Decision time, please help

As far as fuels concerned my 1.8 Diesel focus gets more MPG than my 650 SV. However I tend to drive the car a lot more "conservatively" than I ride the bike.

Well I drive a Ford Fiesta 1.4 Zetec. Group 6. Insurance is extortionate here. Due to high risk of theft in the greater Belfast area and already 100 roads deaths this year in NI. Fully comp for a bike, with my NCB and considering me age is around £800-£1000

Put it this way, expenditure for the car is:

£212+£130 per months insurance+£100 petrol per month = £440 approx

For the bike

£150+free(for this year) say £90 on ave +£80 petrol(due to some journeys not being made due to me being 'restricted' in that sense = £320

Does this not make sense?

Originally Posted by linco

Put it this way, expenditure for the car is:

£212+£130 per months insurance+£100 petrol per month = £440 approx

For the bike

£150+free(for this year) say £90 on ave +£80 petrol(due to some journeys not being made due to me being 'restricted' in that sense = £320

Does this not make sense?

You really do need to factor in service costs, and add more petrol to account for the extra miles you take when you're enjoying the ride, and the journeys you make that you wouldn't otherwise. I spend a fair bit on "pleasure petrol" these days :P

Still reckon you should get a bike though, it rocks

Originally Posted by shao

You really do need to factor in service costs, and add more petrol to account for the extra miles you take when you're enjoying the ride, and the journeys you make that you wouldn't otherwise. I spend a fair bit on "pleasure petrol" these days :P

Still reckon you should get a bike though, it rocks

Finally I think I might have someone on my side! Keep talking! Is the bike you're only mode of transport?

In terms of tyres, servicing etc, I will have more money on the side to cater for these things. Over time. In the long run I believe it will be cheaper for me.

Servicing for me is roughly every 2 months. Tyres are every 3.

Just something to think about

My Mrs has the car, and I despise being trapped in a cage, no matter the weather, so usually, I'll take the bike & just make any excuse. So maybe there's a reason that I spend so much on the servicing etc.

Wow, how come every two months, is that the norm?

Not the norm at all, that's just because I do silly milage.

100miles a day is just commuting, then there's play time on top of than, and the odd run when I need to be somewhere.

Originally Posted by Baph

Not the norm at all, that's just because I do silly milage.

100miles a day is just commuting, then there's play time on top of than, and the odd run when I need to be somewhere.

Phew! I thought i'd under estimated the whole thing! So how does your bike stand up to the daily 100 commute then?

Hi Linco, me again.

I am new to all this bigger bike stuff. Had a 125 for 2 years and took my bike test a month back. I have the wifes car (7 seater) my citroen Xsara (pile of ****) and the bike . I am riding in all weather and always have done. I am going to get shot of the Xsara and just have me bike. In my mind this is the best option for me.
As long as you are sure of your maths and you and the GF are happy with it,
FILL YA BOOTS and get a bigger bike.
You know you finances etc and if YOU feel its good for you then do it.
My only advice is work it out, Check it and double check it. Dont look at bikes until you have decided you can afford it otherwise you may be influenced by impulse rather than logic.

Sorry to ramble

Originally Posted by svnewboy

Dont look at bikes until you have decided you can afford it otherwise you may be influenced by impulse rather than logic.

Sorry to ramble

Don't be sorry, thats just the sort of ramble I want to hear!

This is both impulse (calculated of course) and logical to me. I wouldnt want the decision to also rest on my relationship with my GF.