Thinking about a bike

[roosterk0031]

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.

[Frank Lee]

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.

[spacemanspif]

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.

[user removed]

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

[roosterk0031]

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.

[user removed]

2009 Suzuki TU250X Gas Mileage (TU250X) - EcoModder.com

Here is my TU250 fuel log.

regards
mech

[roosterk0031]

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.

[spacemanspif]

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.

[jkv357]

Originally Posted by spacemanspif

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?

[roosterk0031]

Kawaski W650, its going to blow your budget. But if you take your time maybe can find a good deal.