This petrol price is making me consider selling my Grande i10 for an electric motorised road legal scooter (being able to do more than 60 km/h).....

[Areola Grande]

@Dom - the issue seems to be lack of funds (tight budget).

Wouldn't a better solution be to get additional income? I know that's potentially easier said than done, but getting rid of your car just seems like a bad solution.

 

[Dom]

@Ignored_Abortion - the issue seems to be lack of funds (tight budget).

Wouldn't a better solution be to get additional income? I know that's potentially easier said than done, but getting rid of your car just seems like a bad solution.

It is & I am trying to do things on the side (there is very little time as I am studying too) - there is sadly a loan (thanks to a UIF fuck up) that needs to be sorted too.

I do really hear you & definitely not a certain decision. I am very happy to weigh up everything thoroughly.

 

[Areola Grande]

It is & I am trying to do things on the side (there is very little time as I am studying too) - there is sadly a loan (thanks to a UIF fuck up) that needs to be sorted too.

I do really hear you & definitely not a certain decision. I am very happy to weigh up everything thoroughly.

Fair enough.

Perhaps sell the girlfriend to @Moemfie_ZA

 

[∀Z‾soʇɐuɐɥ┴]

Fair enough.

Perhaps sell the girlfriend to @Unsuccessful_Abortion

No thanks... Ek het klaar fokol geld nie...
My speelgoed kos my genoeg... kort nie nog uitgawes nie...

 

[RumMum]

Is there such a thing as a "fast" 125? maybe 2 stroke but not 4 stroke.

I have a 115 Mercury motor, and that thing lift the boat out of the water.....🤣

 

[Dom]

Fair enough.

Perhaps sell the girlfriend to @Unsuccessful_Abortion

Nope, she is

 

[RumMum]

I personally don't see any (I am an 80kg, 177cm dude) - if it fits the means & is workable, then why not.

Now, if you were a 90kg, 1.9m muscle slabbed hunk, you could REALLY safe petrol by hiking. Sure some girl in a i10 will give you a lift....but haybo, not to be.....

 

[BearZA]

I'd say get the car paid off, keep it. Deal with the fallout, talk to the bank, get debt consolidation assistance, anything, sell pancakes from your stoep. But I regret getting rid of my car, and pretty much everyone I have spoken to that has done the same, is also regretful.

Bikes in any form can often result in more unforeseen costs, inexperienced riders can quickly cause damage, parts are often kak hard to find(stay away from anything that has not been officially imported by dealers).

Proper gear is also expensive, and remember, technically, your R5k helmet, once dropped or banged up, is no longer safe according to regulation, its protective properties are compromised.

You would also need to insure the scooter/bike, they being what they are, can carry higher premiums.

Absolutely I would say hold on to the i10, there is a reason these cars hold their value so well. I mean look at 2nd hand Atos Prime prices still... They hold their value really well because they are sought after.

PS: I want to see these mfkrs with their 2l+ bakkies and SUVs continue to drive like loonatics when the price goes over R25/l

 

[Dom]

Now, if you were a 90kg, 1.9m muscle slabbed hunk, you could REALLY safe petrol by hiking. Sure some girl in a i10 will give you a lift....but haybo, not to be.....

The Italian SO would murder any other chick.

 

[Dom]

I'd say get the car paid off, keep it. Deal with the fallout, talk to the bank, get debt consolidation assistance, anything, sell pancakes from your stoep. But I regret getting rid of my car, and pretty much everyone I have spoken to that has done the same, is also regretful.

Bikes in any form can often result in more unforeseen costs, inexperienced riders can quickly cause damage, parts are often kak hard to find(stay away from anything that has not been officially imported by dealers).

Proper gear is also expensive, and remember, technically, your R5k helmet, once dropped or banged up, is no longer safe according to regulation, its protective properties are compromised.

You would also need to insure the scooter/bike, they being what they are, can carry higher premiums.

Absolutely I would say hold on to the i10, there is a reason these cars hold their value so well. I mean look at 2nd hand Atos Prime prices still... They hold their value really well because they are sought after.

PS: I want to see these mfkrs with their 2l+ bakkies and SUVs continue to drive like loonatics when the price goes over R25/l

Appreciate the thorough response - to add clarity, I do have a small amounts of savings & am not in financial ruin (just want to preserve these savings if possible).

For interest sake, what did the people who traded a car for a bike/scooter say?

Hear you on the gear - get new stuff if anything compromises it in any way.

Good point - I will add that to the list of things to check!

I would like to see that too but will probably be crying with only having enough fuel for 5 two litres.

 

[SpaceWalker]

Im all for safety and driving within your abilities.
Telling someone to hop on something that does 200km/h with little to no experience and claiming they aren't a man if they don't is the opposite of that.

There is also something to be said for riding right behind a taxi that you should know just stops randomly, it's called common sense...
Never stick to the left side of a lane if behind a taxi.
In fact, just don't ride behind one in the first place.

While some accidents can't be helped as shit really does just happen, you can be safer, without either buying a older fucked up 250-400cc bike, or paying way more than the bike is worth for a newer model with more safety features like abs etc.

I have been involved with bikes most of my life and basically grew up in a household where that was the main form of transportation as we couldn't afford a car back then.
I have also had my fair share of friends lose their lives on it and in most cases the cause is the same... driving way beyond your ability...
For example first time on a super bike and they want to learn how to lean... so what do they do... go to Franschoek pass... and 1/5 don't make it back in one piece...
I myself have nearly lost the plot on that stretch of road once...

Like I said... simplest way to stay safe regardless of what you are on is to not be stupid...
Having a bike that can quickly accelerate when you aren't used to it can cause accidents all on it's own even with no other vehicles involved.
Thus, start small and take it easy...

I don't disagree that common sense is a requirement. It definitely is.
You can't just say, don't drive behind a taxi. What should you do then when a taxi is in front of you in traffic? You can't stop, you can't maneuver out of the way. There are vehicles behind you, in the opposite lane in front of you. There is no choice at times.

I also never said you aren't a Man if you drive a scooter. Where do you see that angle?
I said repeatedly it's about the size of the individual. Whether you are a large man or a larger woman, being on a less powerful bike is looking for shit.

You say it's better to start small and learn as you go. That's exactly what I said. 250CC isn't a deathtrap. It's a perfect size to learn how to ride. If you don't want to drive a 250CC, then scale down to a 125 or a 150. There are good Suzuki's out there in the 150CC range that will give an excellent experience and teach a person to ride well.

As I said initially and as I'll say now. It's about safety. You can't drive a scooter in a dense traffic area. You can't drive it in a city with bumper to bumper traffic. It's looking for trouble. Look at the previous post where a member here mentioned he drove a large Scooter twice a week and fell a couple of times. He had 18 years of driving experience. It's looking for trouble.

 

[Areola Grande]

The Italian SO would murder any other chick.

Protip when dealing with italians:

Any time you mess up or they're angry or emotional, just take spaghetti and snap it in half. They will be so incensed by this, all the attention will go to this blasphemous act and you'll be in the clear for the prior transgression.

 

[Dom]

Protip when dealing with italians:

Any time you mess up or they're angry or emotional, just take spaghetti and snap it in half. They will be so incensed by this, all the attention will go to this blasphemous act and you'll be in the clear for the prior transgression.

I have yet to try this - my suggestion of keeping pasta in the car (for road rage) was not very well received.

 

[RumMum]

The Italian SO would murder any other chick.

I have a italian friend, very very short tempered, but heck, who gives a hoot if you don,t understand any of the swear words they use during a fight.....Just close your eyes and imagine her seducing you loudly....

 

[goldfritter]

@Dom in a cost-saving scenario, an already-paid-off vehicle is the best option, by far. It's a no-brainer. New bikes have various running costs so your monthly savings are likely to be quite minuscule, if anything. And you only need to fall off/be bumped into once (both of which are mostly out of your control and cannot be 100% avoided no matter how well or safely you ride) for the entire equation to go completely tits up again.

E.g. you are standing at a robot and a taxi with no brakes fails to stop. Not a high-speed collision, but in a car, you go "ouch" and drive around with a dinged bumper for a bit - on a bike it's mandatory repairs and broken bones. How would your finances change if, through no fault of your own, you had to be in hospital in traction for 3 - 6 months because of a broken femur? Sure, that can happen in a car too, but in SA the risk is orders of magnitude less in a car.

All to save maybe a couple hundred a month (if you are lucky)? Not worth.

 

[Dom]

I have a italian friend, very very short tempered, but heck, who gives a hoot if you don,t understand any of the swear words they use during a fight.....Just close your eyes and imagine her seducing you loudly....

Funnily enough - her Dad is the serious Italian douche bag.

She doesn't know much Italian but still has the hot blood

 

[PJtheKILL3R]

@Dom Listen to everyone on here, keep the car.
If you really really want to have a cheaper mode of transport, buy a E-Bike conversion kit and convert a old bicycle to a E-Bike.
Something like this

its probably still going to cost you R8K+ do to the conversion, but your fuel cost would be virtually zero.
But just beware, the only thing more dangerous to be on, on the road than a motorbike, is a bicycle.
God speed to you.

 

[RumMum]

Protip when dealing with italians:

Any time you mess up or they're angry or emotional, just take spaghetti and snap it in half. They will be so incensed by this, all the attention will go to this blasphemous act and you'll be in the clear for the prior transgression.

Nah, the Italian I know makes his own spaghettis. If I really, really want to insult him, I will tell him his fattis and monies are tasteful......He would not be insulted by snapping bought ones, he would celebrate....

 

[Dom]

@Ignored_Abortion in a cost-saving scenario, an already-paid-off vehicle is the best option, by far. It's a no-brainer. New bikes have various running costs so your monthly savings are likely to be quite minuscule, if anything. And you only need to fall off/be bumped into once (both of which are mostly out of your control and cannot be 100% avoided no matter how well or safely you ride) for the entire equation to go completely tits up again.

E.g. you are standing at a robot and a taxi with no brakes fails to stop. Not a high-speed collision, but in a car, you go "ouch" and drive around with a dinged bumper for a bit - on a bike it's mandatory repairs and broken bones. How would your finances change if, through no fault of your own, you had to be in hospital in traction for 3 - 6 months because of a broken femur? Sure, that can happen in a car too, but in SA the risk is orders of magnitude less in a car.

All to save maybe a couple hundred a month (if you are lucky)? Not worth.

Appreciate the detailed input - is what I am looking for in terms of all things to consider & the financial aspect!

 

[Dom]

@Ignored_Abortion Listen to everyone on here, keep the car.
If you really really want to have a cheaper mode of transport, buy a E-Bike conversion kit and convert a old bicycle to a E-Bike.
Something like this

its probably still going to cost you R8K+ do to the conversion, but your fuel cost would be virtually zero.
But just beware, the only thing more dangerous to be on, on the road than a motorbike, is a bicycle.
God speed to you.

I hear you loud & clear - I am just looking to weigh in opinions on all the factors + variables.

 

[BearZA]

For interest sake, what did the people who traded a car for a bike/scooter say?

FML, WTF was I thinking, Fuck My back just cannot, Fuck my wrists, Fuck it's cold, Fuck the medical aid doesn't cover all the expenses after the accident, the bike ended up costing me R20k+ in parts and labor for something small, "the bike is broken down and with the mechanic", can I get a lift? "The mechanics screwed me over" ... FUCK it's hot in the summertime, my toes are swimming in these boots(Even the vented boots get hot). Vented Jackets are also hot, unless you are on a much larger bike on the freeway, then it's lekker.

Etc etc. Bikes are not ideal as a main mode of transport, period. You will either sacrifice yourself physically or financially.

And if you are safety conscious, then all the gear, all the time. Which means it's inconvenient af.

Not sure on stats, but something like 80% of bike/scooter accidents happen within 2km from home, short trips where you generally wont be wearing all the gear.

Gear:
Yes boots(ankles break easier than one might think)
Yes Gloves (Obvious reasons)
Yes a decent helmet
Yes Denim or other suitable long pair of pants(Skin grafts are not fun ey)
Jacket, I'd say yes most of the time, and not a hoodie, those things do not keep your skin on your back.

 

[pɐlΛ‾pɐq‾ƃᴉq]

am not in financial ruin

Must be nice...

 

[ThatGuyJD]

Must be nice...

That happens when the world decides you're doing a bad thing.

Jk but yeah @Dom the paid off car is likely going to be the best bet to keep around. Got anyone you know with books that need doing if you have the time, know a couple of my colleagues do it in their spare time.

 

[Dom]

FML, WTF was I thinking, Fuck My back just cannot, Fuck my wrists, Fuck it's cold, Fuck the medical aid doesn't cover all the expenses after the accident, the bike ended up costing me R20k+ in parts and labor for something small, "the bike is broken down and with the mechanic", can I get a lift? "The mechanics screwed me over" ... FUCK it's hot in the summertime, my toes are swimming in these boots(Even the vented boots get hot). Vented Jackets are also hot, unless you are on a much larger bike on the freeway, then it's lekker.

Etc etc. Bikes are not ideal as a main mode of transport, period. You will either sacrifice yourself physically or financially.

And if you are safety conscious, then all the gear, all the time. Which means it's inconvenient af.

Not sure on stats, but something like 80% of bike/scooter accidents happen within 2km from home, short trips where you generally wont be wearing all the gear.

Gear:
Yes boots(ankles break easier than one might think)
Yes Gloves (Obvious reasons)
Yes a decent helmet
Yes Denim or other suitable long pair of pants(Skin grafts are not fun ey)
Jacket, I'd say yes most of the time, and not a hoodie, those things do not keep your skin on your back.

Those are definitely some drawbacks + considerations - regarding gear, it would always be sweat versus bleed.

Would never compromise on gear, for perspective - I am the only person I know who wears a mask all day at work; any time I am not in my home (walking around outside).

I am not boasting in any way but saying that I will prioritise the safety & work the inconvenience into my routine.

I would take the max time + research on gear (not skimping at all).

 

[Dom]

That happens when the world decides you're doing a bad thing.

Jk but yeah @Ignored_Abortion the paid off car is likely going to be the best bet to keep around. Got anyone you know with books that need doing if you have the time, know a couple of my colleagues do it in their spare time.

I have some feelers out but only so much time with balancing seeing the SO, studying & a bit of gym.

 

[Spectaitor]

Appreciate the thorough response - to add clarity, I do have a small amounts of savings & am not in financial ruin (just want to preserve these savings if possible).

For interest sake, what did the people who traded a car for a bike/scooter say?

Hear you on the gear - get new stuff if anything compromises it in any way.

Good point - I will add that to the list of things to check!

I would like to see that too but will probably be crying with only having enough fuel for 5 two litres.

I did the car/bike swop thingy.
Had an i10 and it always treated me well but had an itch for a bike that I had to scratch, I thought the bike would be cheaper, lol. Bought myself a DR650 as I enjoy exploring roads less traveled.

Pros for bike compared to car.

• Bike always makes short work of traffic WITHOUT me being needlessly unsafe. No need to lane split at 80kmph when everyone else is going 20kmph, you will see your ass if some1 decides to change a lane, be sensible.
• Fun to ride, always.
• Can't get grin off my face, ever.
• Faster than 99% of other cars, robot to robot.

Pros for car compared to bike.

• Weather ain't nothing but a thang. People do not realize how freaking cold your fingers get on a winters morning. Riding in the rain is scary if you haven't done it for ages, also you get 100% soaked and funny things happen like water dripping down your back off your helmet and that. Likewise there is no aircon in your bike, when the sun is beating down on your gear and you are waiting at a robot, you lose a liter a minute in sweat.
• Taking shit with you is a breeze. Need to grab some groceries? EZ! Need to take some extra box to work or a friend? EZ!
• Safety. Yes, ignore these fools telling you that you can be just as safe on a bike. No matter what, a car hits you and they are hitting YOU. You go flying. No amount of gear will stop the transfer of forces on your body better than a vehicle with crumple zones.

An aside, on the bike, I use roughly 1L/100km less than my current car (Sandero Stepway) in fuel compared to my bike, effectively not saving anything. I could get better but I enjoy twisting the throttle.
Tires last less than 10kkm on a bike, depending. Tires on a car can do 60kkm. Services aren't that far out price wise, bikes use less oil (2L in the bike and 3L in the car) but they both use filters and your bike still has brake pads, chain, sprockets etc that don't last forever either.

 

[∀Z‾soʇɐuɐɥ┴]

And if you are safety conscious, then all the gear, all the time. Which means it's inconvenient af.

Tbh it's really not all that inconvenient.
When I traveled to the office I just traveled with a pair of shoes in my backpack.
So boots, overpants, jacket, gloves, and helmet in terms of gear.
Yes in summer you sweat your balls off, but it's still better than the alternative.
As you said. skin grafts are not fun.

 

[Spectaitor]

Reasons why people think motorbikes are cheap.
Lots (i mean lots) of people in Thailand, China, even Nigeria use bikes as their main mode of transport for a few reasons, the same reasons they are cheap for them and the bike you get isn't.

• They are either in a packed city with no space to go fast, or the countryside where there are poor roads so you can't, meaning a small CC engine is perfect.
• They buy cheap (chinease) or their bikes like honda are manufactured locally, meaning cheap.
• Safety is never a concern. They do not fork out for safety gear meaning their R15k bike doesn't have R15k extra on the price tag for gear.
• No license needed for anything under 190cc in Vietnam is an example of less costs needed.
• Because no license, no insurance. OUTSURANCE wanted R800 insurance for my bike because I had just gotten my license after using a learners for 3 years, lol. Got much better with Santam after trying 3 others.

 

[BearZA]

Yes in summer you sweat your balls off, but it's still better than the alternative.

And here I am looking for a urologist to do a vasectomy, I might be sterile already.(Xkulcha Double thick on the East Coast was not fun)

 

[Dom]

Tbh it's really not all that inconvenient.
When I traveled to the office I just traveled with a pair of shoes in my backpack.
So boots, overpants, jacket, gloves, and helmet in terms of gear.
Yes in summer you sweat your balls off, but it's still better than the alternative.
As you said. skin grafts are not fun.

I am very strict with using aircon in my car and work has no shaded parking - I sweat balls already.

I would keep a change of clothes in a back pack.

No doubt that losing chunks of skin is not lekker.