@eemusings, Hunter – Amen, friends!

In response to the comments, I bought a 1999 Honda Shadow Aero (1100cc) for $3k from my father’s good friend, whom he trusts explicitly. I spent close to two hours checking out the bike, asking all kinds of questions (and as my bro can attest, I LIKE asking questions!) and getting all of the details before leaving to mull it over that night. The next day, I said yes, and here we are. Ba da bing, ba da … you know the rest.

To my bro’s point, I’ve been talking/thinking/dreaming about getting a motorcycle for about four years now, and honestly, it really didn’t have a lot to do with my sister’s new purchase. Frankly, I’m turning 30 in August, and I don’t want to live my life THINKING and WISHING. I want to live. my. life. I need to start accomplishing the things I want to do in this life, rather than simply talk about it all the time.

I can afford the bike, it has 18k miles in 12 years (you know a car like that?) and I’m getting about $1k worth of gear with it (4 helmets, winter suit, leather jacket with reflective vest, summer/winter gloves, original seat). What’s more, there’s a ton of add-ons, including a $1k Corbin seat. Blue book value on the bike is around the cost of the bike, and when you throw in all of the gear, it’s definitely a good investment. Helmets alone cost $200-300 a piece.

Sure, I bought it before getting my license, but it’s a no-brainer of a buy, and it worked out perfectly when it comes down to how I heard about it, what it comes with and how the bike looks/feels/runs. It’s almost like someone said, T-Penny, you want that bike you’ve been talking about forever? Boom, here’s everything you need to ride! Awesome. I’m a frugal mo fo (I never did buy that flat-screen TV), and this is one purchase I’m proud of. Worst case, I don’t like the bike or riding in general, I can sell it for a profit with all that gear! Or at least get the same amount I originally paid for it. Booyah! Or rather, vroom vroom!

Money is meant to be spent. As long as you take care of the little stuff, like debt reduction, emergency funds, retirement goals, then I think it’s important to enjoy yourself. If we can’t do that every once in a while then what’s it all for.

I always thought that made sense, as you can’t get a licence without a bike. Although I’ve just found out that here for the basic handling skills test they provide the bike. Go figure…

But yeah, it’s not like he’s never ridden before.

I don’t really think it’s wise of commenters to judge the validity of buying a bike. I’m going to go out on a limb and say most people buy one not for practical reasons (ie saving petrol, although that will CERTAINLY help seeing as petrol is now $2.19 a litre!!!) but because THEY WANT A BIKE. T has been wanting a motorbike for the longest time now, so this is him achieving a dream. Registration is expensive, but insurance and gas will be really cheap, especially given how much he travels around…and most importantly, it’s fun and and it’s a hobby for him.

…. so maybe you need to stay away from that Benz dealership!

Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler have a huge line of research on how we’re affected when people in our social network do something. So they agree with you! And hey, maybe you started it all with your job.