My Motorbike

I had no idea I was going to buy a motorbike this soon. I always had it in my head to be more mobile one of these days but was just waiting to finish with prior financial commitment before starting with one. Guess part of changing is being spontaneous.

Looking back, what really are my reasons to buy a motorbike?

To Save - with the continuous fare increases, it is nearly impossible to even have something extra for a minimum-waged-employee to save, and that is talking only of the least number of rides for a day. Sometimes I wouldn't even go out unless I really have to. I know most people wonder why this is such a turn-on to buy a motorbike when you also have to spend on gas, which is also everly increasing anyway (which is actually the main reason why fares are increasing). Before I even seriously considered buying, I asked friends if it is really economical. Everybody said yes and strongly recommended that I push through with it.

Time - this is personal. I've been feeling that I'm wasting a lot of time sitting on a vehicle while the driver scouts around for passengers. I don't blame them, it's their source of income but it doesn't mean I have to persistently be annoyed almost everyday of my life. And that's just one part. I also have to wake up and prepare early during weekdays to avoid traffic. Not that I will be late but because drivers refuse to take me, avoiding the drive through the traffic area that is my workplace. Just imagine the annoyance and sometimes pity I feel for myself when I'm standing alone waiting for one driver who (a) knows me; (b) has no other choice but to take me; (c) who doesn't know where I work; and as if waiting is not enough (just imagine me there waiting in the rain) I sometimes encounter grumpy drivers who roll their eyes upon knowing where I'm going. And I also find that it prevents me from maximizing my time. I have to go home before the last trip or else I have to pay for all passenger capacity of the vehicle just to go home. That also falls under saving.

Safety - I always believe that wherever you are, whatever you're doing, accident happens. So I am not saying I'm safer from it by driving. It's quite the contrary because I'm more at risk. But when I said safety, it's safety from abuse or assault especially when I'm travelling alone at night. I had at least two encounters where I almost jumped out of a moving vehicle just because the driver decided to use a different route.

These are the topmost reasons I considered before buying a motorbike.

Once I have decided, we went out to canvass and look out for one that's affordable and fairly decent.

Before buying, my bike-related knowledge is zero so I let my dad and the sales clerk talk about the technical stuff. If it's new and it's working, I'm fine with it. Well, of course I also asked a friend for some recommendations.

And here is what I chose:

SUZUKI SMASH 110 - my new baby
Brand: Suzuki Motorcycle
Model: FD110XCDU
Engine No.: E433-306815
Chassis No.: BE 495-206776
Color: Blue-Black

As a neophyte rider, I have no other comparison or personal judgement regarding my bike. I wouldn't even be able to reason why I bought it. But I'm glad I did and I'm happy to have it. Going home, riding at the back (my dad driving coz i dont know how to drive yet), I'm very proud of myself - to have accomplished something and purchased (well.. loaned) something on my own.

As I mentioned safety, I have to be safe. This safety helmet is by far the coolest one in town because (1) it's probably the newest out on the street right now and (2) it's mine! hehe. The visor is tinted for protection from glare, there are airholes on top (around the forehead ared) and on the mouth/nose area. The background color goes well with any shade of clothing as it is mostly white with minimal design. The inside is really fitted on the head with very little room for movement but is cushioned with foam covered with soft material.

I used to be self-conscious wearing it because most riders here don't wear one or those who do will be driving a very long distance - not just going to the office which is a merely 2km drive. Sometimes I get teased - about being too safe and/or too made-up. It sometimes gets me - I'm still a very insecure rider. But I have two nagging people who wouldn't let me succumb to the teasing. And I'm proud to annouce that I have now converted one of them to wear a helmet. Yey!