The cost of riding.

[fwtcc]

Well, when I bought mine I said, "the gas is so cheap, it'll pay for itself."  Then I bought it.  Then I titled it.  Then I bought appropriate gear.  Then I paid the insurance.  Then I replaced a rear wheel.  It's due for the service soon.  Needs new chain (I drove in the winter and didn't protect it as one should).  Well long story short, I was wrong.  It is a money pit.  But, it is a money pit that I enjoy and I can enjoy it a lot more than a boat.  Hobbies cost money.  and really its not too expensive of a hobby.  I can go ride and the immediate cost, which is gas, is what, $15-20, for a half to full day of riding.  I hate golf, but I know a round which is an hour or two costs a lot more than that.  Boating is even more.  Heck the soccer league I play in is roughly ten dollars per game and that is strictly the league fees, not including the 2-3 bucks to get there, and it only lasts for an hour.

So it is a money pit.  but its one I am glad I got into.  and every guy has to have at least one money pit they get into.

[DRKWNG]

Much like the origin of turkey bacon, some things are best left unknown.

What about sizzlean?

So it is a money pit.  but its one I am glad I got into.  and every guy has to have at least one money pit they get into.

My biggest problem, and one that my wife will attest to, is that I have too many money-pits.  1) two motorcycles, 2) convertible sports car, 3) home theatre, 4) separate two channel tube amp based stereo system and 5) target shooting...  Oh yea, almost forgot 6) got two expensive bicycles as well...

[Statler]

the bike's got nothing on hobbies that float in water.

[bluemoco]

the bike's got nothing on hobbies that float in water.

So true.

The smallest boat that I own is a '96 Sea-Doo.  For starters, it can consume most of a tank of gas (~6 gallons) in 50 minutes at WOT.      

Then there's the fishing boat, the ski boat... 

[Narflar]

the bike's got nothing on hobbies that float in water.

That's the understatement of the year.  At least yours can be taken out on a trailer.  I'm sure I'm gonna pass out when I see the bill for taking mine out to redo the bottom and then call in a crane to take the mast down so we can replace the rigging and inspect the mast step. 

[CETME]

Not that it will stop me from even toning down my riding, I'm just surprised by how much it actually costs.

[Duc L'Smart]

My biggest problem, and one that my wife will attest to, is that I have too many money-pits.  1) two motorcycles, 2) convertible sports car, 3) home theatre, 4) separate two channel tube amp based stereo system and 5) target shooting...  Oh yea, almost forgot 6) got two expensive bicycles as well...

Don't forget about the wife! They can be HUGE money pits

[DRKWNG]

Don't forget about the wife! They can be HUGE money pits

Nope, that's why she works as well. 

[Stangman]

Cost of riding... I guess you have to ask yourself how much enjoyment you get from riding and weigh that against the costs.

I've never broken it down like you did, but I don't really see the point.  I ride for the love of riding.  The mpg is nice, but the maintenance easily eclipses any fuel savings real quick as you well know.

How many dollars worth do you love riding?

[techno]

Interesting analysis.

But I don't care what it costs, I'm still riding for the fun of it.

As for boats, I heard a quote once that said "owing a boat is like standing under a shower ripping up $50 notes".

As for wives, a notable australian once said "instead of getting married again, every five years I'll just find a woman who hates me and buy her a house".

[Duc L'Smart]

I don't think any of us got into motorcycling to save money

But think about it- You can buy a brand new 696 for under 9k. What kind of car with the same performance/enjoyment level can match that?

[zedsaid]

I don't think any of us got into motorcycling to save money

But think about it- You can buy a brand new 696 for under 9k. What kind of car with the same performance/enjoyment level can match that?

ahh, but the car would come with AC, heat, radio, and airbags, not to mention a cage to protect you in rollovers.   And good luck actually getting the 696 under 9k.

I'm still buying one but it ain't cheap. (that said, my cage gets 15mpg, so i'm pretty sure i'll save the payments in gas if i commute on it)