Motorbikes & carrying ... stuff?

matt_drummer

Goudy said:

Thanks for the education.

I have been riding bikes since 1991 and currently have three modern bikes (less than five years old).

You are right, you could probably run a lot of bikes for less,

But I have always bought more performance orientated bikes and they come with higher running costs.

If you want to carry some gear then you really need something more substantial than a 125cc moped.

I buy premium tyres of the soft variety, only having two tyres I want all the grip I can get. They don't last long compared to a car tyre. Your life depends on those two tyres, I wouldn't buy cheap for a car either but it is far more important to have decent tyres on a bike.

A pair of Michelin or similar for an 800cc bike are around £250, I could buy four mid range tyres for a Toyota Aygo for the same money and they'll last a lot longer than the bike tyres.

And I use the performance when I can which gets through the fuel so maybe I could do better.

But, I have never seen a bike as a commuter vehicle, it's not that pleasant for everyday use for me so I would take my car in bad weather.

Mainly because I don't want to ruin my bikes rather than a fear of riding in the wet.

A mid sized sports bike will not do 90mpg. 

My KTM's will do 50mpg or so ridden nicely, not much different to a modern car.

The VED is £121 per year for each of my bikes. I can buy something like a Toyota Aygo for commuting that would cost far less to run than any of my motorbikes. £20 VED, 60 mpg, cheap tyres, chain driven cams and usable in all weather conditions with plenty of space for stuff.

Generally, more performance orientated bikes, even adventure types, have engines that are more highly tuned than those found in most cars, they require premium oils and more frequent oil changes.


I just looked, a Yaris hybrid will do 60 to 70mpg in the real world.

There's no huge saving in fuel by getting a bike over a  car, over many cars yes, but choosing to buy another vehicle, you may as well get a fuel efficient car rather than a bike unless you really want a bike.

B0bbyEwing

matt_drummer said:

Goudy said:

Thanks for the education.

I have been riding bikes since 1991 and currently have three modern bikes (less than five years old).

You are right, you could probably run a lot of bikes for less,

But I have always bought more performance orientated bikes and they come with higher running costs.

If you want to carry some gear then you really need something more substantial than a 125cc moped.

I buy premium tyres of the soft variety, only having two tyres I want all the grip I can get. They don't last long compared to a car tyre. Your life depends on those two tyres, I wouldn't buy cheap for a car either but it is far more important to have decent tyres on a bike.

A pair of Michelin or similar for an 800cc bike are around £250, I could buy four mid range tyres for a Toyota Aygo for the same money and they'll last a lot longer than the bike tyres.

And I use the performance when I can which gets through the fuel so maybe I could do better.

But, I have never seen a bike as a commuter vehicle, it's not that pleasant for everyday use for me so I would take my car in bad weather.

Mainly because I don't want to ruin my bikes rather than a fear of riding in the wet.

A mid sized sports bike will not do 90mpg. 

My KTM's will do 50mpg or so ridden nicely, not much different to a modern car.

The VED is £121 per year for each of my bikes. I can buy something like a Toyota Aygo for commuting that would cost far less to run than any of my motorbikes. £20 VED, 60 mpg, cheap tyres, chain driven cams and usable in all weather conditions with plenty of space for stuff.

Generally, more performance orientated bikes, even adventure types, have engines that are more highly tuned than those found in most cars, they require premium oils and more frequent oil changes.


I just looked, a Yaris hybrid will do 60 to 70mpg in the real world.

There's no huge saving in fuel by getting a bike over a  car, over many cars yes, but choosing to buy another vehicle, you may as well get a fuel efficient car rather than a bike unless you really want a bike.

Funny you mention this.

Because I was actually looking at it as a possibility for the OH as her car.

But I just know nothing about hybrids. I get that there's an internal electrical system that's charged by the running of the car (loosely speaking) but beyond that and in terms of maintenance I don't know whether we'd be setting ourselves up for big bills, whether you need specialist garages or whatever like I imagine you do with fully electrical cars.
Because on the topic of which, I'm totally against electric cars. Fine for others but I'll not be having one until there's literally no other option. 

Emmia

B0bbyEwing said:

matt_drummer said:

Goudy said:

Thanks for the education.

I have been riding bikes since 1991 and currently have three modern bikes (less than five years old).

You are right, you could probably run a lot of bikes for less,

But I have always bought more performance orientated bikes and they come with higher running costs.

If you want to carry some gear then you really need something more substantial than a 125cc moped.

I buy premium tyres of the soft variety, only having two tyres I want all the grip I can get. They don't last long compared to a car tyre. Your life depends on those two tyres, I wouldn't buy cheap for a car either but it is far more important to have decent tyres on a bike.

A pair of Michelin or similar for an 800cc bike are around £250, I could buy four mid range tyres for a Toyota Aygo for the same money and they'll last a lot longer than the bike tyres.

And I use the performance when I can which gets through the fuel so maybe I could do better.

But, I have never seen a bike as a commuter vehicle, it's not that pleasant for everyday use for me so I would take my car in bad weather.

Mainly because I don't want to ruin my bikes rather than a fear of riding in the wet.

A mid sized sports bike will not do 90mpg. 

My KTM's will do 50mpg or so ridden nicely, not much different to a modern car.

The VED is £121 per year for each of my bikes. I can buy something like a Toyota Aygo for commuting that would cost far less to run than any of my motorbikes. £20 VED, 60 mpg, cheap tyres, chain driven cams and usable in all weather conditions with plenty of space for stuff.

Generally, more performance orientated bikes, even adventure types, have engines that are more highly tuned than those found in most cars, they require premium oils and more frequent oil changes.


I just looked, a Yaris hybrid will do 60 to 70mpg in the real world.

There's no huge saving in fuel by getting a bike over a  car, over many cars yes, but choosing to buy another vehicle, you may as well get a fuel efficient car rather than a bike unless you really want a bike.

Funny you mention this.

Because I was actually looking at it as a possibility for the OH as her car.

But I just know nothing about hybrids. I get that there's an internal electrical system that's charged by the running of the car (loosely speaking) but beyond that and in terms of maintenance I don't know whether we'd be setting ourselves up for big bills, whether you need specialist garages or whatever like I imagine you do with fully electrical cars.
Because on the topic of which, I'm totally against electric cars. Fine for others but I'll not be having one until there's literally no other option. 

Electric cars actually need less maintenance, as there aren't the moving parts that exist in a standard petrol or diesel car engine - if this is your reason for not going electric then it may be worth you looking again at this. 

B0bbyEwing

Emmia said:

B0bbyEwing said:

matt_drummer said:

Goudy said:

Thanks for the education.

I have been riding bikes since 1991 and currently have three modern bikes (less than five years old).

You are right, you could probably run a lot of bikes for less,

But I have always bought more performance orientated bikes and they come with higher running costs.

If you want to carry some gear then you really need something more substantial than a 125cc moped.

I buy premium tyres of the soft variety, only having two tyres I want all the grip I can get. They don't last long compared to a car tyre. Your life depends on those two tyres, I wouldn't buy cheap for a car either but it is far more important to have decent tyres on a bike.

A pair of Michelin or similar for an 800cc bike are around £250, I could buy four mid range tyres for a Toyota Aygo for the same money and they'll last a lot longer than the bike tyres.

And I use the performance when I can which gets through the fuel so maybe I could do better.

But, I have never seen a bike as a commuter vehicle, it's not that pleasant for everyday use for me so I would take my car in bad weather.

Mainly because I don't want to ruin my bikes rather than a fear of riding in the wet.

A mid sized sports bike will not do 90mpg. 

My KTM's will do 50mpg or so ridden nicely, not much different to a modern car.

The VED is £121 per year for each of my bikes. I can buy something like a Toyota Aygo for commuting that would cost far less to run than any of my motorbikes. £20 VED, 60 mpg, cheap tyres, chain driven cams and usable in all weather conditions with plenty of space for stuff.

Generally, more performance orientated bikes, even adventure types, have engines that are more highly tuned than those found in most cars, they require premium oils and more frequent oil changes.


I just looked, a Yaris hybrid will do 60 to 70mpg in the real world.

There's no huge saving in fuel by getting a bike over a  car, over many cars yes, but choosing to buy another vehicle, you may as well get a fuel efficient car rather than a bike unless you really want a bike.

Funny you mention this.

Because I was actually looking at it as a possibility for the OH as her car.

But I just know nothing about hybrids. I get that there's an internal electrical system that's charged by the running of the car (loosely speaking) but beyond that and in terms of maintenance I don't know whether we'd be setting ourselves up for big bills, whether you need specialist garages or whatever like I imagine you do with fully electrical cars.
Because on the topic of which, I'm totally against electric cars. Fine for others but I'll not be having one until there's literally no other option. 

Electric cars actually need less maintenance, as there aren't the moving parts that exist in a standard petrol or diesel car engine - if this is your reason for not going electric then it may be worth you looking again at this. 

It depends what budget you have in mind for what you think I'd be coming in at.

I see a lot of people driving around in cars just a few years old, getting cars on finance & thinking nothing of spending £8k, £9k, £10k+ on a car. A chap I work with bought a 6 month old VW Polo because once the £18k was paid off over however long (somewhere in the 5-8yr region) it was, and I quote "an investment", "an asset".

We all see things differently.

Personally it makes me wince looking at those prices.

Most I've ever spent to buy a car ...... £1,800.

So I'd be surprised if I got an electric car anywhere near my budget & if I did then I wonder how much maintenance it'd need having got itself down to my budget. Not sure I'd like to find out.

But there's various reasons. I know of people who've had them & had repair bills & when things went wrong they went WRONG. 
What's the scrap system like on an electric vehicle?
I don't fancy having one of those costly charging points installed at my house. All extra cost.

When my car goes, which is a diesel, I'll be looking at petrols. Or if I was to go diesel again then it'd be older diesel with no DPF.

Emmia

B0bbyEwing said:

Emmia said:

B0bbyEwing said:

matt_drummer said:

Goudy said:

Thanks for the education.

I have been riding bikes since 1991 and currently have three modern bikes (less than five years old).

You are right, you could probably run a lot of bikes for less,

But I have always bought more performance orientated bikes and they come with higher running costs.

If you want to carry some gear then you really need something more substantial than a 125cc moped.

I buy premium tyres of the soft variety, only having two tyres I want all the grip I can get. They don't last long compared to a car tyre. Your life depends on those two tyres, I wouldn't buy cheap for a car either but it is far more important to have decent tyres on a bike.

A pair of Michelin or similar for an 800cc bike are around £250, I could buy four mid range tyres for a Toyota Aygo for the same money and they'll last a lot longer than the bike tyres.

And I use the performance when I can which gets through the fuel so maybe I could do better.

But, I have never seen a bike as a commuter vehicle, it's not that pleasant for everyday use for me so I would take my car in bad weather.

Mainly because I don't want to ruin my bikes rather than a fear of riding in the wet.

A mid sized sports bike will not do 90mpg. 

My KTM's will do 50mpg or so ridden nicely, not much different to a modern car.

The VED is £121 per year for each of my bikes. I can buy something like a Toyota Aygo for commuting that would cost far less to run than any of my motorbikes. £20 VED, 60 mpg, cheap tyres, chain driven cams and usable in all weather conditions with plenty of space for stuff.

Generally, more performance orientated bikes, even adventure types, have engines that are more highly tuned than those found in most cars, they require premium oils and more frequent oil changes.


I just looked, a Yaris hybrid will do 60 to 70mpg in the real world.

There's no huge saving in fuel by getting a bike over a  car, over many cars yes, but choosing to buy another vehicle, you may as well get a fuel efficient car rather than a bike unless you really want a bike.

Funny you mention this.

Because I was actually looking at it as a possibility for the OH as her car.

But I just know nothing about hybrids. I get that there's an internal electrical system that's charged by the running of the car (loosely speaking) but beyond that and in terms of maintenance I don't know whether we'd be setting ourselves up for big bills, whether you need specialist garages or whatever like I imagine you do with fully electrical cars.
Because on the topic of which, I'm totally against electric cars. Fine for others but I'll not be having one until there's literally no other option. 

Electric cars actually need less maintenance, as there aren't the moving parts that exist in a standard petrol or diesel car engine - if this is your reason for not going electric then it may be worth you looking again at this. 

It depends what budget you have in mind for what you think I'd be coming in at.

I see a lot of people driving around in cars just a few years old, getting cars on finance & thinking nothing of spending £8k, £9k, £10k+ on a car. A chap I work with bought a 6 month old VW Polo because once the £18k was paid off over however long (somewhere in the 5-8yr region) it was, and I quote "an investment", "an asset".

We all see things differently.

Personally it makes me wince looking at those prices.

Most I've ever spent to buy a car ...... £1,800.

So I'd be surprised if I got an electric car anywhere near my budget & if I did then I wonder how much maintenance it'd need having got itself down to my budget. Not sure I'd like to find out.

But there's various reasons. I know of people who've had them & had repair bills & when things went wrong they went WRONG. 
What's the scrap system like on an electric vehicle?
I don't fancy having one of those costly charging points installed at my house. All extra cost.

When my car goes, which is a diesel, I'll be looking at petrols. Or if I was to go diesel again then it'd be older diesel with no DPF.

You know that buying a bike, investing in lessons and getting a licence plus having the right kit to protect you if you fall off, and/or ride comfortably in all weathers, is going to cost you several thousand pounds? Definitely more than £1800 you'd spend on a car. 

The leathers alone could cost £1k - £2k.

B0bbyEwing

Emmia said:

B0bbyEwing said:

Emmia said:

B0bbyEwing said:

matt_drummer said:

Goudy said:

Thanks for the education.

I have been riding bikes since 1991 and currently have three modern bikes (less than five years old).

You are right, you could probably run a lot of bikes for less,

But I have always bought more performance orientated bikes and they come with higher running costs.

If you want to carry some gear then you really need something more substantial than a 125cc moped.

I buy premium tyres of the soft variety, only having two tyres I want all the grip I can get. They don't last long compared to a car tyre. Your life depends on those two tyres, I wouldn't buy cheap for a car either but it is far more important to have decent tyres on a bike.

A pair of Michelin or similar for an 800cc bike are around £250, I could buy four mid range tyres for a Toyota Aygo for the same money and they'll last a lot longer than the bike tyres.

And I use the performance when I can which gets through the fuel so maybe I could do better.

But, I have never seen a bike as a commuter vehicle, it's not that pleasant for everyday use for me so I would take my car in bad weather.

Mainly because I don't want to ruin my bikes rather than a fear of riding in the wet.

A mid sized sports bike will not do 90mpg. 

My KTM's will do 50mpg or so ridden nicely, not much different to a modern car.

The VED is £121 per year for each of my bikes. I can buy something like a Toyota Aygo for commuting that would cost far less to run than any of my motorbikes. £20 VED, 60 mpg, cheap tyres, chain driven cams and usable in all weather conditions with plenty of space for stuff.

Generally, more performance orientated bikes, even adventure types, have engines that are more highly tuned than those found in most cars, they require premium oils and more frequent oil changes.


I just looked, a Yaris hybrid will do 60 to 70mpg in the real world.

There's no huge saving in fuel by getting a bike over a  car, over many cars yes, but choosing to buy another vehicle, you may as well get a fuel efficient car rather than a bike unless you really want a bike.

Funny you mention this.

Because I was actually looking at it as a possibility for the OH as her car.

But I just know nothing about hybrids. I get that there's an internal electrical system that's charged by the running of the car (loosely speaking) but beyond that and in terms of maintenance I don't know whether we'd be setting ourselves up for big bills, whether you need specialist garages or whatever like I imagine you do with fully electrical cars.
Because on the topic of which, I'm totally against electric cars. Fine for others but I'll not be having one until there's literally no other option. 

Electric cars actually need less maintenance, as there aren't the moving parts that exist in a standard petrol or diesel car engine - if this is your reason for not going electric then it may be worth you looking again at this. 

It depends what budget you have in mind for what you think I'd be coming in at.

I see a lot of people driving around in cars just a few years old, getting cars on finance & thinking nothing of spending £8k, £9k, £10k+ on a car. A chap I work with bought a 6 month old VW Polo because once the £18k was paid off over however long (somewhere in the 5-8yr region) it was, and I quote "an investment", "an asset".

We all see things differently.

Personally it makes me wince looking at those prices.

Most I've ever spent to buy a car ...... £1,800.

So I'd be surprised if I got an electric car anywhere near my budget & if I did then I wonder how much maintenance it'd need having got itself down to my budget. Not sure I'd like to find out.

But there's various reasons. I know of people who've had them & had repair bills & when things went wrong they went WRONG. 
What's the scrap system like on an electric vehicle?
I don't fancy having one of those costly charging points installed at my house. All extra cost.

When my car goes, which is a diesel, I'll be looking at petrols. Or if I was to go diesel again then it'd be older diesel with no DPF.

You know that buying a bike, investing in lessons and getting a licence plus having the right kit to protect you if you fall off, and/or ride comfortably in all weathers, is going to cost you several thousand pounds? Definitely more than £1800 you'd spend on a car. 

The leathers alone could cost £1k - £2k.

Yes I'm aware of this but the process of getting a bike is a 1 off. Once you pass that's it, done.

Which isn't the case with a vehicle. They don't last forever.

Emmia

B0bbyEwing said:

Emmia said:

B0bbyEwing said:

Emmia said:

B0bbyEwing said:

matt_drummer said:

Goudy said:

Thanks for the education.

I have been riding bikes since 1991 and currently have three modern bikes (less than five years old).

You are right, you could probably run a lot of bikes for less,

But I have always bought more performance orientated bikes and they come with higher running costs.

If you want to carry some gear then you really need something more substantial than a 125cc moped.

I buy premium tyres of the soft variety, only having two tyres I want all the grip I can get. They don't last long compared to a car tyre. Your life depends on those two tyres, I wouldn't buy cheap for a car either but it is far more important to have decent tyres on a bike.

A pair of Michelin or similar for an 800cc bike are around £250, I could buy four mid range tyres for a Toyota Aygo for the same money and they'll last a lot longer than the bike tyres.

And I use the performance when I can which gets through the fuel so maybe I could do better.

But, I have never seen a bike as a commuter vehicle, it's not that pleasant for everyday use for me so I would take my car in bad weather.

Mainly because I don't want to ruin my bikes rather than a fear of riding in the wet.

A mid sized sports bike will not do 90mpg. 

My KTM's will do 50mpg or so ridden nicely, not much different to a modern car.

The VED is £121 per year for each of my bikes. I can buy something like a Toyota Aygo for commuting that would cost far less to run than any of my motorbikes. £20 VED, 60 mpg, cheap tyres, chain driven cams and usable in all weather conditions with plenty of space for stuff.

Generally, more performance orientated bikes, even adventure types, have engines that are more highly tuned than those found in most cars, they require premium oils and more frequent oil changes.


I just looked, a Yaris hybrid will do 60 to 70mpg in the real world.

There's no huge saving in fuel by getting a bike over a  car, over many cars yes, but choosing to buy another vehicle, you may as well get a fuel efficient car rather than a bike unless you really want a bike.

Funny you mention this.

Because I was actually looking at it as a possibility for the OH as her car.

But I just know nothing about hybrids. I get that there's an internal electrical system that's charged by the running of the car (loosely speaking) but beyond that and in terms of maintenance I don't know whether we'd be setting ourselves up for big bills, whether you need specialist garages or whatever like I imagine you do with fully electrical cars.
Because on the topic of which, I'm totally against electric cars. Fine for others but I'll not be having one until there's literally no other option. 

Electric cars actually need less maintenance, as there aren't the moving parts that exist in a standard petrol or diesel car engine - if this is your reason for not going electric then it may be worth you looking again at this. 

It depends what budget you have in mind for what you think I'd be coming in at.

I see a lot of people driving around in cars just a few years old, getting cars on finance & thinking nothing of spending £8k, £9k, £10k+ on a car. A chap I work with bought a 6 month old VW Polo because once the £18k was paid off over however long (somewhere in the 5-8yr region) it was, and I quote "an investment", "an asset".

We all see things differently.

Personally it makes me wince looking at those prices.

Most I've ever spent to buy a car ...... £1,800.

So I'd be surprised if I got an electric car anywhere near my budget & if I did then I wonder how much maintenance it'd need having got itself down to my budget. Not sure I'd like to find out.

But there's various reasons. I know of people who've had them & had repair bills & when things went wrong they went WRONG. 
What's the scrap system like on an electric vehicle?
I don't fancy having one of those costly charging points installed at my house. All extra cost.

When my car goes, which is a diesel, I'll be looking at petrols. Or if I was to go diesel again then it'd be older diesel with no DPF.

You know that buying a bike, investing in lessons and getting a licence plus having the right kit to protect you if you fall off, and/or ride comfortably in all weathers, is going to cost you several thousand pounds? Definitely more than £1800 you'd spend on a car. 

The leathers alone could cost £1k - £2k.

Yes I'm aware of this but the process of getting a bike is a 1 off. Once you pass that's it, done.

Which isn't the case with a vehicle. They don't last forever.

Neither do bikes, they too need to be replaced. 

If you want a bike, get a bike but I think at least in terms of up front costs, it's not an MSE decision.

forgotmyname

Beware what you carry in a backpack on a motorbike.  A friend of a friend had a motorbike accident and I was told he came off and landed on his

backpack which had tins in it.  He was in a wheelchair after that.

I bought a scooter and doubt it was cost effective but it certainly cut my commuting times compared to taking the car.  But I would use the car when

I needed to carry stuff.  Colleagues thought I was mad because the weather would be awful and I would be on the bike then a nice sunny day

I would be in the car, which was because I just happended to need to carry something on those days.

B0bbyEwing

Emmia said:

B0bbyEwing said:

Emmia said:

B0bbyEwing said:

Emmia said:

B0bbyEwing said:

matt_drummer said:

Goudy said:

Thanks for the education.

I have been riding bikes since 1991 and currently have three modern bikes (less than five years old).

You are right, you could probably run a lot of bikes for less,

But I have always bought more performance orientated bikes and they come with higher running costs.

If you want to carry some gear then you really need something more substantial than a 125cc moped.

I buy premium tyres of the soft variety, only having two tyres I want all the grip I can get. They don't last long compared to a car tyre. Your life depends on those two tyres, I wouldn't buy cheap for a car either but it is far more important to have decent tyres on a bike.

A pair of Michelin or similar for an 800cc bike are around £250, I could buy four mid range tyres for a Toyota Aygo for the same money and they'll last a lot longer than the bike tyres.

And I use the performance when I can which gets through the fuel so maybe I could do better.

But, I have never seen a bike as a commuter vehicle, it's not that pleasant for everyday use for me so I would take my car in bad weather.

Mainly because I don't want to ruin my bikes rather than a fear of riding in the wet.

A mid sized sports bike will not do 90mpg. 

My KTM's will do 50mpg or so ridden nicely, not much different to a modern car.

The VED is £121 per year for each of my bikes. I can buy something like a Toyota Aygo for commuting that would cost far less to run than any of my motorbikes. £20 VED, 60 mpg, cheap tyres, chain driven cams and usable in all weather conditions with plenty of space for stuff.

Generally, more performance orientated bikes, even adventure types, have engines that are more highly tuned than those found in most cars, they require premium oils and more frequent oil changes.


I just looked, a Yaris hybrid will do 60 to 70mpg in the real world.

There's no huge saving in fuel by getting a bike over a  car, over many cars yes, but choosing to buy another vehicle, you may as well get a fuel efficient car rather than a bike unless you really want a bike.

Funny you mention this.

Because I was actually looking at it as a possibility for the OH as her car.

But I just know nothing about hybrids. I get that there's an internal electrical system that's charged by the running of the car (loosely speaking) but beyond that and in terms of maintenance I don't know whether we'd be setting ourselves up for big bills, whether you need specialist garages or whatever like I imagine you do with fully electrical cars.
Because on the topic of which, I'm totally against electric cars. Fine for others but I'll not be having one until there's literally no other option. 

Electric cars actually need less maintenance, as there aren't the moving parts that exist in a standard petrol or diesel car engine - if this is your reason for not going electric then it may be worth you looking again at this. 

It depends what budget you have in mind for what you think I'd be coming in at.

I see a lot of people driving around in cars just a few years old, getting cars on finance & thinking nothing of spending £8k, £9k, £10k+ on a car. A chap I work with bought a 6 month old VW Polo because once the £18k was paid off over however long (somewhere in the 5-8yr region) it was, and I quote "an investment", "an asset".

We all see things differently.

Personally it makes me wince looking at those prices.

Most I've ever spent to buy a car ...... £1,800.

So I'd be surprised if I got an electric car anywhere near my budget & if I did then I wonder how much maintenance it'd need having got itself down to my budget. Not sure I'd like to find out.

But there's various reasons. I know of people who've had them & had repair bills & when things went wrong they went WRONG. 
What's the scrap system like on an electric vehicle?
I don't fancy having one of those costly charging points installed at my house. All extra cost.

When my car goes, which is a diesel, I'll be looking at petrols. Or if I was to go diesel again then it'd be older diesel with no DPF.

You know that buying a bike, investing in lessons and getting a licence plus having the right kit to protect you if you fall off, and/or ride comfortably in all weathers, is going to cost you several thousand pounds? Definitely more than £1800 you'd spend on a car. 

The leathers alone could cost £1k - £2k.

Yes I'm aware of this but the process of getting a bike is a 1 off. Once you pass that's it, done.

Which isn't the case with a vehicle. They don't last forever.

Neither do bikes, they too need to be replaced. 

If you want a bike, get a bike but I think at least in terms of up front costs, it's not an MSE decision.

Think you missed what I was saying but it's OK. No problem. 

forgotmyname said:

Beware what you carry in a backpack on a motorbike.  A friend of a friend had a motorbike accident and I was told he came off and landed on his

backpack which had tins in it.  He was in a wheelchair after that.

I bought a scooter and doubt it was cost effective but it certainly cut my commuting times compared to taking the car.  But I would use the car when

I needed to carry stuff.  Colleagues thought I was mad because the weather would be awful and I would be on the bike then a nice sunny day

I would be in the car, which was because I just happended to need to carry something on those days.

Interesting point. Noted. 

Goudy

If you are really interested in motorcycling, get out and talk to some real motorcyclists and people with experience.
There are events and shows to go to, local clubs and the likes.
You can talk to your local training centre.
Talk to your local dealers.
Even the Hells Angels offer bike safety advice these days.

You can get information from the likes of BikeSafe, Biker Down, BikerTek and the BMF.
There is a whole host of advice and help, particularly in regards to safety.

Manufacturers offer safe environments to give it a go, like Honda's Free Ride program.  

I'm a member of a couple of clubs that have a few professional riders as members, people like Police and Paramedic riders and they all strive to improve.

The Police's BikeSafe program is excellent. I've done it a few times and it's well worth the time effort and money.
It's not the sort of course of that's it, we tick a box that you completed it. It can be used as a constant improvement tool, go back again and again to learn more and more from what I now know are the best trained riders anywhere.