Go Back   EcoModder Forum > EcoModding > Motorcycles / Scooters
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 10-29-2015, 05:42 PM   #11 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: na
Posts: 1,025
Thanks: 277
Thanked 218 Times in 185 Posts
With such a short commute a motorcycle isn't worth it. Your getting 36 mpg, most bikes get 45, but tire cost is higher, another vehicle to insure and register. It's not going to save any money.

But if you want a toy and ride to work once and a while KLR650, DR650, XR650L. KLR650 you'd go 5-6 weeks between filling the tank.

  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to roosterk0031 For This Useful Post:
Frank Lee (10-29-2015)
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 10-29-2015, 06:11 PM   #12 (permalink)
(:
 
Frank Lee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: up north
Posts: 12,762

Blue - '93 Ford Tempo
Last 3: 27.29 mpg (US)

F150 - '94 Ford F150 XLT 4x4
90 day: 18.5 mpg (US)

Sport Coupe - '92 Ford Tempo GL
Last 3: 69.62 mpg (US)

ShWing! - '82 honda gold wing Interstate
90 day: 33.65 mpg (US)

Moon Unit - '98 Mercury Sable LX Wagon
90 day: 21.24 mpg (US)
Thanks: 1,585
Thanked 3,555 Times in 2,218 Posts
As I noted, if a scooter works the high fe is attainable.

Most bikes of any "highway" size seem stuck at about 45mpg.

I'm getting 40 with a best of 50mpg with a Tracer. Not much incentive to bike in that regard.

P.S. Yeah I wouldn't rely on bicycling that distance daily, but I'd sure do it some of the time. It really isn't bad when you are used to it.
__________________



Last edited by Frank Lee; 10-29-2015 at 06:27 PM..
  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to Frank Lee For This Useful Post:
roosterk0031 (10-29-2015)
Old 10-29-2015, 06:49 PM   #13 (permalink)
Spaced out...
 
spacemanspif's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dirty Jersey
Posts: 748

The New Focus - '07 Ford Focus ZX5
90 day: 32.44 mpg (US)
Thanks: 142
Thanked 205 Times in 149 Posts
I like this style of bike for reference:

And this is the area in dealing with for my commute. The recommended path is the highway route I plan to take, as you can see there is a water body in the way and not many crossing options.
__________________
-Mike

2007 Ford Focus ZX5 - 91k - SGII, pending upper and lower grill bocks - auto trans
1987 Monte Carlo SS - 5.3/4L80E swap - 13.67 @ 106
2007 Ford Focus Estate - 230k - 33mpg - Retired 4/2018
1995 Saturn SL2 - 256K miles - 44mpg - Retired 9/2014

Cost to Operate Spreadsheet for "The New Focus"

  Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to spacemanspif For This Useful Post:
Daox (11-02-2015)
Old 10-29-2015, 07:25 PM   #14 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,927
Thanks: 877
Thanked 2,024 Times in 1,304 Posts
Suzuki TU250X. I owned one and it will handle the short Interstate part of the commute unless you are over 6 feet and 225lbs. You can also adjust the exhaust valves without removing anything else but the access cover. The intake valve will require tank removal.

regards
mech

Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	suzuki-tu250x-3_600x0w.jpg
Views:	752
Size:	53.9 KB
ID:	18983  

Last edited by user removed; 10-29-2015 at 07:31 PM..
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2015, 08:06 PM   #15 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: na
Posts: 1,025
Thanks: 277
Thanked 218 Times in 185 Posts
I've owned a 2000 KLR 650 good bike 45-50 mpg 20,000 miles later sold to get a 2001 FZ1 1000, 45 mpg, tires cost more than fuel per mile. 20,000 miles later sold and got a 93 zx600e, really liked that bike, sold it and bought it back even though 2nd gear didn't work. Traded it to a Ninja 250, hated it. Sold it got a 1999 Concours ZG1000 30,000 miles later sold it cause I wasn't riding it enough to justify keeping it.

My best/smartest/most researched choice was the first one with the KLR, though the first generation FZ1 was and still is a great bike as a toy, not money saver.

Should have stuck with the KLR and still have it parked in the garage for weekend rides. My garage now has lawnmowers.

Dual sports are great for weekend exploring as well as taking the long detour after work. One night when wife and kids were away I took a 200 mile detour on the KLR. But could still do a 400 mile day with minimal discomfort.

Last edited by roosterk0031; 10-29-2015 at 08:13 PM..
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2015, 08:57 PM   #16 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,927
Thanks: 877
Thanked 2,024 Times in 1,304 Posts
2009 Suzuki TU250X Gas Mileage (TU250X) - EcoModder.com

Here is my TU250 fuel log.

regards
mech
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2015, 09:27 PM   #17 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: na
Posts: 1,025
Thanks: 277
Thanked 218 Times in 185 Posts
Problem is he's using 1.11 gallons per week, even if he cut's that in half 26 weeks a year which won't happen he's not having to buy 14.43 gallons of gas. Even at $3 a gallon he'd save $43.29 per year. More realistic he'll ride to work closer to 1/4 of the time for a grand saving of $21.65.

If you want a toy, get a fun toy, forget MPG. Like Frank said most get around 45 mpg, only one I've put many miles that didn't follow that was my dads Gold wing that got 32.

Find a Vmax, Bandit 1200, first gen FZ1 or if you have gravel roads and off road areas anywhere close get a 250-400-650 dual sport.
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2015, 09:28 PM   #18 (permalink)
Spaced out...
 
spacemanspif's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dirty Jersey
Posts: 748

The New Focus - '07 Ford Focus ZX5
90 day: 32.44 mpg (US)
Thanks: 142
Thanked 205 Times in 149 Posts
I'm ok with a dual sport but really like the looks of Old Mechanic's tu250. Only problem I see is that there are none in my area on CL lol. Cycle trader has 2013s for sale in the $4,000 dollar range, which is a bit more than I'm looking to spend. I'm more in the $1,500 range unless the future Mrs. Spif lets me open the wallet more after the wedding. Good thing is that I have a few months before warm weather sets in to save pennies and look for deals.
__________________
-Mike

2007 Ford Focus ZX5 - 91k - SGII, pending upper and lower grill bocks - auto trans
1987 Monte Carlo SS - 5.3/4L80E swap - 13.67 @ 106
2007 Ford Focus Estate - 230k - 33mpg - Retired 4/2018
1995 Saturn SL2 - 256K miles - 44mpg - Retired 9/2014

Cost to Operate Spreadsheet for "The New Focus"

  Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2015, 09:29 PM   #19 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: WI
Posts: 473
Thanks: 157
Thanked 77 Times in 55 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by spacemanspif View Post
I like this style of bike for reference:
That's a 70s Honda (CB550 I think), redone in a "Cafe Racer" style. It's usually something you build yourself from a unrestored bike purchased for cheap.

There's a lot to do to get it rideable and reliable, and unless you really feel like learning to wrench, I would pass on that for now (or as your only cycle). If you buy one on CL already done, I would be very careful. Plenty of these are built by people that have no idea what they are doing.

There are some newer models that have a similar look.

What is your budget?
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2015, 09:52 PM   #20 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: na
Posts: 1,025
Thanks: 277
Thanked 218 Times in 185 Posts
Kawaski W650, its going to blow your budget. But if you take your time maybe can find a good deal.

  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread


Thread Tools




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com