Why won't reviews list mpg?

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wmg1299 · #1 Unread post by **wmg1299** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:47 am

It has become clear that mpg is a huge factor in most consumer's decisions to purchase a new vehicle. That's why I am getting very frustrated that almost none of the major motorcycle magazines will bother to list an mpg or mpg range in their reviews. I am considering purchasing a new bike, but the motorcycle mags seem to think I am only concerned about the 1/4 mile time and time it takes to get to the maximum speed.
I do not care about 80% of the stats listed on motorcycle reviews. I will not be using the bike at the track, I do not ride over 85 mph, and the endless measurements mean nothing to me until I have sat on the bike to learn how it feels with me on it. In other words, foot peg, seat, and bar positioning mean 10 times more to me that wheelbase and seat height.
I want, and can afford a new bike, but I want to get the best mpg to performance ratio possible, and would like to get over 50 mpg on my next bike. The mags just aren't helping me in this respect. Does anyone else find this bothersome, or do most of you actually find these endless track-based stats to be helpful?

Brackstone · Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:13 am

Because most of the time it's no fun to ride a bike while trying to get the best mileage!

If I got a Demo anything I'd ride it like I was stealing it!

the_sandman_454 · Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:43 am

MPG is boring. Acceleration is fun. Cornering is fun. Bikes are meant to be fun, if you want MPG get a scooter...

jk

I think you'll gradually see reviews include mileage, but it still won't be for a while, since many people don't care so much about the mileage as they do about the power and handling.

They have a MPG guide here on this site to help you maybe choose based on that.

#4 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:52 am

Well, if it's good enough for the LA Times, it should be good enough for you...

Total Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide

Fri Jul 11, 2008 12:06 pm

Fuel economy is also important to me....as is insurance cost.

The magazine just wants to sell magazines...so often it's all about the glamour.....

You can probably find the info you need on the net....in fact...click on the link in the post above.

HYPERR · #6 Unread post by **HYPERR** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 12:41 pm

This is news to me. Most bike rags lists mpg and have been as long as I can remember.

wmg1299 · #7 Unread post by **wmg1299** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 4:22 pm

HYPERR wrote:This is news to me. Most bike rags lists mpg and have been as long as I can remember.

From my experience, Motorcyclist will list an mpg range in it's full reviews only, but the vast majority of their features are listed as "First Rides". IMO, if they had enough ride time to rate the performance, then they had enough to give a ballpark mpg.
Cycle World occassionaly lists the mpg, but also considers most of their features involving new models to be "previews", which also usually do not mention mpg.
MCN will always list an mpg range, but they review only a small number of bikes.
I'm not saying that I'm not concerned about performance, but I use my bikes for everyday transportation and am much more concerned about overall costs than I am about anything having to do with the racetrack.
I'll even concede that this info may be important when purchasing a sportbike, but I don't see why the same race-oriented stats are printed in reviews for cruisers and touring bikes.

matthew5656 · Sun Jul 13, 2008 8:39 pm

My take on your standard vehicle's mile per gallon...

SUVs: Sell your home and file bankruptcy. MPG= Death

Cars: Try to ignore the petrol stations as you pass, life is too short to get upset. MPG= Crap

Motor Bike: Better mileage, less gas, more fun. MPG= Fair

Bicycle: Better exercise, with an ability to laugh and poke fun at the majority spending a lot of their paycheck on black gold. MPG= Best

baltimorebayside · Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:20 am

I have a 2008 C50T and I get just a tad under 54 mpg.....I have less than 2,000 miles on the clock and I drive around 55 to 65 mph.....

dan

ofblong · #10 Unread post by **ofblong** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:08 am

blues2cruise wrote:Fuel economy is also important to me....as is insurance cost.

The magazine just wants to sell magazines...so often it's all about the glamour.....

You can probably find the info you need on the net....in fact...click on the link in the post above.

looking at the fuel guide my bike isnt listed yet I gave my info on that thread.

wonder if its because I was the only one with that type of bike????

Either way I have a honda shadow deluxe vlx 1996 and get 55mpg continuously on city/county roads and I drive 60mph.