Motorcycles are becoming a lot more popular. Not necessarily in the ways you might immediately expect, either. Sure, the internet makes it easier for guys to learn all about their dream vehicle and turn it into a real hobby. But there are also people of older age and more women than ever getting into it. There are even more people converting to driving a motorcycle more than their old car. So why are people converting? One of the proposed reasons for a long time has been that motorcycles are cheaper. Fuel is certainly cheaper, as will the machine be itself. But taking a closer look at long term finances prove that it’s not necessarily true. So we’re going to take a look at some the reasons we think more people are getting into bikes.
It’s not as difficult to transition as you think
There’s not a huge leap between learning to drive a car and learning to ride a bike. Once you learn your confidence, it’s not as difficult as it looks. The danger lies in being overconfident. More than in a car, you need to focus on road and environment awareness. Clueless drivers and road hazards are a lot more of a danger on any bike rider. Learning how to drive a bike itself isn’t the main thing, it’s getting the mental alertness on the road at all times. Of course, for those who drive slower, more easily handled bikes, it’s even less of an effort to learn. Making it easier to switch from one to the other.
It’s a hobby all in itself
A lot of people can forget what they originally love about getting their first car. Sure, it can take you where you need to go. But it can also take you where you want to go. A lot of people rediscover that freedom when it comes to getting a bike. It’s less of a hassle to just strap on a helmet, put on your gloves and go. There’s also a whole scene for modifying and maintaining bikes, just like there is a car. It’s easy to start getting into BMW motorcycle repair manuals and become a much more DIY person with a bike. Maintaining your own vehicle has always had a certain appeal to auto enthusiasts and it’s far from difficult if you learn right.
They’re cool
There’s no denying the major appeal that a lot of guys (and more women) see in bikes. They’re cool. Even putting aside images of biker gangs tearing through the countryside. Bikes are a rush to ride and you feel cool doing it. They’re not built for a focus on safety or commodity. They are luxury goods that don’t necessarily need the pretense of prestige. Their worth is in what they deliver. That includes the adventure of the drive mentioned above. But it also includes that very physical link between driver and bike. The way your body controls the bike, not just a steering wheel. Bikes have a timeless appeal, and that’s why they’re going to keep making new converts.