Video: Honda scores with 98 mpg (US) CBR125R motorcycle

[alvaro84]

Two or three years ago I was determined to get one, too. I was talking with users on other forums and I have the impression that you mustn't be a big guy to get more than 80mph top speed stock (their own speedo, not gps) and forget upright position to get there.
The FE is impressive nevertheless. And the looks too. I'd still happily try one.

[kawboyCAFE]

i would love to try one too, but unfortunately the united states are stupid and seem to think you have to have the biggest size bike available. i never will understand why someone feels they need a 1800cc motorcycle. can we say overkill anyone. and its even funnier that they cant legally go any faster than i can on my 250cc. and even illegally they cant out run me up to about 90 MPH. but that is just the stupid thinking here, ya know, bigger bike is better bike. yeah right. the only thing you get out of a big bike is more fuel consumption. it always cracks me up when i see someone pay 10,000-20,000 dollars for a bike that gets about 35-40 MPG. shoot, my ford escort will do that, and its got air conditioner. they need to bring more 125cc bikes to the US, i think they would be amazed at how quick they would sell, especially with gas being close to $3 a gallon.

[cosmic_kid]

Exactly. If it doesn't have loud pipes, or top out over 300kph, it's not worth it to most guys out there... Incidentally I did some looking for pricing, since I'm near the border. These are about the same price as a Ninja 250, IIRC....

[Varn]

Hey guys why should someone NOT purchase or build a large bike if that is what they want, can afford and find the most fun.

Japanese motorcycle manufactures learned about 35 years ago that sales went through the roof once they started making bikes that the majority of riders wanted.

If you just have to have a 125, just pry the motor out of your existing 250 and put in a 125.

[kawboyCAFE]

Originally Posted by Varn

Hey guys why should someone NOT purchase or build a large bike if that is what they want, can afford and find the most fun.

Japanese motorcycle manufactures learned about 35 years ago that sales went through the roof once they started making bikes that the majority of riders wanted.

If you just have to have a 125, just pry the motor out of your existing 250 and put in a 125.

thats the whole point. you CAN buy the biggest motorcycle YOU want, but we dont have the option to get the 125cc bikes that WE want. so whos getting the shaft here, huh? but that is the exact kind of thinking i am talking about. most americans think that if it gets any better than 45 MPG, or is any slower than 80 MPH, then it isnt worth having. having a 1000cc bike to get around town is like having a 10 inch pecker and only getting to use the first 3 inches.

[cosmic_kid]

Originally Posted by kawboyCAFE

thats the whole point. you CAN buy the biggest motorcycle YOU want, but we dont have the option to get the 125cc bikes that WE want. so whos getting the shaft here, huh? but that is the exact kind of thinking i am talking about. most americans think that if it gets any better than 45 MPG, or is any slower than 80 MPH, then it isnt worth having. having a 1000cc bike to get around town is like having a 10 inch pecker and only getting to use the first 3 inches.

Story of my life... *ba-dum-ching*

[Varn]

Not sure what your phallic imagery has to do with motorcycles. If I go more than half a mile from my house I usually don't walk. I ride my bicycle or take a motor vehicle. If I spend more than 3% of my income on fuel then it becomes a concern.

If you want a 125 and it is not available then feel free to do it yourself. In the part of the country that I live in riding 55 is a recipe for disaster if I am on pavement. Putting a 125 single four stroke in a small road bike is not much of a challenge. 250s make a much better compromise in speed and economy.

Rather can complain make up what works.

[cosmic_kid]

Originally Posted by Varn

"He who knows best knows how little he knows."
T. Jefferson

If I knew what I was doing, I sure would, but I know well enough that I don't know nearly enough to build my own bike. Heck, I've never even fixed a chain on a pedal bike.... Don't you think if we could, we would? Instead, we're looking at companies like Honda and others selling the bikes we want, outside the US, and not here. That's all.

[Varn]

Hi CosmicKid
Okay swapping a motor would be too tough for you at this point. Start by repairing something. Fix or replace that chain on your bike. I know that I didn't learn how to use tools before I tried.

I would say that most of the projects here are by people who are learning by doing.

Originally Posted by cosmic_kid

If I knew what I was doing, I sure would, but I know well enough that I don't know nearly enough to build my own bike. Heck, I've never even fixed a chain on a pedal bike.... Don't you think if we could, we would? Instead, we're looking at companies like Honda and others selling the bikes we want, outside the US, and not here. That's all.

[Techmaven]

Originally Posted by kawboyCAFE

dont believe that crap about the virago/vstar 250 getting 90+ mpg. its a lie. i had one, and if i drove it real easy it would get between 75-80 mpg. if i drove it hard it would get about 60-65 mpg. to get 90+ mpg on a virago/vstar 250 you would have to drive 30 mph, and weigh about 100 pounds. those just aren't real life figures. i am not saying it cant be done, just that you would have to work REALLY, REALLY hard to do it. and if you were going to do that, you might as well get a 50cc scooter. oh well, just my 2 cents.

I have a 1988 Yamaha XV250 Route66 and it's last two tanks netted 82.3 and 88.2mpg. I still have the stock 16/45 gearing but plan to change to the 38t rear..Bike is used for my work commute and I rarely exceed 45-50mph which likely contributes to the good mileage figures.