 20,000 + miles last year , my last bike did 2,300 miles , even though I love bikes it’s a expensive hobby I find , I’d hate to add up the cost of buying the bike / running it for what little mileage I did compared to the car that more than justified it’s ownership , and I know loads who’s bike mileage for last year was in the 100,s not 1,000 of miles
If I was you I’d wait until I moved to the countryside & hopefully have a shed / garage then think what I want to do .
Bike v car , my car did 20,000 + miles last year , my last bike did 2,300 miles , even though I love bikes it’s a expensive hobby I find , I’d hate to add up the cost of buying the bike / running it for what little mileage I did compared to the car that more than justified it’s ownership , and I know loads who’s bike mileage for last year was in the 100,s not 1,000 of miles
If I was you I’d wait until I moved to the countryside & hopefully have a shed / garage then think what I want to do .
I find the drivers in and around Glasgow are fine for the most part… some bellends obviously on their phones a lot of the time, but I don’t really see any outrageous driving that stops me going on my bike.
I always take the bike to Glasgow if I can, tend to use the same ‘safe’ spots.
Now that the ice is away for the year (hopefully) I’m back on 99% bike to get around, got a new car a couple of months ago and it’s only done 600 miles.
In short, being on a bike is usually better than being in a car.
I always take the bike to Glasgow if I can, tend to use the same ‘safe’ spots.
Now that the ice is away for the year (hopefully) I’m back on 99% bike to get around, got a new car a couple of months ago and it’s only done 600 miles.
In short, being on a bike is usually better than being in a car.
I live about 40 miles South of Glasgow out in the country. Lots of great roads to enjoy as other have said but let's do a reality check here.
Keeping a bike outside(on the street?) on Glasgow is non ideal, and the weather is usually s
t. Even through the summer it rains a lot so opportunities for those wonderful sunny warm country road rides are far fewer than you'd want.
Having said that - having a bike that you can jump on and go for a blast is a huge bonus and if you don't mind riding in less than ideal conditions then I'd go for it.
Keeping a bike outside(on the street?) on Glasgow is non ideal, and the weather is usually s
t. Even through the summer it rains a lot so opportunities for those wonderful sunny warm country road rides are far fewer than you'd want. Having said that - having a bike that you can jump on and go for a blast is a huge bonus and if you don't mind riding in less than ideal conditions then I'd go for it.
the cueball said:
I find the drivers in and around Glasgow are fine for the most part some bellends obviously on their phones a lot of the time, but I don t really see any outrageous driving that stops me going on my bike.
I always take the bike to Glasgow if I can, tend to use the same safe spots.
Now that the ice is away for the year (hopefully) I m back on 99% bike to get around, got a new car a couple of months ago and it s only done 600 miles.
In short, being on a bike is usually better than being in a car.
Yes, driving in Glasgow is much less bananas than Birmingham or Manchester on a bike, and it's slower giving the bike a chance to make progress. I always take the bike to Glasgow if I can, tend to use the same safe spots.
Now that the ice is away for the year (hopefully) I m back on 99% bike to get around, got a new car a couple of months ago and it s only done 600 miles.
In short, being on a bike is usually better than being in a car.
A lot of Scottish bikers only come out in the summer so give a skewed perspective. As soon as there's no ice it's on with the Gore-Tex. I had a great day out to Lochearnhead between Christmas and New Year
Comfort to one side you really want 12c+ and dry to properly enjoy a bike from a grip / handling / safety pov.
If you are ok with the annual outlay for a bike for 5 months use in a year do it.
It’s probably no more expensive having an average car and a top bike vs the 240i by itself.
I have a Suzuki swift sport and Superduke r. I enjoy driving the swift and have no ambition for a fast car as it’s never going to be as exciting as the bike.
If you are ok with the annual outlay for a bike for 5 months use in a year do it.
It’s probably no more expensive having an average car and a top bike vs the 240i by itself.
I have a Suzuki swift sport and Superduke r. I enjoy driving the swift and have no ambition for a fast car as it’s never going to be as exciting as the bike.
I agree with trickywoooo on all points except the temperature one. I enjoy my rides in and out of the city down to near freezing. No question I'd rather it warmer, but it's no barrier to fun.
In the first instance I'd definitely dip your toe in with the 125, see how you go and move up ASAP if you think it's for you. You'll save masses on changing into faster cars, and if kids are a possibility you've already got a fine car for that which you won't cry too much over when the lovely little sts trash it.
In the first instance I'd definitely dip your toe in with the 125, see how you go and move up ASAP if you think it's for you. You'll save masses on changing into faster cars, and if kids are a possibility you've already got a fine car for that which you won't cry too much over when the lovely little s
ts trash it.A rare occasion when I'm going to disagree with trickywoo, with the right tyres any dry day is a fine day. Road 6 switch on below freezing and work well at 4°C, I had a cracking day out yesterday and it was 9-11°C all day. Not tried Roadtec 02's, I'm happy to accept I'm in a tiny minority using a bike in sub-zero temperatures. But in Glasgow if you're waiting for +12°C and dry and having free time you're giving up most of the year straight away. In which case, buy a car.
Yup, decent gear layered up and decent touring tyres and I ve been out in sub zero temperatures without any issues.
I came home on the M8 during a snow storm once that was errrr fun
I would obviously prefer nice sunny days like everyone else but I never let a bit of cold and rain put me off…. Ice is where I draw the line though.
I came home on the M8 during a snow storm once that was errrr fun
I would obviously prefer nice sunny days like everyone else but I never let a bit of cold and rain put me off…. Ice is where I draw the line though.
A bike is such a different experience from a car (fast or slow) that it is definitely worth at least trying. I got my licence while I driving sporty cars more to "give it a go" and loved it. The challenges of learning something fundamentally different to a car and the perceived freedom on the road were great. With the roads being so much busier up here now, making progress in a fast car is becoming more and more difficult - far easier on a bike with better acceleration, smaller footprint, and better visibility.
Downsides?
I'm not sure about Glasgow, but bike crime is a major issue in Edinburgh - I would not have in bike in or around Edinburgh if it could not be kept in a secure garage.
Proliferation of speed reductions and general urbanisation - if you live close to the edge of the city and decent riding areas, great. If you live centrally and need to spend 30-45 minutes wading through 20, 30, 40 limits to go and enjoy yourself it takes the shine off riding for me, and makes it less likely to you might go out for a quick blast on a nice summer evening / early morning.
Riding in the winter never really bothered me unless there was a risk of lying snow or ice (which was a big no-no), but in Scotland that is not that often, especially in the Central Belt. I actually quite enjoyed it if you had on the right gear to keep you warm and dry.
Be prepared for insurance to be very expensive for the first few years. That was a bit of an eye-opener for me when I started. The cost of decent kit is also something to factor in.
Downsides?
I'm not sure about Glasgow, but bike crime is a major issue in Edinburgh - I would not have in bike in or around Edinburgh if it could not be kept in a secure garage.
Proliferation of speed reductions and general urbanisation - if you live close to the edge of the city and decent riding areas, great. If you live centrally and need to spend 30-45 minutes wading through 20, 30, 40 limits to go and enjoy yourself it takes the shine off riding for me, and makes it less likely to you might go out for a quick blast on a nice summer evening / early morning.
Riding in the winter never really bothered me unless there was a risk of lying snow or ice (which was a big no-no), but in Scotland that is not that often, especially in the Central Belt. I actually quite enjoyed it if you had on the right gear to keep you warm and dry.
Be prepared for insurance to be very expensive for the first few years. That was a bit of an eye-opener for me when I started. The cost of decent kit is also something to factor in.
You either want a bike or you don't IMO.
The days of having a bike because it's cheaper/more convenient etc. as was the case with my Dad and his Dad (other than a cheap scooter/moped for city commuting at least) are over (again IMO).
I started with bikes for 2 reasons; I always wanted a bike and I was too young for a car.
That said, at the time I was living in Italy where bikes were not just more viable/practical but virtually essential for getting around and parking in a medieval city centre (the weather also helped).
Nearly 50 years later I still ride bikes but only for fun, I couldn't manage without a car and if I didn't already ride bikes I doubt I'd start now at my age and with all the malarkey required to get a licence.
All that said, if you really want a bike then get one and enjoy it.
The days of having a bike because it's cheaper/more convenient etc. as was the case with my Dad and his Dad (other than a cheap scooter/moped for city commuting at least) are over (again IMO).
I started with bikes for 2 reasons; I always wanted a bike and I was too young for a car.
That said, at the time I was living in Italy where bikes were not just more viable/practical but virtually essential for getting around and parking in a medieval city centre (the weather also helped).
Nearly 50 years later I still ride bikes but only for fun, I couldn't manage without a car and if I didn't already ride bikes I doubt I'd start now at my age and with all the malarkey required to get a licence.
All that said, if you really want a bike then get one and enjoy it.
Honourable Dead Snark said:
Thought I would post here as I assume people will have appreciation for bikes and cars to give a balanced perspective.
Basically I m quite bored of my current car (1.5 cvt Honda civic) despite only owning it for 16 months and also been looking to pick up a new hobby after moving to a new city. I used to go out for drives when I had more fun cars but still enjoy going on longer road trips.
I m wondering if changing my car and paying a bit more for something like an M240i will give me that joy back.
Or, something I ve wanted to do for years after previously having a 125cc motorbike (barely used before it was sold due to an injury unrelated to biking I had) is doing a full test and getting a motorbike.
Im struggling to decide if getting a bike is worth it over getting a more fun car.
Upgrade Car cons:
1) I live in the city so most driving stuck in traffic (although have access to Scottish countryside and highlands).
2) Annoys me a bit losing money selling a car after relatively little time
3) Probably doesn t fulfil the hobby gap or allow me to meet many new people
4) Might want to change cars again in couple years when probably starting a family
Bike cons:
1) I live in the city so the bike would be parked on street/resident car park where theft isn t uncommon
2) I mainly wfh so could end up being a toy I rarely use throughout summer months and so not guaranteed it turns into a hobby/social thing either
3) Cost and time of getting license, bike, insurance (£1000 a year is cheapest I could find), security.
4) The danger, especially with how people drive in Glasgow
car pros
In my situation would it make sense to keep my current car and just go for getting a bike to see how I get on.
Or
Upgrade my current car and maybe revisit the bike idea in a few years when I ll likely have moved out the city and have a house with more secure storage.
Curious to hear others thoughts, cheers
I pay £184 Pa for the ins on my z900 ,£1500 Pa for my 1.0 focus , so I know £1,000 sounds a lot for a bike , but what would the ins be on a high performance bmw be .Basically I m quite bored of my current car (1.5 cvt Honda civic) despite only owning it for 16 months and also been looking to pick up a new hobby after moving to a new city. I used to go out for drives when I had more fun cars but still enjoy going on longer road trips.
I m wondering if changing my car and paying a bit more for something like an M240i will give me that joy back.
Or, something I ve wanted to do for years after previously having a 125cc motorbike (barely used before it was sold due to an injury unrelated to biking I had) is doing a full test and getting a motorbike.
Im struggling to decide if getting a bike is worth it over getting a more fun car.
Upgrade Car cons:
1) I live in the city so most driving stuck in traffic (although have access to Scottish countryside and highlands).
2) Annoys me a bit losing money selling a car after relatively little time
3) Probably doesn t fulfil the hobby gap or allow me to meet many new people
4) Might want to change cars again in couple years when probably starting a family
Bike cons:
1) I live in the city so the bike would be parked on street/resident car park where theft isn t uncommon
2) I mainly wfh so could end up being a toy I rarely use throughout summer months and so not guaranteed it turns into a hobby/social thing either
3) Cost and time of getting license, bike, insurance (£1000 a year is cheapest I could find), security.
4) The danger, especially with how people drive in Glasgow
car pros
In my situation would it make sense to keep my current car and just go for getting a bike to see how I get on.
Or
Upgrade my current car and maybe revisit the bike idea in a few years when I ll likely have moved out the city and have a house with more secure storage.
Curious to hear others thoughts, cheers
The explanation I got for the difference in premiums in my case was mileage , car 20 k + , bike last year was 2 k .
I simply can't see the point in owning a fast car due to traffic. Mind you, I'm in south east England, so it might be different over Hadrian's wall/barbarian land.
I have a Ducati 698 mono & a Skoda 1 litre turbo/DSG, which is ideal for shopping & the odd motorway drive to visit relatives oop North.
I chose the 698 as it has awesome handling & is very light. I particularly like the quickshifter, close ratio gears & excellent brakes. Hopeless for touring, but would make a mega commuter (assuming you have totally secure parking at work....)
I have a Ducati 698 mono & a Skoda 1 litre turbo/DSG, which is ideal for shopping & the odd motorway drive to visit relatives oop North.
I chose the 698 as it has awesome handling & is very light. I particularly like the quickshifter, close ratio gears & excellent brakes. Hopeless for touring, but would make a mega commuter (assuming you have totally secure parking at work....)
Just as owning a car doesn't make someone a motorist, owning a motorcycle doesn't make someone a motorcyclist. I think you need to separate whether you want to ride a motorcycle from the possessions angle. Even riding a yellow Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is fun whether on an NSL dual carriageway slip streaming a Honda Jazz or filtering in stop start traffic can be fun.
Riding a motorcycle is different from driving a car. The issues that make driving unenjoyable in your Honda or a BMW will also be there on a motorcycle. You don't have to get dressed up to drive to car. It's physically more difficult to lift up a car and take it away on a truck than lift a motorcycle into the back of a van.
Learning to ride a motorcycle and passing the test may result in a sense of achievement and learning something new, but that may not be a fix or remedy for other issues that mean you're not enjoying driving or think it's about whatever car you currently own.
You can aspire to a preconceived idea or image and once that's been achieved you may conclude that nothing much has changed.
Riding a motorcycle is different from driving a car. The issues that make driving unenjoyable in your Honda or a BMW will also be there on a motorcycle. You don't have to get dressed up to drive to car. It's physically more difficult to lift up a car and take it away on a truck than lift a motorcycle into the back of a van.
Learning to ride a motorcycle and passing the test may result in a sense of achievement and learning something new, but that may not be a fix or remedy for other issues that mean you're not enjoying driving or think it's about whatever car you currently own.
You can aspire to a preconceived idea or image and once that's been achieved you may conclude that nothing much has changed.
Edited by carinaman on Sunday 10th May 16:21
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