In a corner here. Advice?

Priapus

Priapus

Priapus

Soldato
Joined
30 Jul 2004
Posts
10,590
Location
East Sussex, UK
Howzit all,

Well as some of you may or may not know, I moved back to my home country South Africa, around seven months ago. I met my current girlfriend when I got back here and I've been with her for almost six months now. It's going very well, however she lives around 50 KM/s from me. So I only see her once or twice every two weeks. It's quite hard on both of us, but we're managing. I normally go stay at her place for a few days and we get along.

Anyway, back to the subject. I own a BMW 525i, now down here in S.A that's not a very economical car to own. Given its 2.5L engine needs a lot of fuel. And being with current petrol prices, it's getting too expensive to run for me. So I'm selling it. However, my old man has found a 185cc motorbike for me, road legal. Which he can get for me in the next day or two. This would be 10 times cheaper on fuel. I mean a full tank would last me around three weeks. Where as my car a full tank will last around one week.

I told Tammy this, (my girlfriend) and she hates the idea of me on a bike. She's had past friends die on them, so obviously this is hard for her to accept that I'm going to be on a bike now. Rather then in my car. But having a bike means I have extra cash at the end of the month, it means I get to see her a lot more, it means I can get around a lot more. There's a lot a ups for me to having a bike. Only down fall, she's not too happy but is going along with the idea.

I hate doing that to her as she'll always worry about me, I don't want that and I know she can't help it so it's not like I can tell her to not to worry, as she will anyway.

So what do I do?

Ditch the bike idea and continue to save money for petrol and other car expenses. Or do I just get the bike and assure her that I will be extra careful on it. Then again, it's not always you that causes the problems on the road; it's the other idiots you have to look out for...so I don't know....

What do you guys think?

Sorry for the long post, I've got a bit of spare time on my hands so I thought I'd use it wisely, I suppose. Also apologies for any grammar or spelling mistakes.

Robert.

:)
 
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The cost of your life is far greater than the cost of fuel.

It's up to you to make a decision but 4 wheels are generally better than 2 so couldn't you get a smaller car?

EDIT: Argh BF is signed on and not me! :mad:

tis Melm0 :D
 
Ice On Fire said:
Howzit all,

Well as some of you may or may not know, I moved back to my home country South Africa, around seven months ago. I met my current girlfriend when I got back here and I've been with her for almost six months now. It's going very well, however she lives around 50 KM/s from me. So I only see her once or twice every two weeks. It's quite hard on both of us, but we're managing. I normally go stay at her place for a few days and we get along.

Anyway, back to the subject. I own a BMW 525i, now down here in S.A that's not a very economical car to own. Given its 2.5L engine needs a lot of fuel. And being with current petrol prices, it's getting too expensive to run for me. So I'm selling it. However, my old man has found a 185cc motorbike for me, road legal. Which he can get for me in the next day or two. This would be 10 times cheaper on fuel. I mean a full tank would last me around three weeks. Where as my car a full tank will last around one week.

I told Tammy this, (my girlfriend) and she hates the idea of me on a bike. She's had past friends die on them, so obviously this is hard for her to accept that I'm going to be on a bike now. Rather then in my car. But having a bike means I have extra cash at the end of the month, it means I get to see her a lot more, it means I can get around a lot more. There's a lot a ups for me to having a bike. Only down fall, she's not too happy but is going along with the idea.

I hate doing that to her as she'll always worry about me, I don't want that and I know she can't help it so it's not like I can tell her to not to worry, as she will anyway.

So what do I do?

Ditch the bike idea and continue to save money for petrol and other car expenses. Or do I just get the bike and assure her that I will be extra careful on it. Then again, it's not always you that causes the problems on the road; it's the other idiots you have to look out for...so I don't know....

What do you guys think?

Sorry for the long post, I've got a bit of spare time on my hands so I thought I'd use it wisely, I suppose. Also apologies for any grammar or spelling mistakes.

Robert.

:)
Click to expand...

Tammy, does she have affiliations with a SA rock band named Nephema (or something).

Personally I would keep the car but use it sparingly.
 
Statistically you are far more likely to be killed / seriously injured in a RTA as a motorcycle rider than a car driver.
A motorcycle isn't so good for other purposes such as carrying luggage.

Your car is fuel inefficient. There are alternatives between a 2.5l BMW and a motorcycle. There are more efficient cars, quad bikes and so on. Instead of just two extreme options why not compromise on something more efficient than the BMW and less statistically dangerous than a motorcycle?
 
I can only get about R6,000 for the BMW, given it's current condition and age. The bike I want is R4,500. A smaller car is around R10,000 to R18,000. :(
 
Found a 1.3 Ford Ikon (is that a Fiesta?)

35 000 km, Petrol, 4 Doors, Manual 5 speed, 1 Owner, Full service history, Immobiliser, Radio. FRANCOIS 083 264 2798 / WOUTER 072 472 8610 / DONIVAN 082 721 8204 / GERRY 082 562 5564 / SHAUN 083 633 7112 / THABO 073 566 5757

Price R 999
 
Not quite sure how it balances out, but you shouold be able to get a very good condition small bike (Up to about 250cc) for much less than what you would be paying. Not sure how the exchange rate works, but for £1500 you could get a pretty damn good bike.

On the subject of bikes being lethal etc. I recently sold mine. Being considered a young rider I was told that I had a 65% chance of crashing. I didnt. The reason is the same reason many motorbikers are safe drivers. If you keep yourself aware at all times, and learn how to get out of sticky problems then you can avoid almost anything.

I say go for the bike! A HELL of a lot more fun than a car anyway :p
 
LeoWyatt: That must be a per monthly thing?

badgermonkey: Doesn't quite for out that way here unfortantly bro. :( But I want a bike this time, I love riding them! I don't know, I'll see how things go though.

Why did you sell your bike though?
 
It's your choice and she should respect that. Whilst yes it's lovely of her to express your concerns, that should be it, she shouldn't be guilting you.

Personally I'd use a smaller engined car than a bike, I like my legs. But ultimately it's your decision, and if you explain you understand the risks, that you'll be careful and ultimately you'll be able to see her more, then she should respect that :)

Ant :cool:
 
I am fully aware of the risks of riding a motorbike instead of a car. And I've taken that into consideration, I am maily doing this so I can see her more and get around more. Trust me, getting a smaller car is not an option in my current situation. This bike seems to be the perfect thing for me at the moment.

She has told me" If it gets you here, and to see me more often, then it's fine"

But I know she's always going to worry....:(
 
Ice On Fire said:
Why did you sell your bike though?
Click to expand...


Had it for 2 years from new, but going to uni in September, i need the money i made from selling it to get myself a car, insure it, and i still have some left over for emergencies (ie unscheduled alcohol) at uni :)
 
Ice On Fire said:
But I know she's always going to worry....:(
Click to expand...

Actually after the first few trips I doubt she will worry anywhere near as much. The mootness of this thread is impressive.

Ant :cool:
 
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