5 Ways That Motor Bikes Make Sense for Beach Residents

With the wealth of entertainment opportunities on the beaches, it's easy to go up and down Gulf Boulevard multiple times in a week. One day, it's dinner in Pass-A-Grille, and another you may want to grab a coffee in Indian Shores.

Even if you live in the middle of the Pinellas Beaches, all that driving is bound to eat up a fair share of gas.

A simple solution to gas-guzzling is to consider some form of two-wheeled vehicles. They make a lot of sense for Beach residents. After all, beach living is all about life in the slow lane.

I've been looking around for a new motorcycle or scooter lately and decided to share some of the tips that I've learned over my five years of motorcycle riding. This is by no means a definitive guide, but it should help you get started on your search for a motor bike.

Scooters and motorcycles are not only more efficient with fuels than most cars (hybrids excluded), but the openness of a bike is a perfect fit for the beaches.

1. The first thing to do if you're considering using a bike-type of vehicle is to try one out. If you don't have a friend who'll let you borrow a scooter for a day, you can always check one of the many rental locations along Gulf Boulevard. The prices are usually set up by the day or the hour.
2. If you find out that you're absolutely loving the open air speeding across your face as you go along (Trust me, it's an addictive feeling!), it'll be time to decide whether you'd like to go for a motorcycle or a scooter. Typically, scooters are lower power machines with smaller wheels and automatic transmissions. While they aren't going to hit the high speeds necessary for freeway trips, they're absolutely perfect for all of Gulf Boulevard. Scooters under 49cc also will not require any additional endorsement on your license and some can get nearly 100 miles to the gallon!
3. Scooters also tend to be less expensive than motorcycles, although there is a greater variety of scooters at varying qualities. It is especially important to research scooter brands before you buy one.
4. If you're looking for a bit more oomph to your bike, a motorcycle is the way to go. With engines typically starting at 250cc, most motorcycles have enough speed to keep up with the bigger vehicles on the road. The caveat is that you'll need an endorsement on your license in order ride one. You can get the endorsement through a safety course that'll teach you how to drive safely and smartly.
5. Whatever you decide to ride, you'll end up saving money almost immediately. If you use a scooter or motorcycle for most of your transportation, your gas bills will see a significant drop within a week.