How long do you think the new commuters will last...

[blueridgerider]

I have noticed several new commuters.  There are always a few more in the warm weather, but this year there are a LOT more.

It looks like everyone that has a bike is getting it out not just for weekending and touring, but for commuting.  Rarely have I ever seen a full-fledged bagger or touring bike.  But this summer there has been an LT, three baggers, and another ST bike with hard luggage all making the commute.  That's not counting all the other bikes and for the first time I have noticed a couple of large displacement scooters.

It's good to see some new faces, but I am getting tired of the morning wave.  The few commuters that I usually saw, we had a curt but friendly nod going intermittently.  Now all these new commuters want to wave while I just want to get through the school zones in safety.

School ends tomorrow so that will make safer (somewhat) my least favorite intersection.  It is right at a high school.

I'm betting the allure for the baggers/heavier touring bikes will will wane first.

[Nodaclu]

Here in the land of NOTHING but Harley's, I do know that a couple of local shops here are absolutely bewildered by the sheer volume of Ninja 250R's and Yamaha XT250's they are moving so far this spring.

I've been trying since both bikes were released to see them and sit on them. I got lucky a few weeks back with the 250. I later learned that I got to see it in a 6 hour window that it was on the floor before it sold.

The XT250 is even worse. The last two trips in, the response has been, "I've got one in a crate, but even after we assemble it, you still can't sit on it - it's already sold."

The 50cc scooters are absolutely everywhere here, but the maxi-scooters (Burgman's, Majesty's, etc.) still aren't moving. Odd.

[davop]

Gas will continue to rise. So I'd say econobikes will sell like crazy.

[R.Markus]

Here in the land of NOTHING but Harley's, I do know that a couple of local shops here are absolutely bewildered by the sheer volume of Ninja 250R's and Yamaha XT250's they are moving so far this spring.

I called around looking for a new Ninja 250R for a friend. Every dealership stated they can't even keep them in stock and didn't know when they would be able to get more.

[FJR_Jim]

I've noticed three bikes in the parking lot at work lately. I've been at this particular location for over two years now and I thought I was the only rider on site. Came out the other day and a Shadow ACE was sharing my parking space. Came out at the end of the day and he was gone.

[Jake Harsha]

Gas will continue to rise. So I'd say econobikes will sell like crazy.

After riding a Ninja 250, my wife is ready to move up to something a little faster.  We haven't even confirmed that we're selling the bike yet (no replacement purchased) and we've already gotten inquirys from two non-rider friends who want to buy it...  

We were at the Kawi dealership where I bought it looking at 650Rs and the sales drone was saying he'd give us top dollar on a trade for it because they can't even keep 'em on the floor for more than a few days.


Jake

[PhilBiker]

I hope they last a long time though I haven't noticed any increase in commuters in my area.

I just hope the new commuters don't ride like idiots on a weekend blast.  I was commuting in today going about 60 (I'm keeping it at about 60 on the hwy to see how good mileage I can get).  Some jackass on a harley dyna with leather saddlebags blew around me and started weaving up through traffic.  Dumb-dumb's left saddlebag was unlatched, lid flapping away in the breeze.

[dm_gsxr]

I was surprised yesterday to see two other bikes on my way to work. Generally when it's raining that hard, I'm the only one crazy enough to be out riding. And I think one was a woman (hard to tell for sure with all that gear).

While there are a few newbies out, one guy in particular has caught my attention. He's on a Ninja 250 and when I pass him he's always laying on the tank. Trying to save a couple of pennies I guess

Carl

[jstark47]

What I've seen is a lot of the young guys with sport bikes are now using them to get to work.  I think the bikes were always around, now more of them are out on the interstate during commute time.  Also a few more cruisers puttering along at 60 in the right lane while traffics flies around them, obviously petrified and holding on for dear life.  Those are the guys who aren't gonna stick it out, IMO...

What I don't see is females commuting on motorcycles.  Seems to be an all-male thing around here, that's odd...??  (...except for my wife, who is bound to be different, in this as in all other things......   )

[rgbeard]

Here in SoCal you won't find many female motorcyclists.  Most of the female commuters/soccermoms take the Tahoe, Escalade or Hummer to work/errands and don't give a sh*t what it costs to fill.

When they swipe their ATM card to spend $100 to fill the tank, it better go thru or their husbands will be on-the-line!

You know, every SoCal woman wants a BMW for their wedding, right?   Be My Wallet, that is.

[DRam]

How long will they last?  Like Impatien (a not-so-hardy flower), until the first frost.

[dm_gsxr]

Pulled over for a guy on a Harley. Nice looking bike too. He was kneeling down next to it on the shoulder and inspecting the wiring. I asked if he was ok and he said he'd lost power although it idles. I asked if he was ok and if he needed anything and he thanked me, shook my hand and said he had a cell phone if he needed any help. I said, "ok then, be careful and ride safe".

We might be doing that a little more often as the older bikes are brought out of the garage and some spider gets sucked into the carbs

Carl

[jay547]

i've noticed more bikes (mostly cruisers) and my ride to work is only two miles.

[goto]

Seen 3 new bikes at work in the last few months... bringing the count to 14 to 18 in the lot I park in.  The temp here will thin them out, but I am amazed how many have stuck it out.  It will be over 100 again next week.  

Have had a few others say that they "want to talk to me about getting a motorcycle".  One guy even took the MSF class.  I am glad to see others getting back on 2 wheels, BUT now... I have to get to work early to get a covered spot.

[mcb]

I'm seeing a lot more bikes at work these days.  My company is actually adding more moto-only spots in both of our parking lots, it's hard to beat having reserved parking and 55 mpg.  As for the new additions, they'll fade away when it gets cold or wet.  

[sleazy rider]

I'm still the only one on two wheels at our store.  I've had several approach me about riding, but no takers yet.  OTOH, there are many more riding in the area, so many that I've suspended waving at any till the first frost.    

[phoenix]

I've seen a few more motorcycles at work lately, although judging from the models, I think they used the gas price excuse to get the motorcycles. Not that I have any issue with that.

Last week I started to ride my bicycle in to work. On the nasty weather days, there were no motorcycles in the parking lot. I took the car on those same days.

At the end of the year, I expect to pick up a lightly used bike of my choice for a good savings when people are unloading their toys that are not good year-round.  

[j1mmyj4m]

Unfortunately, on top of way more riders than normal, what I've seen is a ton of shorts, sandals, t-shirts and no helmet.  That's starting to dominate the SE Houston area.  I'm waiting for the new riders to start making the news and drawing more negative attention to us.

[Bjorn Toulouse]

There's likely to be some who will call it quits when the elements get iffy, but on the other hand, there will be some who will embrace the experience and wonder why they've been driving all those years.


Rex

[Zerosum]

About the same number of motorcycles here in Baltimore, but the scooters are reproducing at a geometric rate.

I can't believe these things don't require tags/registration/insurance, etc.  Not because I think they should, but because MD is usually such a confiscatory, greedy, parasitic state.  They usually never leave "money on the table" like that.  The second they see someone diriving value from something, they're on top of it.  I suspect they'll be regulated pretty soon.

[TuffguyF4i]

I also hope they last a long time.  

More bikes on the roads = more bike awareness from other drivers.  

[marc11]

Used to be just two of us at the train station parking lot (last year) now I can count at least 8 or 10, seems to grow every day.  I've also noticed a boat load of scooters on the road, the riders looked scared as all hell, with a death grip on the bars....

Today I saw more than a few bikes riding in the rain, so maybe for a while it will grow, but here in the North East we have a thing called winter, I am willing to bet as soon as the morning temps dip into the low 40's a lot of the commuters will dry up.

Me, I pack it in when it snows or the outside temps fall below 30 as a high.

[SpeedCostsMoney]

Well, I guess you can all me a noob commuter. I’ve been riding for 2 years but started riding everyday to work a couple of months ago. It was really due to my financial situation. My wife lost her job. I sold my Harley and truck to pay some bills and bought a new Ninja 250r. I live about 30 miles from work so it was a great idea.  

How long will I last? I have to say, I was really skeptical that I would last this long. Now I love every second of it. It inspired me to go back and take the Intermediate MSF class and get my motorcycle license. It was 100 degree’s outside yesterday and it didn’t bother me one bit. That was with all my gear on too. I tend to do better on the winter months because it doesn’t get real cold in Charleston and I have some great winter gear.

I’m planning on saving my pennies and getting a Concours 14 or another similar ST machine. Got any recommendations for the work treks? Sports touring is something I’m really getting into so hopefully I see you guys and gals on the road.

[SuperHans]

I sold my FZ6 to a guy at work and one other guy bought a 650R. They both seem to really enjoy commuting to work and wonder why they didn't do it sooner.

[mcb]

something else I just thought of.  If these new riders do decide to bail when the temps drop or they get tired of smelling like exhaust when they get to work, it will probably put a boat load of lightly used bikes on the market.  I'm all for that...

[Motocentaur]

I've noticed quite a few bikes of various kinds in addition to "the regulars." I myself don't drive my car anymore unless it is my turn to do the grocery shopping Friday after work (like today). I suspect the new commuters are weekend riders who are trying to keep their cars parked rather than folks new to motorcycling, who just bought a bike recently.

[Zerosum]

something else I just thought of.  If these new riders do decide to bail when the temps drop or they get tired of smelling like exhaust when they get to work, it will probably put a boat load of lightly used bikes on the market.  I'm all for that...

I like smelling like exhaust.    In my mind, the chicks dig it.  

[JoelCool]

Well, I guess you can all me a noob commuter. I’ve been riding for 2 years but started riding everyday to work a couple of months ago. It was really due to my financial situation. My wife lost her job. I sold my Harley and truck to pay some bills and bought a new Ninja 250r. I live about 30 miles from work so it was a great idea.  

How long will I last? I have to say, I was really skeptical that I would last this long. Now I love every second of it. It inspired me to go back and take the Intermediate MSF class and get my motorcycle license. It was 100 degree’s outside yesterday and it didn’t bother me one bit. That was with all my gear on too. I tend to do better on the winter months because it doesn’t get real cold in Charleston and I have some great winter gear.

I’m planning on saving my pennies and getting a Concours 14 or another similar ST machine. Got any recommendations for the work treks? Sports touring is something I’m really getting into so hopefully I see you guys and gals on the road.

Great post!  Welcome to the addiction.

Your 250 is a great machine for you current situation.  The longer you use it the more it will help.

A C14 or similar bike will net you mid 30 mpg, more expensive tires more often and significantly higher insurance... um, but they are pretty awesome.  Just wait until you can afford it enough to enjoy it.

[Giaka]

The Ninja 250R is a great little bike, I have owned two but I think buying one for its fuel economy is not the greatest of ideas (as a second motorcycle). If you are like me, and are used to bike with a little more umph you will more then likely get 55 to 60 mpg at best on a ninja 250 (more than likely 50 mpg). I can get 45 to 50 out of my ST.

Don't take this the wrong way but for what you give up riding a Ninja 250 is not worth the 5 to 10 mpg (I doubt real world mileage is even this good). As an experienced rider I will take a larger, more comfortable bike that offers way more weather protection, higher visibility and give up the possible 5 mpg advantage.

FWIW the best mpg I have ever seen while I was riding a 250 was 49 mpg (same with my son). On the same bike my wife can get 60 to 65 mpg. As an experienced rider of larger machines you will be revving the dog pee out of a 250 just to feel like there is something between your legs. I can get better mileage out of the SV650 than I can the EX250, something to think about.

Oh and I dont smell like exhaust when riding a FI bike either.  

[dm_gsxr]

I have a one piece Aerostich so I don't smell like exhaust either. My wife really liked the 250 and actually regretted selling it. She likes the Ninja 650 a lot but there are times that she'd like to take the 250 instead. And yea, she gets 70mpg out of her 650 where I get closer to 46 which is about what I get on the 'busa.

Carl

[mcb]

Hmm, I kinda thought the exhaust thing was universal.  It's not my exhaust mind you, it's from the frigging turbo diesel monster trucks that people race around in Texas.  It's kinda like riding behind a tugboat.  Eh, doesn't bother me much, I take the bike 99% of the time  

[Giaka]

  It's not my exhaust mind you, it's from the frigging turbo diesel monster trucks that people race around in Texas.  

I must be coated in teflon.  

[marc11]

My gear smells of "road", not exhaust per se, but a distinctive smell all my motorcycle gear has.  But I wear a Highland suit most of the time, so it stinks, my clothes don't....and even if they did, I'm married,(for 10 years), have 2 kids, I have no one left to impress with nice smells.  

[Sarchi]

America is the new Thailand!

Here's a sneak peek at SoCal in 2009.  

[PhilBiker]

I suspect the new commuters are weekend riders who are trying to keep their cars parked rather than folks new to motorcycling, who just bought a bike recently.

I agree.  There will be a few people who rode years ago and recently bought new bikes specifically to save gas.  However, I suspect that most of this wave of new commuters are weekend blasters who primarily think of their motorcycles as recreational vehicles.  Wait till gas gets to $10/gallon, then people will start seriously taking on motorcycles.  And it may not be as far off into the future as most of us think.

[JoelCool]

The Ninja 250R is a great little bike, I have owned two but I think buying one for its fuel economy is not the greatest of ideas (as a second motorcycle). If you are like me, and are used to bike with a little more umph you will more then likely get 55 to 60 mpg at best on a ninja 250 (more than likely 50 mpg). I can get 45 to 50 out of my ST.

Don't take this the wrong way but for what you give up riding a Ninja 250 is not worth the 5 to 10 mpg (I doubt real world mileage is even this good). As an experienced rider I will take a larger, more comfortable bike that offers way more weather protection, higher visibility and give up the possible 5 mpg advantage.

FWIW the best mpg I have ever seen while I was riding a 250 was 49 mpg (same with my son). On the same bike my wife can get 60 to 65 mpg. As an experienced rider of larger machines you will be revving the dog pee out of a 250 just to feel like there is something between your legs. I can get better mileage out of the SV650 than I can the EX250, something to think about.

Oh and I dont smell like exhaust when riding a FI bike either.  

I agree on the mileage issue.  I tended to get around 50 mpg with my old 250, I get around 38 with the R1.  I know other bikes will get at least as good, maybe better than the 250 since you don't have to rev them so much.  From a cost of ownership standpoint however, the relatively low cost of entrance, insurance and upkeep (tire cost, etc) the 250 is a darned good bargain... particularly when you factor in how much fun it is to ride.

[blueridgerider]

America is the new Thailand!

Here's a sneak peek at SoCal in 2009.  

If I rode in that I'd want a 125 to 250 cc machine.  Need something to just zip in the holes.

[krumgrinder]

Pulled over for a guy on a Harley. Nice looking bike too. He was kneeling down next to it on the shoulder and inspecting the wiring. I asked if he was ok and he said he'd lost power although it idles. I asked if he was ok and if he needed anything and he thanked me, shook my hand and said he had a cell phone if he needed any help. I said, "ok then, be careful and ride safe".

We might be doing that a little more often as the older bikes are brought out of the garage and some spider gets sucked into the carbs

Carl

Kudos to you man!  That's rider spirit for sure, and helps break down the 'Great Cruiser Divide'...

I have also seen quite a few more bikes, of all types, on my daily highway commutes.  Off the highway I am seeing both more bikes, scooters and bicycles.  And, the population in general has been pushing hard for the intra-city bike trails to be connected into a coherent network so people can really get from one place to another.  

[Bodhi]

I've seen a lot more scooters and lightweight standard bikes lately.

[evilted]

Seen a few new bikes at work in the past few weeks.   Today there was a used Suzuki GS500 with a temp tag, and starting last week a new looking FZ6 with a dealer tag starting showing up daily.  There's only ever one scooter there that I've noticed.  It first appeared in the garage last year sometime, and it's one of those Vespa looking things in a color scheme that strongly suggests its owner is female.

There are 8 motorcycle parking spaces (created last year by converting 4 premium visitor parking spaces) and generally about 10 bikes parked in/around them daily.  There may be more folks riding in daily and parking elsewhere in the parking garage, but I generally come in early enough to park in the reserved spaces.  Anyway, I think there are already at least 15 people in my office who ride in if not daily, then at least a few times a week (they may be telecommuting the other days).

Co-workers are still occasionally put off by sitting in gridlock on hot days (alas, no lanesplitting) and the nasty thunderstorms we get routinely during the evening commute.  I live nearby, so the only time I drive in is when I need to use the car to run an errand or when I know it's going to rain all day.  Or, um, sometimes when I'm running late and my hair is still wet from the shower and I don't want it to dry funny.  (I can spend 5 minutes drying it, or be halfway to work without bothering to put any protective gear on.... )

As with most things, I would imagine that some people will drop out for self-selected reasons.  Hopefully, nobody drops out for either of the other, less happy reasons.

[sagerat]

Scooters, both the classic small displacement ones and the newer stepthrough motorcycle versions, are showing up all over the place in Bend.  Also the dual sports are coming out onto the tarmac.  One co-worker is going to start riding her boyfriend's TW200 after she takes the MSF course.  In the three blocks where I work in the county compound, it's normally my KLR, my buddy Ray's, KLR, some guy in archive's DR650, and a Honda cruiser are the only bikes.  Couple guys in the building next door claim to be riders, but I've only seen an older ST1100 about four times in two years.  

[SpeedCostsMoney]

I'm giving my 250r to my wife when I upgrade. She wants to take the MSF class and see where it goes. The gas prices are making riders out of everyone it seems.   I hope she takes to it. If not, no big deal. I might just keep the bike around to play with.

It’s a great ride and I have people come up to me all the time at gas stations asking me if it’s the new 600.   They are always shocked to find it’s only a little 250. Kawasaki did well on the styling on the new 08’s
My 250 is getting on average of 45-50mpg right now. That was WAY better then the Toyota Tundra that I just sold and the Harley. On top of that the bike was only 3k new. It's been very economical for sure.