How Bikers Save Money for their Road Trip(s)

Admittedly, when most people see a Biker, they think that they have little to no money. And in most cases they'd be wrong. (Unless you see us right after a trip to a Bike Rally or long road trip.)

On my way back from Laconia, NH

Truth be told the average Biker has a decent bank roll. There's their Harley-Davidson motorcycle, about $12K+. Then there's all the Riding Gear- leather and/or nylon jackets, leather chaps, usually two or more helmets, rain gear, boots and gloves- probably $2500 all together. Plus there's bike parts and maintenance, another $1000-$2000 annually, depending on the bike's mileage. 

And then we have money for our long road trips, probably to Laconia or Sturgis, or over several (or longer) days. That's fuel (although it only takes $20 or so to fill up on high octane), food, lodging, entertainment and souvenirs. 

Our bikes (I'm in the middle) on the Cape May - Lewis Ferry

But how do Bikers afford it all? How can we afford to take our long road trips across states, or maybe even across the country? 

We save for it. And this is how we do it:

1) We don't spend excessively when we're home. We don't get Starbucks every morning, we drink the coffee at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson. We don't eat out every lunch time, we bring our lunches with us to work. Cable and streaming services are at a minimum, we look to save on groceries, and we do our drinking at home (which also saves on DUI charges!). We know that while we're on our Road Trips we'll be having coffee, eating out and having loads of entertainment while having our adventures, so waiting for that is worth it.

2) We use dedicated savings accounts. By cutting our expenses at home we're able to put that money immediately into a savings account where we can't touch it. We take $25 a week out of our paycheck, so at the end of the month that's $100, and at the end of six months that's $600. See how fast that adds up?

My boots in the sand at Lake Winnipesaukee

3) Have spare change will travel. I'm talking about apps that take the spare change from purchases on your debit card and invest them (Acorns, Digit and Chime). You spend $29.32 filling up your car, they'll take the remaining $0.68 cents and put that into an investment account. You'll be surprised at just how fast that adds up!! With Acorns (that's what I have and I love them!!) you can even have them invest another $10 -or which ever amount you wish -every week and it'll add up even faster. The only caveat: it takes about a week to ten days to withdraw your money.

Then there's apps like Ibotta, EBates and other cash back sites that will put money in your account for making certain purchases. It's a little, but it's still money that adds up over time.

4) We are H.O.G.s! That stands for the Harley Owners Group and you can be a member as long as you own at least one Harley motorcycle. By being a member you'll get pins & patches for mileage accumulated, HOG Magazine, Touring Handbook and more. While at home you can save on your AT&T wireless services, motorcycle insurance & shipping. While your traveling on the road, even if you're in your car, you can save on lodging with Best Western Ride Rewards. See all the H.O.G. membership benefits for yourself by clicking here.

5) Of course you can't travel by motorcycle if you don't have one! We at FXCHD have that covered: until the end of January 2018 we at FXCHD have a "No Money Down, No Payments 90 Days" with AmeriCU. Get the new bike now and be ready to ride come spring-time.

As with any travel, things rarely go exactly according to plan. So you'll want a little money cushion and be open to adjusting your plans as needed. And remember what all Bikers know to be true: 

It's the journey, not the destination, 

that makes all the difference.

Me stuck in the middle again!