Motorcycle Fuel Economy Questions

[figarow]

Hi guys I am new here. I am from Australia and about to purchase my second motorbike.
I owned a bike about 10 years ago and am finally in a position to get another bike (can't wait).

The previous bike I owned (10 years ago) was a Honda CD 250U. Bit of girly bike I know but I liked it, I like cruser style bikes becuase I find them more comfortable easy to ride.

I am currently in the market to buy a used bike and don't know what I should get. I don't want to spend any more than $2,000 which should get me something.

Which bikes generally are better on fuel? For example I will mainly be riding the bike in the suburbs with speeds up to 80Km/h and rarely would I go on the freeway.

I always thought that the lower the CC (cubic capacity engine) the more fuel efficient the bike will be, but is this always the case? I really want to get a 250cc but have been thinking about 400cc & 650cc, which of these would be more fuel efficient? Also on the lower end of the ladder I have even entertained the idea of getting a 125cc scooter (shame on me).

Thanks for the help guys as you can see I don't have a clue

[Skel3tor1]

I can vouch for the Honda Rebel 250 as being a nice bike. It can tackle the freeway if you end up on it and it's a great little bike for going around regular roads too.

The gas efficiency is nice. I'm not sure of the conversion from mi to km, but you can expect 70-80 mpg. Top speed on a rebel is about 90, but that's downhill w/ the wind at your back and throttle wide open. You can expect a more reasonable steady cruising speed at the 80 mph mark.

I'm sure there will be other posters in here that will mention the Yamaha Virgo 250 (cruiser) and the Kawasaki Ninja 250 (sport).

Maybe you might want to try going to a dealer where you can sit on a few bikes and see which one you think is the most comfy? I'd imagine that if you bought used, they would all be within your price range as well. I got a 2002 with 3,004 miles on it for $1,775. USD.

Hope that answers a few of your questions.

[figarow]

I can vouch for the Honda Rebel 250 as being a nice bike. It can tackle the freeway if you end up on it and it's a great little bike for going around regular roads too.

The gas efficiency is nice. I'm not sure of the conversion from mi to km, but you can expect 70-80 mpg. Top speed on a rebel is about 90, but that's downhill w/ the wind at your back and throttle wide open. You can expect a more reasonable steady cruising speed at the 80 mph mark.

I'm sure there will be other posters in here that will mention the Yamaha Virgo 250 (cruiser) and the Kawasaki Ninja 250 (sport).

Maybe you might want to try going to a dealer where you can sit on a few bikes and see which one you think is the most comfy? I'd imagine that if you bought used, they would all be within your price range as well. I got a 2002 with 3,004 miles on it for $1,775. USD.

Hope that answers a few of your questions.

Thanks for the reply. I have never seen a Honda Rebel advertised here, at least not a second hand one but I see heaps of Yamaha Virgo bikes. My price range was tighter than that I was talking $AU so that would convert to about $1,500 US$ and that was the most I wanted to spend.

I would be happy with a bike that is less than 20 years old with less than 30,000 kms on the clock and definately a cruiser bike like the ones you mentioned. And yes I have seen pictures of the rebel and YUMMY I would love to own one

[Veda]

If you were just looking at fuel economy the 125cc scooter is going to be better. Mine gets between 80-100 mpg.

[Scoutmedic]

Have you taken a look at the Total Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide? That may answer a few of your questions as well.

Personally, I own a Boulevard S50 and average 50'ish mpg.

Good luck with your bike search!