Traditionally-powered motorcycles vs. hybrid cars

[niky]

A good 150cc with about 17 hp can hit 60 in the sevens, if you're willing to launch aggressively. Speed tapers off at about 80 mph. But I don't know if you get the more aggressive scoots Stateside.

But yeah, if you need to ride on the highway two-up, they're not ideal. Too light, too little frame support, too little grunt.

[alvaro84]

A few reasons for anything bigger: riding 2-up (Teresa got her fair share of it), accelerating uphills (it's hard to do with a 250 like Ciliegia, even in 2nd gear when it gets steep), or passing something there (like a lumber truck).

OK, they're not really city usage. But real world usage. And they have nothing to do with top speed at all.

Not that 250s are not good or anything

[TedV]

Originally Posted by niky

I've always wondered why anyone would ever need more than 250cc. A good 250 bike will hit 60 mph in seven and a half seconds.

I have a mid 90's CB250, Rebel 250 and a 2007 BMW F650GS Dakar. They all get between 53 and 74mpg depending on twist of the wrist. The Dakar thumper will haul a lot more stuff a whole lot more comfortable. Ive done a saddle sore 1000 on the CB250 and ran a Craig Vetter fuel economy run on the BMW. The only place the CB250 is better is around town if I don't have to haul much. I actually have picked up a small cart full of groceries with the BMW and the check out lady didn't beleive I could fit it on the Dakar. I had room left over.

I don't ride to work since I have to be socially acceptable at work. Hot, humid or rain, etc takes its toll. I get 48mpg +/- commuting with the airconditioning on in my TDi Jetta. I have rode motorcycle in 104 Degree F. I now know what a turkey feels like on Thanksgiving day.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by renault_megane_dci

When you have very low income, is the personal ownership of a form of motorized transportation reasonable ?

(I play with the different rating of what can be called reasonable)

Some small 100cc motorcycles are advertised in Brazil as a cheaper alternative than public transport

[alvaro84]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Some small 100cc motorcycles are advertised in Brazil as a cheaper alternative than public transport

When you go 2-up, even my not that small 650cc BMW is cheaper than public transport. Including fuel, tires, belts, all the maintenance, insurance, taxes, and the purchase price. OK, I bought used for half the price and ride >10k miles a year.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Back here in the Republic of Bananas the road tax for motorcycles is actually more expensive