Motorcycle MPG ranking
 

For those here interested in buying a bike, I ran across this list. It seems pretty accurate for the stated purpose. The figures are probably 5-10 high for someone NOT riding with MPG in mind. Note: the bikes are for years '07-'08 but many are iether still in production and unchanged, and of course there is the used market.

The link is:

The motorcycle MPG champs - high gas mileage bikes

Based on my experience it's easy to get 45 mpg (Fz1, zg1000, zx600e, & klr650). I got the prett much the same with all of them. same with all of them, driving too fast/ Klr broke 50 when driving PSL or close.

You really need to factor in all the cost of ownership and life expectancy before buying a motorcycle. Tires cost alot, and don't last long, bikes don't last 200,000 miles like cars, most bikes don't ever see 10,000 miles, do you know your more commited than the average guy to ride his bike when it's not fun, 40 degrees, raining, or 100 degrees.

I haven't ran all the numbers, but I think a car that gets 30-35 mpg is cheaper to own than a bike getting 80.

The higher the price of gas gets the better the advantage bikes have, $6/gallon bike will win over 35 mpg cars. (if you have to pay for parking, bikes can win)

Yeah, total cost of ownership is quite another discussion. For me, I factor in the cost of psychologist sessions and the TCO of a bike puts me in the black in short order!

I agree with you if owning a bike is an additional expense over the car. If owning the bike means owning one fewer car, the bike definitely saves money. Newer bikes, particularly water cooled ones have a pretty decent life span. Not 200K, but, one hell of a lot more than 10K. they are cheap to insure, taxes are lower and maintenance costs are quite low simply because there is a lot less there to break. Tires typically do go quickly, but, i suspect this is partly due to a typical bike rider's aggressive riding. One ridden for economy ought to do quite a bit better.

Aww c'mon. Geez I can't resist the troll...
My Concours has over 216,000 miles. My last Gold Wing sized touring rear tire lasted over 40,000 miles. I do all my own maintenance. It was purchased for $1800 14 years ago and has been an exceptionally reliable bike. I'm getting consistently over 50 mpg, measured at each tank fill for several years now.

TCO is pretty low.

I think the keys to making a bike pay are to: Ride it often, do your own maintenance, ride it often, learn how to do it well, ride it often, join a forum to learn how to fix the weak points, ride it often, hold out for a good deal on the purchase, ride it often, get good gear that allows you to ride much of the year, ride it often, be happy with your bike so you - ride it often.

Oh, and don't ride it just to burn gas for grins. Make it a useful part of your regular life (this will also influence the bike purchase decision).

Great list....tips....now I don't want to sell my '78 Kawa KL 250 Enduro.
100-112mpg w/o even trying... paid for.... no legal insurance needed in WA.,
wonder what I could get w street tires?

Gas WILL go up! You know the middle east situation will blow sky high one of these days!

I agree with beatr911, the best way to get the most out of a bike is to ride it often, and do your own maintenance. IMO a bike can last a long time if properly maintained. mine is over 30 years old, and still runs great.

He is a little high on the mpg for the Ninja250. I get 66 mpgUS at 65mph on my 2009. But there is a new 1/4 liter from Honda. My 2011 CBR250R is rated at 77 and I get 87 mpgUS all summer long on my highway commute at 65mph. I can get 91 mpg at 45 mph. 23 hp fuel injected single with an O2 sensor and a big catalyst. Top speed is 93 mph and it is a dream to ride all day long on the big highway at 75 mph in the pouring rain with only your toes getting wet. Sells for $4100. $4600 with ABS.
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2011 CBR250R Overview - Honda Powersports
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The CBR125R can get 95 mpg at 60mph
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Honda Motorcycle
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There are air cooled Hondas in India such as the Shine or the Twister that sell for $1700 and get 120 mpgUS at 45 mph.