Advantages (+) and Disadvantages (-)
Vs. Car
+ Cheaper to operate - in most of the world a litre of gasoline is US$
.60 or more. Also, road tolls are always less for motorcycles and in many
countries (e.g. Peru) motorcycles don't pay tolls.
+ Cheaper to transport over oceans or impassable areas of land - you
can fly it!
+ For continents (such as Africa) where a
carnet is needed, much smaller
deposit is required because a bike is generally cheaper than a car and
certainly cheaper than a 4WD.
+ Perceived as more accessible and less "rich western tourist"
to locals in third world - they identify with a motorcycle as a cheaper
form of transport and are much friendlier as a result.
+ Maintenance is generally much easier than with a car
+ The feeling of complete freedom (hard to explain to non-motorcyclists)
+ Twisty roads are fun!
+ Conversation starter, especially if you plaster your boxes with country
flags and world map with your route. Note: everyone loves to see their
own country's flag.
+ Closer to the environment - this can be positive or negative depending
on the environment (e.g. behind a cattle truck), but usually positive.
+ On truly bad roads, easier to avoid potholes and other hazards (including
buses passing slow trucks on blind curves coming your way).
+ Easier to find safe motorcycle parking than car parking - try driving
your car into the hotel lobby and parking it in front of the reception
desk!
Bente Bråthen checking in with
bike - Photo © Dag Jenssen, Rocinantes
Travels
And on the negative side:
- You get wet when it rains.
- You can't sleep in it.
- Not as good a view for the passenger.
- No air conditioning or heater (electric vest is a good substitute
for a heater).
- Can't go places that a 4WD can go (e.g. Namib
Desert - but you can rent a 4WD nearby and leave the bike in Windhoek)
or that a car can go (e.g. game parks in Africa are all convinced that
lions will jump out of trees onto your motorcycle and they WILL NOT let
you into the park with it).
- Less stable when crossing flooded roads!
Vs. Public Transport
+ Flexibility - you decide when and where you want to go - except in
deep sand or mud
+ Safer than buses or taxis in the third world - at least you know the
driver has a license!
+ Security for belongings
But:
- More expensive than buses
Vs. Bicycle
+ Considerably faster - can see much more in less time.
+ When being stoned by locals in Egypt you
can get away more quickly! (This also applies if being chased by lions
in Africa or bears in North America - an infrequent
occurrence).
However:
- Not as good exercise.
- More expensive.
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Home Shop the Souk
Grant & Susan's RTW Trip
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