Motorcycle for gas saving commutes?

[Patrick]

Originally Posted by cocolos

I think I am going to get a scooter. It will better suite my needs.

Getcha one of these: eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

or one of these: eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

and throw some plastic on it so it looks like this: Last Vetter Fairing

[roosterk0031]

My last motorcycle a set of tires cost about $300, and would last about 12,000 miles, at 120 miles per day, that's 100 trips, $3 per day.

On another bike, the last tire I had a shop installed, was $200 for a rear (typical 180/55/17) for sport touring bikes. It lasted one month, installed & replaced in July, 3000 miles, $8 a day. I didn't buy anymore of those, most rears lasted 5-7000 miles, and installing self dropped cost to about $150 rears, 6000/120 = 50 trip & $150/50 = $3 a day rear tire only.

No idea on scooter tire life, but $1000 for a ebay scooter, how many miles do you think it will last. If say 2,000 miles, scooter cost alone is $0.50/mile, equivalent of 7 mpg. I can't imagine one lasting 10,000 miles, but if it did scooter cost would be $0.10/mile, equivalent of 35 mpg.

If you want one for a toy, go for it, I still have toy's in the garage. But most people won't save money buying one(gas yes, money no).

[BoiseMetro]

Hi there! I'm brand new to this forum, but I have first hand experience with riding a motorcycle thinking that I would get better fuel economy.

At best my 2001 1.0L Triumph Speed Triple got 40MPG. I crashed it once breaking my Right Arm, and the MCL and ACL in my right knee. It ran through a set of tires every 3000miles. Plus it had no cargo room at all. But it was a lot of "fun"!

I sold it and bought a 1999 Chevy Metro 1.0L. I'm now getting 44MPG. I can go to the store and get a couple bags of groceries and I can drive in the winter. Not much "fun" though.

[dcb]

We ARE modders though, we CAN do things like change a tire (and shop for cheap tires), and keep some rat bike running with minimal expense. Just like a car, the more you can do for yourself, the less it will cost you. I strongly encourage Modders to know/learn how to wrench. I can't sympathize with what people pay someone else to do that they won't even attempt to learn to do for themselves.

[Ryland]

If you do buy a scooter, don't buy one that was made in China, you will be lucky if it lasts you 5,000 miles, doubt me? then print out the ad for a few of them that you are looking at and take them to the shop that you would go to for repairs and ask them if they work on them, the cycle shop that I've worked that a friend of mine owns has been known to turn them away and when it does work on them he always charges extra because new parts never fit right and other stuff brakes while you are trying to fix the first problem.
I would buy a scooter made by Honda, Yamaha, Tomos, or Sachs.

[low&slow]

Hi, I'm a fairly experiencxed motorcyclist ( 44 years riding ) and I currently ride my 550cc motorcycle very frequently on work and errands if I don't have passengers or a lot of stuff to carry. I save a lot of money riding my motorcycle , as well as saving time and enjoying the ride a lot more. I save money as my bike is 29 years old with 38k miles and I do all the work on it. With aero mods and efficient ridng I get around 60 mpg on my bike vs 28-30 mpg in my cars. I also haven't ever suffered a collision and had my last spill ( minor ) in 1976. Being disciplined and safe is critical while riding a motorcycle as the cars will kill you unless you ride defensively all the time. When I was young, I was poor and used cheap used MCs to get to school and work until I could afford cheap used cars. For some years I didn't ride a lot but always rode a bit for fun and sometimes to work. Now that I'm retired and work intermittently I ride as a first choice unless the weather is bad or I have too large a load.
My advice: get a motorcycle if you are passionate about riding and take a motorcycle safety course. One serious collision can end or change your life forever. Don't do it just to save money, you prabably won't.
all the best , L&S

[redyaris]

+1 on what Low&Slow said.
I have done most of the stupid things you can do on a motorcycle and survived due to good luke... I have mini road raced motorcycles for 5 years, I have had motorcycles since 1970...
Ride as if you are invisable.
Ride as if you have no second chances.
Safe riding/driving habits are what keep you safe, skill in handling a motor vehicle, although nice to have, is only secondary to the habits you have. Good habits give you the time and space to execute skillful manuvers...

[thomason2wheels]

Originally Posted by Varn

Saving money on a motorcycle. If you don't have a car yes you may save a bit. If you have to pay an extra registration and insurance it is doubtful unless you have a lot of places to go. I don't ride for economy but for sport but ride my bicycle more miles a year than on my motorcycle.

In response to a certain class of motorcycles should be outlawed. What a pitiful idea that is entirely possible by a government who undoubtedly would be also trying to subjugate it's citizens into subjects. Quite the opposite effect that most motorcyclists would want.

The easiest way to reduce the average Joe's carbon footprint is to eliminate cash and require that purchases be made by implanted chips which could be cut off when big brother says you have bought enough. Of course the ruling class would be exempt.

The ruling class is always exempt...

[Hal]

My commute is 70 miles a day and I've been doing it on motorcycles for the past 6 years. I ride a Honda VT750 and get a little over 50 mpg. It is about half country roads and the other half freeway. I ride rain or shine (here in the Northwest it is a lot more rain than shine) and have ridden in the snow - I draw the line when it gets slushy or icy. As far as tire wear - I can go a year and a half or so on a set of tires with a new set running about $400 installed at my local Honda shop. With gas at $3.64 a gallon (today) that works out to something like 9 to 10 cents a mile.
The keys are a good economical, reliable motorcycle, well-practiced riding skills and a safety attitude.

[thomason2wheels]

I like your approach to commuting. I will resume commuting on 2 wheels if and when i find another job. Meanwhile two wheels continue to be transport of choice unl3ss there is snow, ice, or freezing rain...then i turn chicken and ride the old subaru wagon.