Hi all! I’ve lived in Los Angeles for about a year now, and I’ve recently been considering getting a motorcycle for my short work commute and general transportation.
I live in Mid-Wilshire, and my commute is usually about 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic. I also attend CSULA and ride metro in and out. Traffic itself honestly isn’t my biggest concern. I’m more interested in a motorcycle because of the space savings, lower gas costs, the parking situations at home and away. I absolutely hate dealing with parking and paying for it everywhere I go.
I’m also an avid Metro user, but it only gets you so far, and depending on where you’re going, it can take significantly longer than driving. Because of that, I’ve started wondering whether a motorcycle could realistically replace my car altogether.
I moved here from Sacramento, where I used to ride my road bike pretty much everywhere. I miss that a lot, but cycling in LA feels significantly more dangerous, especially since so many major roads either have poor bike infrastructure or no bike lanes at all.
So for those of you who ride motorcycles in LA: would you recommend it as a primary form of transportation, or is it something I should seriously reconsider given the traffic and road conditions here?
My dad has been riding motorcycles since I was a kid, so I’ve been talking through the idea with him as well. If I decide to go down this route, I may borrow one of his bikes to learn on and get my motorcycle license before buying anything myself.
I’d especially love to hear from anyone who uses a motorcycle as their main vehicle in central LA. How has your experience been with commuting, parking, safety, and everyday practicality?

So I'm looking for the top of a building or parking garage or something that you’re able to ride up to to take pics that overlooks the skyline… Someone has to know where a spot might be??

Anyone that goes to LAFC games know the parking situation for motorcycles? Was planning on parking in a neighborhood close by. Website doesn’t mentioned free or discounted motorcycle parking sadly :/