What It’s Like Having ONLY A Motorcycle 

My bike is my only vehicle, but when I need a car for picking up packages at the PO, or shop bigger items than I can fit in my backpack, I borrow my neighbor's car and just pay a little for gas and wear and tear. They even handed me their spare key and told me to take the car whenever I needed it. Never underestimate a good neighbor. ;)

I currently only have my bike for transport and it definitely keeps you tough! Walking my food shopping back 15 mins in all weather keeps your shoulders strong. Riding in the rain makes you appreciate riding in the dry that much more. For every downside, there's definitely a positive if you look hard enough.

I rode my bike, just once without a jacket, washed out the front wheel on gravel, and scored enough road rash up my arms to make me NEVER forget my jacket again. But now Im riding the bike so much, I actually have to make sure I take my car out once or twice a week just to make sure the tyres dont get flatspots.

Only a month without a car? I haven’t owned a car since 2006. Lol riding 20 degrees, rain, snow, hot 120 degree days. The bad days makes you enjoy the good days much better! Yes i have 2 kids, and yes they go on the back when we need to go somewhere.

I switched to only a gsx-s 750, got myself a good rain-onezee and i‘m entirely happy with it, no problem until it drops below 5 degrees celsius. And the big difference is, it might be a bit colder but now i‘m kinda looking forward to going to uni, each morning i can blast my bike full-chat on the autobahn, makes for a great substitute for coffee 😂

I live in London UK, where a car is a liability & I sold mine several years ago. I have 3 bikes, including a Rebel, & a bicycle. We also have great public transport, although I’ve been avoiding it during the pandemic. Bikes are so much more practical in a heavily congested city. You can filter/lane split in UK & as far as I know, everywhere in the world except US. Parking is free ( extortionate for cars), but there is plenty of rain, but I can usually plan for that. Temperatures seldom drop below about 3C in winter, so many ride year round. Within most of London 125cc scooters are the most popular 2-wheelers & bigger bikes for longer commutes. Luckily, Harleys are fairly rare but always annoyingly loud. And, those who insist on calling a Rebel a beginner bike, don’t know what they are talking about. If you live in a big city or just take day rides, there is nothing wrong with a 500cc bike. Not everyone who rides a bike is intent on getting their knee down at high speeds on the twisties or riding 500 miles a day. We used to tour Europe on 250s many moons ago. Big bikes are often more about big ego than anything else & all this “girl’s bike” talk is just a dick swinging competition. Long live the Rebel, but make sure it’s the 500. Ride safe everyone.

I’m 19 and I only ride a motorcycle I have a Yamaha yzf-r125 and I love it. I’m in the uk we’re it rains a lot and that’s something I get used to.If it rains i always put a cover over the bike while I’m at work I have no intention of getting a car 😂

Only in America do we have this culture of buying enough groceries for a month

I’m considering going back to just bikes, love having a truck but it’s definitely getting close to costing me a lot of money I don’t want to spend on it and it’s going to be heading out. Used to ride a sport bike only and that was……challenging to say the least, then swapped to a Harley sportster with saddle bags and that was a total game changer. Was able to haul groceries, pet food, rain gear, tool set, and was much more comfortable compared to being on a sport bike!

That's my biggest dilemma right now: Buy a brand new Rebel 500 or a 10-year-old used car for around same price I live in Greece, Thessaloniki, in the suburbs and i work in heavily congested city centre (~14km ). Bus ride takes 1:30-2 hours so 8-hour work becomes 12-hour away from home. According to stats we have 100 rainy days per year (about 30% actually raining ), and temperature not so low (lowest average 5C) but humidity is penetrating. Parking in city centre is nightmare. You might have to park the car 4km away and buy a lime scooter to cover extra distance. I currently do groceries by Bicycle but big stuff, like IKEA things , are an issue. Everyday expenses of a motorcycle is half of a car's expenses (fuel,insurance, tax) which is a big plus.

Saddlebags are so handy. Ugly but so so handy. I finally caved and got some for my bike.

thanks for the vid Burch - I only have my Rebel for my commuter ride to/from work - which is a short ride - no rain yet - but getting gear in preparation for it Thanks again hope you are well

Nearly everything you were talking about as pain points of only having a motorcycle are mitigated with a maxi scooter. They provide better weather protection so the rain isn't a bunch of beestings, you can carry groceries in them (and cat litter!) with the storage, you have a place to keep your gear while you are working so you don't have that extra problem. There's little I can say about the lack of wearing gear other than to say: please, please wear your gear, even if it is a short ride down the road. The scooter has a place to put it though! Also, I don't say replace your bike with a maxi scooter, I say ALSO have a maxi scooter. Most people have enough space to keep 2+ motorcycles (some in big urban cities don't have that space, but it sounds like you do), and a used maxi scooter is pretty reliable and not very expensive. Honda Silverwings are great, they go fast, have lots of storage, and sell for like $2k. Your other bikes are fun bikes, there's nothing wrong with having a bike for fun, but honestly you get to do so much more on a bike when you have a maxi to ride too, because now you can go shopping, get a coffee, etc. on your bike and you don't feel like your being inhibited by your vehicle of choice. I wish more riders realized they could ride much more with a maxi scooter in their repertoire.

Answer to the title- It’s awesome

Glad to see you're ok dude, your videos are great!

The one thing I will say that is good about using a motorcycle for everyday driving you tend to not "ride" just for fun and it helps you ride more conservative. When you into ride for fun you're I feel more apt to die agressive because I'm just looking to have fun. When I'm just running to the store and not geared up for convenience I drive a lot more careful. It tends to develop better habits over all in my experience. Maybe it's just me?

I too only have a bike for transpo. As for rain, the ride home doesn't bother me. It's whatever. It's getting caught in rain on my way to work that sucks. I carry rain gear if it's gonna be any chance of rain. Also carry a cover for my bike. Plus size is I have progresses as a rider so much in this year where my bike has been my only mode of transportation. I've learned a lot that I never would have learned if I rode only when it was fun. I have literally pour water from my shoes when I get where I'm going. Ive also had to warm my hands alternately on the cylinder head during the winter so my hands can articulate the levers. One things for sure. I wouldn't go back to communicating in a car for anything. Because I'm always at the front of the line and when traffic is going 15-20, I'm doing 30-45. And if traffic is at a dead stop, I'm moving. My commute is up to an hour plus.

Great video! I was following your path on Google Earth! Great roads you have there to just RIDE! 👍

I've been stuck with only a 2 wheel vehicle for over a year. Started with a 50cc taotao scooter. Lol. Moved up ro 200cc scooter and currently on a 250 rebel. I live in New York so 2 winters in I'm over it ! Spring, summer,fall is awesome though 🦾🏍 🛵 ❄ 💀

I only have an e-bike for 3 years, and I go to work and pick up my gf almost daily. It's sketchy when it's raining and the drivers are bad in Miami, but it's so liberating being able to fly down the road at 50 mph then hop on the side wall to avoid traffic without the cops harassing me. Sure I miss my car sometimes, but man this totally replaced my motorcycle. Gave me a whole lot of respect for those that are less fortunate than us and had to do this their whole life.

Nice video, great intro, keep it up

Hi Burch another great video

I live in NYC and I only have a motorcycle. Makes parking a breeze and I'm still able to have the freedom to leave the city when I want. If the weather is really bad I just take the subway to work.

It doesn’t rain like that in Arizona. So I’m pretty sure AZ will be fun having a bike as a daily driver

I'm 49 years old and I didn't get a license for car AND motorcycle this freakin' year ;) I just used to ride my regular bike everywhere. You know Copenhagen is the bike capital of the world, right? :)

Love the videos, I’m looking to get a rebel next summer as my first motorcycle

I am in the US 4-6 months a year and I can't decide on a motorcycle or car. I have also seen a whole family on a moped

Great video mate. Please wear your gear though as most accidents happen a few miles from your house. Dress for the slide not the ride 🏍🏍. Keep em coming. Respect from the UK 👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧

I have a 2016 Mazda MX-5 that's a 6 speed manual, i got a manual because it was more fun than an automatic, then after i got my first bike (2021 CBR 500R) i have literally hated driving my car unless I really really had to. I'm getting rid of it soon tbh. Riding has raised my 6 senses

Love this video, living in Canada its not the best place for motorcycle riding, especially as only way of transportation. I did that for 1 year and half with a yamaha smax (155cc), its doable, but barely. I had to hope the roads are cleared and not iced during winter, I had to ride through all kinds of weather conditions. And of course, other people thinks you are crazy. Another thought, in order to increase the seat time, to be able to enjoy motorcycle more, it has to be more practical. If I own a car and a Rebel with saddlebags or Adv with saddlebags or scooter with storage room, the chance I would ride the bike is larger compare to if the bike I have has no storage or saddlebags or just simply looks ugly with them. This is getting too long, but just random thoughts.

Definitely makes me feel like a total freaking badass 1:39 😂

I sold my car and ride the rebel 7days a week and I agree with you lol

I'm from and live in a third-world country where cars are almost too expensive to buy. 150cc motorcycles are so standard and make life so much easier for poorer people that riding them just makes sense. No one cares if you ride a motorcycle. It's normal. I have a 200cc urban motorcycle, and I love it. I daily ride it and only wear a helmet. When I have to travel, I plan my trips and take public transport just because my wife dislikes traveling on a motorcycle, but most people here travel long distances with 150cc bikes.

Good stuff. I will say never ride with out some protection they make crash hoodies super lite breathable And Amazon will everything deliver for cheap yes even cat litter 😄🤙🏻 could get a tiny trailer for groceries if you must lol

Thank you too

im a college student and deciding on buying a motorcycle for getting from home to school and work. The ride from school and home is only 4 miles however the area I am in sees a lot of snow in the winter and I wouldn't be able to ride it at all. The prices of used cars really went up and don't think I can afford a reliable car atm. Sucks :(

I had a period of time when my brother totaled his car so I let him use mine. I only rode a bike for 7 months straight. There was a 3 year period when put 45k miles on my bike and 10k on my car in those 3 years. Life it better on two wheels.now I’m at the point in my life now where it’s hard to take rides on the weekends and stuff and unless I’m going to the store I basically am back to being on my bike everyday until it snows that is lol.

Can you please make a video installing a gear indicator for the Rebel 500. Thanks!

Comical. Good stuff

Isn't rideing a motorcycle enough reason to take the back roads?

I know this is an old video, But I love walking into places carrying my Helmet. I gets attention, and even though it only creates a superficial interest, that interest still picks up my mood! I have another option for getting home from work in a down pour... we work on peoples' cars, and have courtesy cars to lend them, and by the end of the day, most of those courtesy cars are back at the workshop... I haven't taken one home yet, but If I have to I will! (and the bike could stay locked up safe and sound Inside the workshop) Yes shopping is more difficult, and smaller. Cat litter bags fit perfect between your feet on a scooter... just saying, and the rest of the Catfood fits perfect under the seat. Filling up the tank more often, maybe twice a week, depending on the bike, but when an entire tank is $15, who cares? the car can take $100 and it's still not fill! sometime when there are multiple places to go, and multiple things to bring home, there is yet another excuse to go for a ride (when It could have all been done in one go in the car, and when you realise you forgot something you swear because you have to go out in the car again!) unless you're being pelted by giant Hail stones and the BMW you can't pass safely keeps going slower and slower, when you really want to get out and go faster to get out of the storm!

To be fair, its only a 5 dollar fee abouts to order groceries to your house from Uber or another grocery app. I feel like getting groceries isn't a downside to riding anymore.

"Squirrel, what are you doin'?? hahahh

Bro i used to live in arnold, im in pasadena now but we should definitely ride sometime

I am car-free for over 30 years and motorcycle-only since 2020. I live in Poland and have no car license - driver license exams are quite difficult in our country, especially for motorcycle "A" license. I've failed the car license test several times (I have problems with reversing, most likely for a neurological reason, because my eye doctor I've consulted could find anything wrong) and gave up on it, then in 2020 I did the motorcycle course and took the exam, which I have passed effortlessly - people find it strange, especially that car license exams are considered much easier. I just feel much more confident when riding a motorcycle than when driving a car. For this reason, I go everywhere on my motorcycle. Be it commuting to work, visiting family in another city or studying at the university. For that reason, rain isn't going to stop me. Last 2 years I put my motorcycle into garage for winter, but this year I am looking for a solution. I am considering either buying a microcar, which I am legally allowed to drive with just motorcycle license, or a light moped/scooter up to 125cc, since those are much lighter, slower and easier to control than my almost 200 kg bike, and are very often ridden in the winter by people without licenses (in Poland you can ride a moped without any license at all if you were born before January 19th 1995) or Domino's Pizza delivery guys, even when snow covers the roads. The biggest con of a microcar is that they are grossly overpriced and definitely not worth the money people want for them - you could buy two cheaper "real" cars for one microcar's worth. And I'll have to reverse :) But they are still much safer and more comfortable in extreme winter conditions. Riding on two wheels all the year is definitely possible, but in the winter, it is far from being a pleasant experience.

I've had only motorcycle 12yrs now. A month Is nothing

Hello, where do you clip your microphone when riding? and do you add some sort of wind dampener for the sony mic you link? Thank you

ive only ridden a motorcycle since i was 16 im now 20. never owned a car. I love the feeling of 0 degree wind against my skin, and the cold rain on my chestI love the way it makes my neck sting and fingers sting if im not wearing gloves. fuck i hit 80 down straight roads in the rain just to feel the pain from the rain. makes me feel alive. i love riding through torrential downpours. also it rains more and harder where i live than any other state in the country. alabama. i am the badass wet rider, and you are the motorcycle poser. my bike loves rain and so do i.

I ride everywhere, everyday. Never learned to drive a car. I’ve ridden in torrential downpours, gale force winds, 25° cold and 118° heat. I’ve also gone down in flash flooding, been nearly knocked over and blown into the side of a semi by the wind, and sliced by tiny razorlike slivers of metal that popped up from the road. I’m about to turn 60. Sometimes it’s not so fun. Sometimes I ask my husband for a ride to work. Sometimes I take an Uber. It’s only fun all of the time when it isn’t your only option or you’re a character on Sons of Anarchy.

Since you have had this bike left in the rain on several occasions this would be a great opportunity to make a video about how it handles that treatment. Does it have any rust and if so where so that people can stay ahead of the problem and rustproof those parts.

22 years on four wheels til Covid hit. Needed cheaper transpo. Been on a sporty with hard bags ever since.

8:02 burch making funny noises :D

When do we get to see the New VFR?

I did a year and a half with only a onewheel for transportation

Doesn't your insurance company provide a rental when your car is in the shop?

What you think about getting a cruiser for a daily in az?

A bike is my only transportation. Cars are just not worth it even though in the u.s all they make are car dependant cities

I only ride my bike. I haven’t owned a car since 2015. I hate cars. I don’t even ride my bicycle anymore. Get a goretex or waterproof jacket for summer and one for winter and you’re set.

Put on a sidecar for your bike so it would carry all you need 👍

What kind of bike is that ?

my rebel is in my brother garage for winter ;_;

Can I know what's the price of rebel 300 in usa

where do you live looks nice

2:10 lmao

Wheelies at the elementary school 😂

Grocery?

i plan to daily ride to work (50mikes away ) and my manuel tells me to change oil every 600miles. lmao i'm fucked

You can attach a milk box to your back seat and carry a lot of shit.

Also bicycle riders are involved in the same if not more accidents and they still ride in paper thin lycras and brain bucket helmets.

Rain gear...🤷‍♂️

Welcome to the rest of the world.

Hi

I feel like, i could just get everything too big for my motorcycle delivered. It wouldng be that much more expensive