So im trying to save on Gas
06-22-2008, 06:54 PM
#1
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So im trying to save on Gas
Never really ridden a motorcycle before. When i was younger, i rode a yamaha 80cc in first gear. When i was in Vietnam, i tried out one of the motorcycles there and crashed it. Anyways, whats a good beginner motorcycle? i want something that has really good MPG and can handle the freeway for short distances. I like the Kawasaki Ninja 250 and 500 so far. My budget is around 3500 - 4k max. Any input is much appreciated. Thanks -david
06-22-2008, 07:24 PM
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Heh EVERYONE i know who bought a 250cc beginner ends up selling it and getting at least a 600cc in like matter of months hahah. I mean you can easily get used on for around that price.
Why not look for a beater? I'm doing the same thing, probably going to pick up daily driver beater for my commute. 30+ mpg ftw.
Why not look for a beater? I'm doing the same thing, probably going to pick up daily driver beater for my commute. 30+ mpg ftw.
06-22-2008, 07:36 PM
#3
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At your price range you can get a very nice used SV650. But if you want incredible gas mileage check out 250-400 cc scooters (like the smaller Suzuki Burgman).
On the general topic, just be aware that bikes are not often cheaper to operate than cars. Tires, maintenance, safety gear (helmet, jacket & pants or suit, gloves, boots), and insurance may eat all your hopeful savings versus an econobox.
Not trying to discourage a new rider but you should really take the beginner MSF class before deciding to ride.
On the general topic, just be aware that bikes are not often cheaper to operate than cars. Tires, maintenance, safety gear (helmet, jacket & pants or suit, gloves, boots), and insurance may eat all your hopeful savings versus an econobox.
Not trying to discourage a new rider but you should really take the beginner MSF class before deciding to ride.
06-22-2008, 08:48 PM
#4
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Originally Posted by Penforhire,Jun 22 2008, 07:36 PM
At your price range you can get a very nice used SV650. But if you want incredible gas mileage check out 250-400 cc scooters (like the smaller Suzuki Burgman).
On the general topic, just be aware that bikes are not often cheaper to operate than cars. Tires, maintenance, safety gear (helmet, jacket & pants or suit, gloves, boots), and insurance may eat all your hopeful savings versus an econobox.
Not trying to discourage a new rider but you should really take the beginner MSF class before deciding to ride.
On the general topic, just be aware that bikes are not often cheaper to operate than cars. Tires, maintenance, safety gear (helmet, jacket & pants or suit, gloves, boots), and insurance may eat all your hopeful savings versus an econobox.
Not trying to discourage a new rider but you should really take the beginner MSF class before deciding to ride.
06-23-2008, 07:06 AM
#5
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Look at the Kawasaki's Ninja 250 spec for MPG. I have no idea. But the 400 cc scooters I've looked at run 60-80 MPG. Even the full-size mega-scooters (600+ cc) get 40-60 MPG. Also check the octane rating requirement. Most high-strung motors require premium grade but some don't.
06-23-2008, 10:39 AM
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I had a ninja 250 and it was great fun! Light weight, easy to maneuver, got about 50 mpg. it's okay for short freeway trips (20-30 minutes) at the speed limit. gets a little iffy if you go above 80 mph.
ninja 250 is a parallel twin. I think if you stay with this kind of engine configuration, you'll get pretty good gas mileage. the ex500 is parallel twin too.
You'll be perfectly content on the 250, until you jump on a 600. then it's all over for the 250.
ninja 250 is a parallel twin. I think if you stay with this kind of engine configuration, you'll get pretty good gas mileage. the ex500 is parallel twin too.
You'll be perfectly content on the 250, until you jump on a 600. then it's all over for the 250.
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06-23-2008, 12:05 PM
#9
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I've been riding for 5 years now. Full time rider with the S2000 as "the other vehicle on the policy". Ridden about 60k miles in that time. The people who are saying a motorcycle is more expensive to own are on crack or are just not riding a lot.
My first bike (a Suzuki GS500E which I'd highly recommend one over the Ninja 500) was easily getting 55 mpg so you'll be cutting your gas bill in half if you're driving the S2000 full time. I moved up to a new Honda CBR600RR a couple of years ago and have thrown 24k miles on it since. It gets 45 mpg easily and maintenance costs are so little. That's oil changes every 2k miles and all manufacturer recommended maintenance being done to it. People are also forgetting the time you save. Thank jebus we live in California where lane splitting is legal. My drive to work is 1.5 hours. My ride to work is 40 minutes. Insurance isn't an issue either if you insure both a bike and a car. My CBR is $600/year on AAA with full coverage. It only get's expensive if you insure a bike by itself because insurance companies don't like insuring full-time riders. Gear can get expensive, but it doesn't have to be and will last you a long time. I do buy a new leather and textile Alpinestars jackets every year because I go through them quickly. A new helmet every 3 years. Still just not as expensive as a car in my mind.
Anyway, $3500 is a lot to spread around on a first motorcycle. Spend $300 of it on MSF safety courses. Spend another $2000 (at the most) on a Suzuki GS500 or you could get a Suuzki SV650 for a little more which is also quite nice and reliable. Spend the rest on gear. Go insure the bike on the same policy as the car.
Don't be put off by any negative comments. If you're serious about saving time and money, it will be worth it if you decide to ride a lot. I say go for it!
My first bike (a Suzuki GS500E which I'd highly recommend one over the Ninja 500) was easily getting 55 mpg so you'll be cutting your gas bill in half if you're driving the S2000 full time. I moved up to a new Honda CBR600RR a couple of years ago and have thrown 24k miles on it since. It gets 45 mpg easily and maintenance costs are so little. That's oil changes every 2k miles and all manufacturer recommended maintenance being done to it. People are also forgetting the time you save. Thank jebus we live in California where lane splitting is legal. My drive to work is 1.5 hours. My ride to work is 40 minutes. Insurance isn't an issue either if you insure both a bike and a car. My CBR is $600/year on AAA with full coverage. It only get's expensive if you insure a bike by itself because insurance companies don't like insuring full-time riders. Gear can get expensive, but it doesn't have to be and will last you a long time. I do buy a new leather and textile Alpinestars jackets every year because I go through them quickly. A new helmet every 3 years. Still just not as expensive as a car in my mind.
Anyway, $3500 is a lot to spread around on a first motorcycle. Spend $300 of it on MSF safety courses. Spend another $2000 (at the most) on a Suzuki GS500 or you could get a Suuzki SV650 for a little more which is also quite nice and reliable. Spend the rest on gear. Go insure the bike on the same policy as the car.
Don't be put off by any negative comments. If you're serious about saving time and money, it will be worth it if you decide to ride a lot. I say go for it!
06-23-2008, 12:07 PM
#10
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THERE IS A LONG THREAD ON THIS FROM A FEW WEEKS AGO... READ IT.
NINJA 250 FTW though.
I've got 20 years of riding experience. Pro-class racer.
-Ggreg
NINJA 250 FTW though.
I've got 20 years of riding experience. Pro-class racer.
-Ggreg