gas mileage for bikes

[71 LS6]

Considering the increasing gas prices, and my hour drive to and from work, I'm thinking about buying a motorcycle. Nothing fancy, probably around 600cc. Unfortunately, I doubt my parents will let me unless I can make a good case for gas money savings. Anyone have any numbers on this? Thanks.

[RRfireblade]

If I remember,I got somewhere in the mid 40's on the last 600 I had,45-47 or something.

Both the CBR9's I currently have get around 40.('98 CBR919,'03 CBR954)

[cphilip]

Yea... anywhere from 40 to 55 MPG on a 600cc would be about right. If you stay out of the throttle all the time you could see 50 regularly. These Vespa 200cc ones get like 65-75 MPGs or so. But they are mostly for inner city stuff. They are great for that. But not open road cruising.

There are some nice little 250cc units around these days. Yamaha and Suzuki both make some really nice looking cruisers in that size. The Yamaha one is the nicest I seen. A real V twin 250cc bike. They see like 65 MPG with those things. But they are not for interstate travel. They will do 55 fine but struggle to keep at 65 miles per hour. Good basic transportation. But beyond the cost of them remember the cost of good protective equipment. You can figure on about 300 bucks for that stuff. Plus you gotta think about traveling in bad weather. And insurance. If your young then that can be high. DO NOT Get a performance bike. IT WILL BE HIGER insurance and it will likely get you killed. Stick to around 500cc if you can. Not much more.

[Fixion]

I was also thinking about getting a bike. Something like a Honda CBR 600 (older one), or an old yamaha also arround 600cc. I don't want anything bigger since I think thats already enough. About how much would insurance be? I'm 18, no tickets, no accidents. Would the insurance be significanlty less if I get something under 500cc?

[Restola]

Originally posted by Fixion
About how much would insurance be? I'm 18, no tickets, no accidents.

When I got it quoted about 4 years ago (when I was your age) it was about $2500/year.

Keep in mind you only need the expensive insurance when you are riding it. Around here that would only be maybe 5 months a year. The rest of the time its like $15/m for insurance against fire/theft/weather if its in storage.

[doodeitstom]

If your parents arent cool with it, most likely a gas consumption argument isnt going to help. Your sacrificing comfortability, protection from the elements, and most importantly safety when you purchase a bike. If you itch for the need for speed and willing to take a risk with your life, go ahead. Of course, bike courses will help greatly. If you commute alot, I wouldnt recommend a bike. JUST BUY A HONDA! * PUTS ON FLAME SUIT *

[71 LS6]

I refuse to buy a Honda. Only import I'd buy would be a bike. Basically let's put it this way: I've been brought up around american muscle and car shows; my dad buys and sells street rods. There's no way I'll get a sports car any time soon, insurance is too expensive and I have to pay for college soon. I wouldn't be getting a crotch-rocket; I want something to commute on, not a donor bike. My dad doesn't care, just my mom is scared to death of them. Next summer I'll be 19 anyway, so then I can get one regardless.

[RRfireblade]

Originally posted by 71 LS6
I refuse to buy a Honda. Only import I'd buy would be a bike.

A great many Hondas are made here in the U.S. by hard working U.S. citizens.

[cphilip]

I understand the Honda ACE is very sweet. And resonable too. But when it comes to bike motors Yamaha has always had a little edge. The V Star is a really nice 650cc bike. Total package I think better than the Honda. They both awfully good though. Harleys are to overpriced and not as smooth a motor but they are the best at putting out raw power and have some of the best clearances under the frames. Plus they keep their resale value very good. Even Suzuki has some decent stuff to think about but for the most part is in the rear of the pack of those.


They all are dangerous though. Take the Motorcycle safety course and get the gear. Drive like your about to get killed every minute. Cause you are!

I got a place to call if you want cheap insurance. I suggest you younger riders DO NOT finance a bike. Buy what you can and get just liability. So you can afford it. And stick to a smaller cc bike. Cheaper. Not only to buy but to insure. And you not going to lose as much money if it gets stollen of you dump it and its your fault.

[RRfireblade]

But when it comes to bike motors Yamaha has always had a little edge.

Don't agree.

Harleys ......................the best at putting out raw power

Don't agree.

The V Star.....Total package I think better than the Honda

Again.....don't agree.

[cphilip]

No one ever does RR....

[RRfireblade]

Originally posted by cphilip
No one ever does RR....

When they do........my work here will be done.

Until then...............lot's more typing...........

[cphilip]

Oh well don't forget to edit in the negative I had for each of them as well! They all do have those too. No perfect thing I guess. Although I know your going to claim there is one!!!

[RRfireblade]

Actually I editted out the stuff I agreed with.

[cphilip]

LOL... good.