09-21-2015, 04:11 AM
Excellent question, rg!
Being a first motorcycle brings a major challenge- a higher degree of constant vigilance, and lack of familiarity with operation and handling.
IF you go with a motorcycle, a Motorcycle Safety Foundation or other quality training course is highly recommended.
One of the biggest hurdles may be a time crunch, depending on how soon the bus route changes. You need riding time to build confidence and make steering, accelerating, and braking all second nature responses.
Rain is not a motorcyclist's friend. I often say when you have only two wheels, they are twice as important. Judicious use of the throttle and brakes are paramount, in the wet. Railroad tracks and even the white crosswalk lines post real threats.
Your extensive bicycle experience gives you a leg up in awareness, which a lot of people won't have at the onset. But you need to get away from traffic to build confidence and skill.
I commuted on a bike (motor) for two years, every day, back in the early '80's when we had two years of the worst rain this part of CA ever had, and it was bad. It wasn't any fun, and cars and trucks ripping by would throw waves of water on me. I was doing 45mph in the slow lane and they were doing 65+. Even with the "wrong" rain gear for a motorcyclist, staying dry wasn't a problem. I did have a windshield on the bike and that made a big difference.
I will never ride in the rain again, unless I plan poorly. I seldom ride at night, because there's no need, but it's no problem for me, I've very comfortable with it. I do recommend additional lighting for tail and brake lights just to help distinguish one from cars. Rear-end collisions are not uncommon for motorcyclists, especially at night.
You have a relatively short commute, or I'd recommend against riding a bike (motor) in the rain. But with the requisite skill and gear, it's eminently do-able.
As N-OS points out, you need to watch for cars making a left turn in front of you, often at the last minute. Also be wary of cars that may change lanes directly in front of you.
In the locomotion food chain, motorcyclists are only above pedestrians and bicyclists. Constant hyper-vigilance is key. While not to be taken for granted, it can become second nature so you can enjoy the ride.
Being a first motorcycle brings a major challenge- a higher degree of constant vigilance, and lack of familiarity with operation and handling.
IF you go with a motorcycle, a Motorcycle Safety Foundation or other quality training course is highly recommended.
One of the biggest hurdles may be a time crunch, depending on how soon the bus route changes. You need riding time to build confidence and make steering, accelerating, and braking all second nature responses.
Rain is not a motorcyclist's friend. I often say when you have only two wheels, they are twice as important. Judicious use of the throttle and brakes are paramount, in the wet. Railroad tracks and even the white crosswalk lines post real threats.
Your extensive bicycle experience gives you a leg up in awareness, which a lot of people won't have at the onset. But you need to get away from traffic to build confidence and skill.
I commuted on a bike (motor) for two years, every day, back in the early '80's when we had two years of the worst rain this part of CA ever had, and it was bad. It wasn't any fun, and cars and trucks ripping by would throw waves of water on me. I was doing 45mph in the slow lane and they were doing 65+. Even with the "wrong" rain gear for a motorcyclist, staying dry wasn't a problem. I did have a windshield on the bike and that made a big difference.
I will never ride in the rain again, unless I plan poorly. I seldom ride at night, because there's no need, but it's no problem for me, I've very comfortable with it. I do recommend additional lighting for tail and brake lights just to help distinguish one from cars. Rear-end collisions are not uncommon for motorcyclists, especially at night.
You have a relatively short commute, or I'd recommend against riding a bike (motor) in the rain. But with the requisite skill and gear, it's eminently do-able.
As N-OS points out, you need to watch for cars making a left turn in front of you, often at the last minute. Also be wary of cars that may change lanes directly in front of you.
In the locomotion food chain, motorcyclists are only above pedestrians and bicyclists. Constant hyper-vigilance is key. While not to be taken for granted, it can become second nature so you can enjoy the ride.