Buying a second car can make sense when you need another vehicle for commuting, errands or occasional trips. But if your daily driving needs are fairly simple, there is another option worth considering: a motorcycle.
For many American riders, a motorcycle can handle the everyday trips that do not require four doors, a large trunk or rear-seat space. It can also be easier to maneuver through crowded streets and takes up far less room in the garage. The key is choosing a motorcycle that is comfortable and practical enough for regular use, rather than buying something purely for weekend fun.
If I were deciding between adding another car to the driveway or buying a motorcycle for everyday transportation, these are five bikes I would seriously consider.
The Honda Rebel 500 would be one of my first choices for this role because it combines an approachable size with enough performance for both city streets and highway riding. Honda's current Rebel 500 uses a 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine and a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch. ABS is now standard on the model.
One of its biggest advantages is its low 27.2-inch seat height. That makes stopping at traffic lights, maneuvering around parking lots and handling slow-speed situations less intimidating, particularly for newer or shorter riders.
The Rebel 500 also has a relatively simple, lightweight cruiser design that works well for commuting. It is not overloaded with unnecessary complexity, and its relaxed riding position makes it suitable for everyday trips.
At a starting MSRP of $6,799 before destination charges, it is not a cheap motorcycle, but it can still make more financial sense than purchasing another car if your second vehicle would mostly be used for short trips.
If a smaller motorcycle is enough for your daily routine, the Triumph Speed 400 is another bike I would put high on the list.
The Speed 400 brings a retro-inspired design together with a modern single-cylinder engine. Its relatively compact dimensions make it well suited to city riding, while the engine provides enough performance to keep the motorcycle interesting beyond basic commuting.
Its biggest appeal as a second-car alternative is balance. You do not necessarily need a large motorcycle to handle everyday transportation in the US. A middleweight bike can be easier to park, easier to maneuver and less intimidating in congested areas.
The Speed 400 has also been positioned below larger middleweight motorcycles on price. The model's $4,995 MSRP has made it one of the more accessible modern Triumph motorcycles in the American market.
For someone who wants a motorcycle that feels stylish enough for weekend rides but remains practical for weekday commuting, the Speed 400 is a strong candidate.
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The Kawasaki Eliminator is another motorcycle I would consider if the goal is to replace the need for a second car without giving up highway capability.
It has a cruiser-style design, but Kawasaki keeps the overall package relatively manageable. The bike is powered by a 451cc parallel-twin engine and uses a six-speed transmission. Its low-slung design also gives it an approachable riding position.
What makes the Eliminator interesting is that it sits between a small commuter motorcycle and a larger cruiser. It has enough engine capacity for more than just local trips, while its relatively compact layout remains friendly for everyday riding.
The Eliminator is also priced competitively against motorcycles such as the Honda Rebel 500. That makes it worth considering for buyers who want a cruiser without moving into the much larger and heavier motorcycle category.
For someone who expects regular highway use along with city commuting, the Eliminator could be a particularly sensible choice.
If the motorcycle needs to replace more than just short city trips, I would move up to something like the Yamaha MT-07.
The MT-07 has a 689cc parallel-twin engine and offers substantially more performance than smaller commuter-focused motorcycles. That extra power makes highway riding and overtaking more comfortable while still keeping the bike relatively manageable for everyday use.
The MT-07 is also known for being a versatile middleweight rather than a motorcycle designed for only one type of riding. That is important if you are eliminating a second car because the bike may need to cover commuting during the week and longer recreational trips on weekends.
The current-generation MT-07 has also received equipment and chassis updates, while its reputation as a middleweight all-rounder remains strong.
There is one important consideration, though: the MT-07 is more motorcycle than many people actually need for basic transportation. If most of your trips are short urban journeys, a smaller bike may be more economical and easier to live with.
But if you want one motorcycle that can cover commuting, highway travel and weekend riding, the MT-07 makes a lot of sense.
The Honda NC750X is perhaps the most practical motorcycle on this list if the goal is to replace some of the functionality of a second car.
Rather than focusing purely on styling or outright performance, the NC750X is designed around versatility. Its larger engine, upright riding position and practical design make it better suited to riders who expect to cover a mixture of city streets and longer roads.
One of the biggest reasons it deserves consideration is practicality. Unlike many motorcycles that leave you wondering where to put everyday items, the NC750X has traditionally been built with everyday usability in mind. That can make a major difference if the motorcycle is actually going to be used as transportation rather than simply as a recreational machine.
It also offers a different ownership proposition from something like a cruiser. You sit more upright, have a commanding view of traffic and get a motorcycle that can handle a broader range of riding situations.
For someone who wants a motorcycle to serve as a genuine transportation tool rather than simply a fun alternative to a second car, the NC750X is one of the strongest options to consider.
The biggest advantage of choosing a motorcycle instead of another car is that you may not need a full-size vehicle for every trip.
A motorcycle takes up considerably less garage space, can be easier to park and generally uses fewer resources than running another car. For a person whose second vehicle would mainly be used for commuting, grabbing groceries, visiting nearby locations or making short trips, a motorcycle can cover many of those journeys.
There are compromises, of course. Weather is an obvious one. Rain, snow and extreme temperatures can make a motorcycle considerably less practical than a car. Carrying passengers and larger purchases is also much harder.
Safety is another important consideration. A motorcycle does not provide the same physical protection as a car, so proper riding gear, training and responsible riding habits matter.
That is why I would not recommend replacing a second car with a motorcycle simply because the motorcycle is cheaper. The decision makes sense when your lifestyle and typical trips actually suit two wheels.
Also Read: 5 Cars That Make More Sense Than an SUV for Daily Driving
If the priority were simple everyday transportation, the Honda Rebel 500 would be one of my top choices because of its approachable dimensions, low seat and usable middleweight engine.
For a more affordable and lightweight option, the Triumph Speed 400 would be appealing. If highway use were more important, the Kawasaki Eliminator would deserve a close look.
For riders who want considerably more versatility and performance, the Yamaha MT-07 is the more exciting choice, while the Honda NC750X makes the strongest case for practicality.
A second car is useful, but it is not always necessary. If most of your daily trips involve one person, relatively short distances and reasonable weather, a well-chosen motorcycle can provide transportation, recreation and a completely different way to get around—all from one machine.
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