07-07-2019, 03:17 AM
Two of the factors of riding gear and weather that the Ferret has mentioned is what I am struggling with.
Motorcycle gear is a hassle to get in and out of every time you stop at a restaurant or store. Its not too bad in the cooler seasons of spring and fall, but in the summer it is just too hot and makes the ride unpleasant.
My motorcycle season normally is only 6 months a year. Despite that I was able to an average of 11,000 kilometers per year from 2014 to 2017. But over the 2 years the climate here has changed. Last year the winter was longer, spring cold and wet, and the summer hot. I only managed to ride 4400 kilometers. This year it is worse. Winter was longer, spring colder and wetter, and July already blistering hot.
If that doesn't deter new riders, the cost of motorcycles, accessories, riding gear, and insurance certainly may. Despite never having an accident in 28 years of riding, my motorcycle insurance is more expensive than either my expensive home or car insurance.
Another other deterrent is traffic. If I lived in the city I would not own a motorcycle. Everything is so crowded and busy an accident can happen in the blink of an eye. It is a perilous and unpleasant chore, rather than a pleasant and scenic ride in the country.
Motorcycle gear is a hassle to get in and out of every time you stop at a restaurant or store. Its not too bad in the cooler seasons of spring and fall, but in the summer it is just too hot and makes the ride unpleasant.
My motorcycle season normally is only 6 months a year. Despite that I was able to an average of 11,000 kilometers per year from 2014 to 2017. But over the 2 years the climate here has changed. Last year the winter was longer, spring cold and wet, and the summer hot. I only managed to ride 4400 kilometers. This year it is worse. Winter was longer, spring colder and wetter, and July already blistering hot.
If that doesn't deter new riders, the cost of motorcycles, accessories, riding gear, and insurance certainly may. Despite never having an accident in 28 years of riding, my motorcycle insurance is more expensive than either my expensive home or car insurance.
Another other deterrent is traffic. If I lived in the city I would not own a motorcycle. Everything is so crowded and busy an accident can happen in the blink of an eye. It is a perilous and unpleasant chore, rather than a pleasant and scenic ride in the country.