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View Poll Results: Which Bike?
Honda c70 1 12.50%
Honda c91M 0 0%
Honda Super 90 1 12.50%
Honda CD125 2 25.00%
Other (similar sizes) 0 0%
Other (larger, 150+cc) 4 50.00%
Voters: 8. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 06-05-2008, 09:41 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Question What kind of bike?

I am looking to buy a scooter/small motorcycle this summer to use as my primary commuting vehicle. I've read about safety and all that jazz, and really I feel confident that I'm just as likely to die in my car as on a bike, so I might as well get the near 100mpg out of a used scooter.

I am 200-215lbs (depending on the week) and am 6'1" so I know that a little 50cc scooter won't do it for me (I live in Ann Arbor Michigan, so have hills to contend with). For this reason I am looking into bigger bikes, but really need some solid suggestions. My favorite bike of all time is the Honda Passport (70cc, the bigger cousin to the Honda Cub... best selling bike of all time if I'm not mistaken). Because of this I'm trying really hard to find a good c70 or even better the more rare c91M (89cc version of the Cub/Passport)

What I really want to know is, will 70/90cc scooter be enough for my body? I don't need to go more than 40-45mph, and only have one difficult hill to climb on my commute.

What other bikes should I look into (I have done a little research into the s90 or "super 90" as well as the cd125)

I'd love to hear some thoughts, just remember I'm going for as close to 100mpg as possible, while still getting some hill climbing power and a top speed of at least 40-45mph.

Thanks.

Honda c90

Honda Super 90

Honda cd125


p.s. I'm going for a cool 'classic' look if possible, I don't mind doing some repairs and upkeep, and my price range is around 500-600$ (hence I'm looking at 1960-1980's bikes)

Also if anyone is selling such a bike in the Michigan area (I'm willing to travel) let me know.

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Old 06-06-2008, 03:08 AM   #2 (permalink)
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I say go with what you can find, I love my Honda cb125, has about the same top speed as my cb100 did but slightly better pickup, I'm 235lb and can take a 150+ pound passenger without issue and have had a 180lb passenger plus a para sail pack (40-50lb) and we maxed out at 45mph (normal top speed is 55mph), and they are extremely easy to work on and need very little attention.
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Old 06-06-2008, 12:29 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Hello,

Here's what i would look at:



The fuel consumption is given as ~59mpg for the 125cc version, and 54mpg for the 250cc version. I like the stability, and the lack of the need for a sidestand...
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Old 06-09-2008, 10:40 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard View Post
Hello,

Here's what i would look at:



The fuel consumption is given as ~59mpg for the 125cc version, and 54mpg for the 250cc version. I like the stability, and the lack of the need for a sidestand...
I'd like to see this go through an accident manuever course... Somehow I doubt it could be snapped over to full lean anywhere as quick as a normal scooter. Some of these things seem like solutions to problems that don't occur with good riding technique. I'd think in urban riding your safety is based on awareness and agility, not ultimate cornering grip.

Anyways back to the original request, do you want 100mpg before using driving techniques or after? I would go on the bigger end for a bike, I don't think they cost more to insure up to 249cc. Dual sport motorbikes would be good to learn on, the motorcycle courses here use them. They get you into a good position to see what's going on and control the bike, plus their tires aren't so unforgiving when you encounter sand and gravel on the road. They don't look cool but at 30-40 mph I don't think the lack of aerodynamics will matter much.
Here's a 1983 Honda XL185
Also, atleast in my area I would double the amount of money you want to spend, $1000-1200 can get you something to ride more than work on. I guess the small scooters could be found for less but not a motorcycle.
Ian
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Old 06-09-2008, 12:33 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard View Post
Hello,

Here's what i would look at:



The fuel consumption is given as ~59mpg for the 125cc version, and 54mpg for the 250cc version. I like the stability, and the lack of the need for a sidestand...
That's it? I get 60-70MPG on my Ninja 250!
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Old 06-17-2008, 12:18 PM   #6 (permalink)
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there is a ninja 250 in the ann arbor craigslist that needs some work... $500 bucks. ninja 250's should get about 55mpg minimum, way more if you drive them easily
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Old 08-07-2008, 07:23 PM   #7 (permalink)
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I'm getting in the upper 50s mpg and I have a Kawasaki 800.

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