Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi guys, I'm new to motorcycles (used to drive a suzuki gn400 for a summer, but I only rode it about 20 times since it was my Dad's) but would like to get one to save on gas. I just want a bike that can do at least 55 or 60mph (more is better, but I'll be willing to settle for something that only goes 55, would love if it could hit at least 65 though) and is a good cheap starter bike.

I saw a honda cb125s (1978) for cheap (only $450) and it says on wikipedia that it gets 100mpg, which is awesome. Are there any other motorcycles out there that are better quality or that get better than 100mpg? Thanks in advance for your help, I do appreciate it.

I think that by the time you get a bike, insurance, gear, register it, and maintain it, it'll be a long long time before you break even on the cost.

jonnythan wrote:I think that by the time you get a bike, insurance, gear, register it, and maintain it, it'll be a long long time before you break even on the cost.

I think that the way Gas prices are going that long long time away will be closer.

Not to mention it's better to start planning for that future now.

You don't say where you live, but I've heard in some jurisdictions in the USA bikes under 250 cc are not legal for freeway use. (If someone knows whether this is true or just an urban legend, I'd like to know....) Assuming you stick with bikes at least 250cc, 70 mpg is a more realistic target for general mixed riding. In the sportbike style, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 is the classic choice, Hyosung also makes a 250cc sportbike. There are 250cc cruisers by Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Kymco, and Hyosung.

I don't think the 125's can hit 65 miles per hour. The 250's certainly will maintain that speed but I don't know of one that gets anywhere close to 100 MPG. Something like 65 or 70 MPG is probably more realistic if you ride conservatively. I would recommend starting out on a newer bike unless you enjoy wrenching more than riding.

125's can hit 75 max. Probably would be screaming and hitting red line, but they can do it. Unfortunatly, the fast 125's (like the cbr and yamaha r styles) are pretty expensive.

What about a scooter? The next generation of scooters are a new breed. Great for learning and city riding. I get excellent mpg with mine- a 2005 Suzuki Burgman 400. It averages about 70 mpg, comfortably cruises at 70 mph on highway (it'll go 100), and it's almost maintenance free. Plus, believe it or not, it's a hell of a lot of fun to ride. Took it on solo road trip from Chicago, Il. to Knoxville, Tn. and it handled great on highways and twisties. I'm a returning rider (after 15 yrs) and it was perfect choice for me. Not the cheapest though, used cost- $5000. So if mpg is more important than the "cool factor" (and your wallet can handle it) you should check it out.

sparsage wrote:What about a scooter?

Getting a motorcycle to "Save on Gas" isn't usually just that.

Lots of people want to own motorcycles but nobody can ever justify it usually so this is another way to get around that process.

Will scooters get much more popular because of the gas prices? Yes absolutely. But most people who want to buy motorcycles to save on gas I don't think will end up with a scooter.

You've got a good point. However, I was shopping for a lightweight cruiser, not a scooter, and would never have considered buying this bike if I hadn't ridden a friend's and been so impressed. But then again, I guess I'm not like "most people".

sparsage wrote:I guess I'm not like "most people".

ME NEITHER!!

I'M ORIGINAL