Biker's Journal

Are Motorcycles Better to Ride in City Than Cars?

Are Motorcycles Better to Ride in City Than Cars?. It’s a debate as old as time. Or, at least, as old as the automotive industry. Still, the debate rages on.

Do you prefer the spaciousness of a car or the fresh air and freedom of a motorcycle?

Other questions include ones around fuel efficiency, resale value, parking, and traffic jams.

With so many things to consider, many people choose a car by default. However, as many riders know, motorcycles can be mighty rewarding.

No matter what you look for in a vehicle, there are plenty of worthwhile reasons to swap your car for a motorcycle.

Avoid Traffic Congestion

Everyone is in a mad rush in cities. Commuting to your office in a car is like creating a fuss for oneself daily. Getting to your destination faster is easier with motorcycles because it can squeeze through traffic and avoid jams, as gaining an advantage in traffic requires only a gap. It can filter through the traffic easily so you reach your destination much faster. 

A motor cycle can easily sift through traffic maneuvering your way to the front. 

Forget the Parking Woes 

Because motorcycles are smaller than cars, they can fit into tighter spaces, which can make finding a parking spot easier.

Not only can motorcyclists save time circling the block looking for a park, they generally pay less for parking than car owners.

No Queuing Up at Tolls

Not only that the motorcycles are exempt from paying toll tax in India, but they also gain the advantage of avoiding the long queues by passing through split lanes at the toll gate. The average time spent in a car on a toll gate in India is around 10-15 minutes during the peak hours, which ideally should take 10 seconds only. Commuting on a motor cycle saves a massive chunk of your time while crossing crowded toll plazas during peak hours. 

Affordability

Motorcycles are more fuel-efficient than cars. Many consume less than four litres of fuel per 100km — outperforming even the most fuel-efficient hybrid cars.

This can save a motorcyclist literally thousands of rupees a year in fuel costs.

Feel Closer to the Nature

Imagine this: sunshine, a cool breeze, an open road, and the scent of leather and the great outdoors.

Few things beat the fresh air and freedom you experience when riding a motorcycle. It can be equal parts exhilarating and liberating.

Studies have shown that riding a motorcycle can both reduce stress and promote relaxation.

A recent study found that riding a motorcycle had “a positive effect on stress levels, decreasing hormonal biomarkers by 28 percent compared to the other measured activities”.

Sounds like the ideal excuse to hit the road!

Fun

Motorcycles are fun. You’re roaring down the road, adrenaline pumping, off on an adventure.

In contrast, many cars are simply a way for their owners to get from point A to point B.

Health

Not only are motorcycles a whole lot of fun, they’re also good for your health.

A 70kg motorcycle rider will burn an average of 170 calories during a one-hour ride — roughly 40 calories more than the same person would burn by driving a car for one hour.

Plus, riding a motorcycle engages far more muscle groups than driving, giving you a full-body workout. While this admittedly isn’t enough to forego your regular exercise routine, it’s certainly a nice bonus!

Keeping Clean

When was the last time you cleaned your car (driving in the rain doesn’t count)?

If it’s been longer than you’d like to admit, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

The good news is that motorcycles are significantly easier to clean than cars, for the simple reason there’s less to clean.

This is particularly true for people who ride their motorcycles mainly on sealed roads (as opposed to off-road).

Plus, you don’t have to worry about decluttering the boot, tidying the glovebox, or trying to clean under seats.

Safety Concerns

Over time, cars have gained an advantage over motorcycles when it comes to safety concerns. But today, we have a plethora of safety gears for the biking community that offers utmost safety so that you do not have to compromise on your love for the two-wheeled engineering marvel. 

So grab your helmet and other safety gear to zoom through traffic. 😉