Unless you work from home, you need to deal with the daily commute into the office. Unfortunately, commuting is expensive unless you are able to take advantage of a ride-sharing arrangement with colleagues. Running a car or hopping on a train every day will sap your bank account and leave you feeling irritable when you are faced with lengthy delays and cancelled train services. So is riding a motorcycle to work any better?
The Benefits of Commuting on a Motorcycle
Commuting to work on a motorcycle is beneficial in a number of ways. Unlike car drivers, motorcyclists are not affected by traffic jams and hold-ups on the road. They can weave in and out of stationery traffic, overtaking and bypassing any holdups. So instead of arriving at work late, you should arrive bang on time.
Motorcycling to work is a great way to start your day. You are out in the fresh air, albeit more protected than a cyclist, so you can breathe in the scents of the early morning breeze and enjoy the sun on your face. Nothing beats the buzz of a ride to work when you are feeling tired and unmotivated. It wakes you up and leaves you better able to face a tough day at the office.
Riding a motorcycle to work is also cheaper than taking the car or train. Motorcycles are cheaper to run and use less fuel than cars. They are also not as expensive to insure and maintain, and if parking is an issue at your workplace, you should have no problem finding a space for a motorcycle.
The Disadvantages of Commuting to Work on a Motorcycle
Of course motorcycling to work is not all plain sailing. There are disadvantages, just as there are with any other mode of transport and you need to be prepared to weather the good and the bad.
Speaking of the weather, cold, wind, rain and snow are four of the reasons why motorcycling is not always fun. Most leisure bikers ditch their motorcycles in winter, but if you rely on your bike as a means of transport, you won’t have this luxury. The key to success is to wear the right gear for the weather conditions, hot or cold. You need gear suitable for a myriad of different weathers, as arriving at work soaking wet and freezing cold is not much fun.
Wear the Right Gear
In winter, you will need some serious kit to protect you from the cold and wet. A good quality winter riding suit that fits over anything is a good buy, but at the very least fork out for a winter jacket and thick gloves. Other accessories for cold weather riding include a neck warmer, several warm base layers and a heated vest and grips to keep your core and hands warm.
Ride the Right Bike
Ride the right bike and your commute will be a lot more pleasant. Super sleek speed machines are designed for speed, not commuting. If your primary purpose is to get to work in one piece, look for a comfortable motorcycle with room for luggage, an ergonomic seat and plenty of protection. It is worth paying extra for safety features such as traction control and ABS.
Research motorcycles before you buy and look for models that offer good fuel economy and are not too expensive to service and maintain. If you can do the maintenance yourself, so much the better, but if not, ask your local motorcycle mechanic which models are reliable and easy to maintain.
Since you will have to take various bits and pieces into the office, including a laptop, motorcycle luggage is essential. Some people are able to carry everything they need in a rucksack, but for longer journeys this won’t be as comfortable. Bike luggage needs to be robust and weatherproof. After all, the last thing your MacBook Pro needs is to get wet on the ride into the office.
Tips for Successful Motorcycling
It is sensible to keep a set of clothes at the office. Hang a business suit with a couple of clean shirts and a tie in your office closet. It will save from you arriving for an important client meeting wearing a wrinkled suit. You will also need a pair of shoes.
Whilst commuting to work on a motorcycle is fun and practical, be sensible and if the roads are icy or the weather is truly grim, ditch the bike and take the car to the office instead.