Motorcycle for commuting in NYC

Yeah, I have thought of it. I was interviewing with a company in CT though and living in NYC, and didn't want to leave Manhattan. I didn't get the position, so didn't get the bike.

It sounds fun though. What is the distance in miles/time? A vespa would be trendy if you're a chick, unless you want a badass Ducati or something.

Be careful. Have fun.

You're gonna get hit with the hood of a car like you got hit with that idea. You're gonna fucking die.

This is such a bad idea

scooter is infinitely better for commuting. check out a sportcity250. motos are actually cumbersome in traffic, shifting fucks up your shoes, can't carry much unless backpack etc.

ultimately it's a nice alternative way to commute, but prepare to smell like exhaust, sweat, and misery in the summer.

i'd only use it for errands etc. definitely not work transportation, your mileage may vary

"Emily C" I'm going to be working at a BB over the summer in Manhattan. I live in the northern part of Brooklyn with my parents so I can take the train, but taking the subway in NYC, especially during the summer, is complete misery.

My boyfriend was watching MotoPG videos on youtube and I was hit with an idea -- purchasing a motorcycle to commute from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Has anyone tried this, or at least thought of it?

Couple thoughts on this.

1.) It's MotoGP. 2.) Parking in midtown is $15/day if you find a garage that takes bikes (and invariably parks them between two pillars in the only place they'll fit). 3.) Insurance will be insane. Especially for anyone under 25 with the vehicle in NYC. 4.) Rain sucks. Especially if you're going to work (not quite as bad coming from work) 5.) Get a backpack so you can carry your dress shoes and a jacket if you wear one. 6.) Your first bike should be a 250 or 500 cc. Ride that for a summer then get a 600cc if that is what you want. 7.) Maintenance is a total chore, and it's a lot worse on the European bikes. A Duc is awesome, but the cheapest part of owning it is the price you'll pay, and the smallest pain associated with it is the cost of ownership. Save yourself the headache of going back and forth to the mechanic and get a Japanese bike.
8.) Second the MSF course. In some states, such as IL, it's free and spares you the exam at the DMV. 9.) Lanesplitting FTW, but only after 2000-3000 miles of experience, only in traffic that is practically stopped, and only at 10 mph. or slower. Works wonders especially around bridges and tunnels. 10.) Track days. Expensive but worth. every. penny.

Here's the bottom line. The hazard rate from riding a motorcycle is about 20-30x what driving a car is. And the hazard is already elevated because this is NYC traffic. I would ride the CBR in to work about once a week during the riding season, but only in full gear.

If you can't afford a car, you have to take the subway.

But owning one for fun is still worth the expense, and it's still worth the risk, even in NYC. Have fun out there.

Not exactly sure what type of work you'll be doing / how time consuming the position will be but the last thing you'll want to be doing is riding a bike home late at night after a 10+ish hour work day.