Add group to favorites
Back to post list
Send new message to group Search:
Post Subject:
Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
Advice on such a cycle for a complete newbie?
Advice on such a cycle for a complete newbie?
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
<me@privacy . net > wrote in message
news:j4t4135kqdn3o2afe5d4ektbckuc7o2bqi@4ax . com ...
> Advice on such a cycle for a complete newbie?
Kawasaki Concours!
* w w w .kawasaki . com /Products/Detail.aspx?id=220
Or a less expensive option, get a DL650, and replace the seat with a DL1000
seat (more comfortable).
* w w w .suzukicycles . com /Products/DL650K7/Default.aspx
I would however question how a complete newbie is sure that he's going to
put high mileage on a bike, and yet not sure what bike to put all those
miles on. -Dave
<me@privacy . net > wrote in message
news:j4t4135kqdn3o2afe5d4ektbckuc7o2bqi@4ax . com ...
> Advice on such a cycle for a complete newbie?
Kawasaki Concours!
* w w w .kawasaki . com /Products/Detail.aspx?id=220
Or a less expensive option, get a DL650, and replace the seat with a DL1000
seat (more comfortable).
* w w w .suzukicycles . com /Products/DL650K7/Default.aspx
I would however question how a complete newbie is sure that he's going to
put high mileage on a bike, and yet not sure what bike to put all those
miles on. -Dave
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
"Mike T." <noway@nohow.not> wrote:
>I would however question how a complete newbie is sure that he's going to
>put high mileage on a bike, and yet not sure what bike to put all those
>miles on. -Dave
I'm go to college in town abt 20 miles away......so
daily ride is abt 40+ miles.... probably more
I need GOOD fuel economy and NOT sport bike performance
Ride would be on interstate with 65 mph speed limit
"Mike T." <noway@nohow.not> wrote:
>I would however question how a complete newbie is sure that he's going to
>put high mileage on a bike, and yet not sure what bike to put all those
>miles on. -Dave
I'm go to college in town abt 20 miles away......so
daily ride is abt 40+ miles.... probably more
I need GOOD fuel economy and NOT sport bike performance
Ride would be on interstate with 65 mph speed limit
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
> I need GOOD fuel economy and NOT sport bike performance
>
> Ride would be on interstate with 65 mph speed limit
Ninja 500.
1) 55+ mpg
2) Common motorcycle, so you can usually find a used one for a reasonable
price
3) Easy bike to ride and fun. Great for a beginning rider and you won't be
bored with it in six months. I have 41K miles on mine and I still love
riding it.
4) Handles interstate traffic easily (rode the NJ Turnpike without
problems).
5) Did a thousand mile trip to Canada with it, suprisingly comfortable.
6) Insurance is very reasonable
7) Simple for a shade-tree mechanic to service.
> I need GOOD fuel economy and NOT sport bike performance
>
> Ride would be on interstate with 65 mph speed limit
Ninja 500.
1) 55+ mpg
2) Common motorcycle, so you can usually find a used one for a reasonable
price
3) Easy bike to ride and fun. Great for a beginning rider and you won't be
bored with it in six months. I have 41K miles on mine and I still love
riding it.
4) Handles interstate traffic easily (rode the NJ Turnpike without
problems).
5) Did a thousand mile trip to Canada with it, suprisingly comfortable.
6) Insurance is very reasonable
7) Simple for a shade-tree mechanic to service.
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
>
> I'm go to college in town abt 20 miles away......so
> daily ride is abt 40+ miles.... probably more
>
> I need GOOD fuel economy and NOT sport bike performance
>
> Ride would be on interstate with 65 mph speed limit
You've got a couple of competing goals. One is Interstate capability. The
other is fuel economy. So you need a ~Concours (1-1.4liter) for one and a
~Rebel (.25 liter) for the other. Somewhere around 650cc is what you are
looking for, as that will give you a good balance of (safe for constant
highway use) and (doesn't waste gobs of fuel).
You could still go with the DL650 I suggested earlier, GREAT bike
(especially if you're tall). But then, you'll be carrying books, and maybe
lunch? You could add hard luggage to it, but by the time you've forked out
the money for (DL650 plus hard luggage), you might want to look at a Burgman
with built-in under-seat storage. Even the 400cc model burgman would do
fine for what you need it to do.
Oh, and you'll only put maybe 8000 miles a year on the bike, not high
mileage. On something like a burgman, that's a couple of oil changes (per
year), half of a set of tires (per year), and half of a drive belt (per
year). Or put simply, change the oil twice a year, have the tires and drive
belt replaced every other year. VERY cheap transportation, especially if
you buy one used in nice condition.
* w w w .suzukicycles . com /Products/AN650K7/Specs/Default.aspx -Dave
>
> I'm go to college in town abt 20 miles away......so
> daily ride is abt 40+ miles.... probably more
>
> I need GOOD fuel economy and NOT sport bike performance
>
> Ride would be on interstate with 65 mph speed limit
You've got a couple of competing goals. One is Interstate capability. The
other is fuel economy. So you need a ~Concours (1-1.4liter) for one and a
~Rebel (.25 liter) for the other. Somewhere around 650cc is what you are
looking for, as that will give you a good balance of (safe for constant
highway use) and (doesn't waste gobs of fuel).
You could still go with the DL650 I suggested earlier, GREAT bike
(especially if you're tall). But then, you'll be carrying books, and maybe
lunch? You could add hard luggage to it, but by the time you've forked out
the money for (DL650 plus hard luggage), you might want to look at a Burgman
with built-in under-seat storage. Even the 400cc model burgman would do
fine for what you need it to do.
Oh, and you'll only put maybe 8000 miles a year on the bike, not high
mileage. On something like a burgman, that's a couple of oil changes (per
year), half of a set of tires (per year), and half of a drive belt (per
year). Or put simply, change the oil twice a year, have the tires and drive
belt replaced every other year. VERY cheap transportation, especially if
you buy one used in nice condition.
* w w w .suzukicycles . com /Products/AN650K7/Specs/Default.aspx -Dave
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
On Apr 3, 11:02 am, "Mike T." <n...@nohow.not> wrote:
> you might want to look at a Burgman
> with built-in under-seat storage. Even the 400cc model burgman would do
> fine for what you need it to do.
Except for the good gas mileage part. ;-)
Your 400cc Burgman gets worse mileage than my 1450cc Harley!
--
Rayvan
On Apr 3, 11:02 am, "Mike T." <n...@nohow.not> wrote:
> you might want to look at a Burgman
> with built-in under-seat storage. Even the 400cc model burgman would do
> fine for what you need it to do.
Except for the good gas mileage part. ;-)
Your 400cc Burgman gets worse mileage than my 1450cc Harley!
--
Rayvan
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
"Rayvan" <rvannuland@cachevision . com > wrote in message
news:1175626372.840208.66850@l77g2000hsb.googlegroups . com ...
> On Apr 3, 11:02 am, "Mike T." <n...@nohow.not> wrote:
>> you might want to look at a Burgman
>> with built-in under-seat storage. Even the 400cc model burgman would do
>> fine for what you need it to do.
>
> Except for the good gas mileage part. ;-)
> Your 400cc Burgman gets worse mileage than my 1450cc Harley!
> --
> Rayvan
>
I find that difficult to believe. It generally stays between 52 and 55MPG
mixed. I've seen it drop as low as 42, but that's unusual. -Dave
"Rayvan" <rvannuland@cachevision . com > wrote in message
news:1175626372.840208.66850@l77g2000hsb.googlegroups . com ...
> On Apr 3, 11:02 am, "Mike T." <n...@nohow.not> wrote:
>> you might want to look at a Burgman
>> with built-in under-seat storage. Even the 400cc model burgman would do
>> fine for what you need it to do.
>
> Except for the good gas mileage part. ;-)
> Your 400cc Burgman gets worse mileage than my 1450cc Harley!
> --
> Rayvan
>
I find that difficult to believe. It generally stays between 52 and 55MPG
mixed. I've seen it drop as low as 42, but that's unusual. -Dave
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
On Apr 3, 12:19 pm, "Mike T." <n...@nohow.not> wrote:
> "Rayvan" <rvannul...@cachevision . com > wrote in message
>
> news:1175626372.840208.66850@l77g2000hsb.googlegroups . com ...
>
> > On Apr 3, 11:02 am, "Mike T." <n...@nohow.not> wrote:
> >> you might want to look at a Burgman
> >> with built-in under-seat storage. Even the 400cc model burgman would do
> >> fine for what you need it to do.
>
> > Except for the good gas mileage part. ;-)
> > Your 400cc Burgman gets worse mileage than my 1450cc Harley!
> > --
> > Rayvan
>
> I find that difficult to believe. It generally stays between 52 and 55MPG
> mixed. I've seen it drop as low as 42, but that's unusual. -Dave
Oct 2006, Mike T. wrote:
> OK, I just rode Philly to Denver and back last week. Two days each way.
> Put over 4,000 miles on my motorcycle, as I also did a side-trip into
> Wyoming for a while. Used about 77 gallons of fuel, and a couple quarts of
> oil, to get to Denver and back.
Or, 52 MPG freeway This is crap for a 400cc bike and is Exactly what
my Harley
does on the freeway.
You then wrote this regarding the same road trip:
> I actually got closer to 44MPG. I only paid attention to the fuel I
> used to get to Denver and back.
This is much worse than my 1450cc Harley while on the freeway. Around
town
I get around 42, but on the freeway which is where the OP is looking
for *good*
mileage, It's easily and consistently in the fifties...
--
Rayvan
On Apr 3, 12:19 pm, "Mike T." <n...@nohow.not> wrote:
> "Rayvan" <rvannul...@cachevision . com > wrote in message
>
> news:1175626372.840208.66850@l77g2000hsb.googlegroups . com ...
>
> > On Apr 3, 11:02 am, "Mike T." <n...@nohow.not> wrote:
> >> you might want to look at a Burgman
> >> with built-in under-seat storage. Even the 400cc model burgman would do
> >> fine for what you need it to do.
>
> > Except for the good gas mileage part. ;-)
> > Your 400cc Burgman gets worse mileage than my 1450cc Harley!
> > --
> > Rayvan
>
> I find that difficult to believe. It generally stays between 52 and 55MPG
> mixed. I've seen it drop as low as 42, but that's unusual. -Dave
Oct 2006, Mike T. wrote:
> OK, I just rode Philly to Denver and back last week. Two days each way.
> Put over 4,000 miles on my motorcycle, as I also did a side-trip into
> Wyoming for a while. Used about 77 gallons of fuel, and a couple quarts of
> oil, to get to Denver and back.
Or, 52 MPG freeway This is crap for a 400cc bike and is Exactly what
my Harley
does on the freeway.
You then wrote this regarding the same road trip:
> I actually got closer to 44MPG. I only paid attention to the fuel I
> used to get to Denver and back.
This is much worse than my 1450cc Harley while on the freeway. Around
town
I get around 42, but on the freeway which is where the OP is looking
for *good*
mileage, It's easily and consistently in the fifties...
--
Rayvan
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
>
> Or, 52 MPG freeway This is crap for a 400cc bike and is Exactly what
> my Harley
> does on the freeway.
>
> You then wrote this regarding the same road trip:
>
>> I actually got closer to 44MPG. I only paid attention to the fuel I
>> used to get to Denver and back.
>
> This is much worse than my 1450cc Harley while on the freeway. Around
> town
> I get around 42, but on the freeway which is where the OP is looking
> for *good*
> mileage, It's easily and consistently in the fifties...
> --
> Rayvan
Yeah, I don't know whether the engine is just now getting broken in or what,
but the mileage I'm getting now is better than it used to be, AND more
consistent with what other owners of the AN400 are reporting. Last year,
I'd see mileage drop into the 40s on long trips. The last two long trips I
took though, the mileage stayed in the 50's (low of 52), right about where
it SHOULD be, according to reports from many other owners of the same model.
If you are getting consistent fifties, that's pretty damned good. So am I
(now, anyway) and the engine on my ride is significantly smaller. -Dave
>
> Or, 52 MPG freeway This is crap for a 400cc bike and is Exactly what
> my Harley
> does on the freeway.
>
> You then wrote this regarding the same road trip:
>
>> I actually got closer to 44MPG. I only paid attention to the fuel I
>> used to get to Denver and back.
>
> This is much worse than my 1450cc Harley while on the freeway. Around
> town
> I get around 42, but on the freeway which is where the OP is looking
> for *good*
> mileage, It's easily and consistently in the fifties...
> --
> Rayvan
Yeah, I don't know whether the engine is just now getting broken in or what,
but the mileage I'm getting now is better than it used to be, AND more
consistent with what other owners of the AN400 are reporting. Last year,
I'd see mileage drop into the 40s on long trips. The last two long trips I
took though, the mileage stayed in the 50's (low of 52), right about where
it SHOULD be, according to reports from many other owners of the same model.
If you are getting consistent fifties, that's pretty damned good. So am I
(now, anyway) and the engine on my ride is significantly smaller. -Dave
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
"Dave" <noway@nohow.not> wrote in message
news:4612e478$0$97271$892e7fe2@authen.yellow.readfreenews . net ...
>
>>
>> Or, 52 MPG freeway This is crap for a 400cc bike and is Exactly what
>> my Harley
>> does on the freeway.
>>
>> You then wrote this regarding the same road trip:
>>
>>> I actually got closer to 44MPG. I only paid attention to the fuel I
>>> used to get to Denver and back.
>>
>> This is much worse than my 1450cc Harley while on the freeway. Around
>> town
>> I get around 42, but on the freeway which is where the OP is looking
>> for *good*
>> mileage, It's easily and consistently in the fifties...
>> --
>> Rayvan
>
> Yeah, I don't know whether the engine is just now getting broken in or
> what, but the mileage I'm getting now is better than it used to be, AND
> more consistent with what other owners of the AN400 are reporting. Last
> year, I'd see mileage drop into the 40s on long trips. The last two long
> trips I took though, the mileage stayed in the 50's (low of 52), right
> about where it SHOULD be, according to reports from many other owners of
> the same model.
>
> If you are getting consistent fifties, that's pretty damned good. So am I
> (now, anyway) and the engine on my ride is significantly smaller. -Dave
How long is a long trip for you, Dave? Say, 40 or 50 miles?
--
By it's very nature, my sig. makes this posting 100% on topic.
"Of course, you'll have the good taste not to mention that I posted this."
Thumper
"I don't want a pickle..."
* w w w .thumpers-roadhouse.ws
2007 H-D FXSTD Deuce
2006 Buell Ulysees
2006 BMW K1200GT
2004 H-D Road King Classic
1978 Triumph T140V Bonneville
1975 Triumph T160 Trident
1974 Norton Commando Interstate
1969 BSA R75 Red Rocket III
1962 Triumph T20 Tiger Cub
1958 BSA Super Bantam COCK
1954 Velocette MAC
"Dave" <noway@nohow.not> wrote in message
news:4612e478$0$97271$892e7fe2@authen.yellow.readfreenews . net ...
>
>>
>> Or, 52 MPG freeway This is crap for a 400cc bike and is Exactly what
>> my Harley
>> does on the freeway.
>>
>> You then wrote this regarding the same road trip:
>>
>>> I actually got closer to 44MPG. I only paid attention to the fuel I
>>> used to get to Denver and back.
>>
>> This is much worse than my 1450cc Harley while on the freeway. Around
>> town
>> I get around 42, but on the freeway which is where the OP is looking
>> for *good*
>> mileage, It's easily and consistently in the fifties...
>> --
>> Rayvan
>
> Yeah, I don't know whether the engine is just now getting broken in or
> what, but the mileage I'm getting now is better than it used to be, AND
> more consistent with what other owners of the AN400 are reporting. Last
> year, I'd see mileage drop into the 40s on long trips. The last two long
> trips I took though, the mileage stayed in the 50's (low of 52), right
> about where it SHOULD be, according to reports from many other owners of
> the same model.
>
> If you are getting consistent fifties, that's pretty damned good. So am I
> (now, anyway) and the engine on my ride is significantly smaller. -Dave
How long is a long trip for you, Dave? Say, 40 or 50 miles?
--
By it's very nature, my sig. makes this posting 100% on topic.
"Of course, you'll have the good taste not to mention that I posted this."
Thumper
"I don't want a pickle..."
* w w w .thumpers-roadhouse.ws
2007 H-D FXSTD Deuce
2006 Buell Ulysees
2006 BMW K1200GT
2004 H-D Road King Classic
1978 Triumph T140V Bonneville
1975 Triumph T160 Trident
1974 Norton Commando Interstate
1969 BSA R75 Red Rocket III
1962 Triumph T20 Tiger Cub
1958 BSA Super Bantam COCK
1954 Velocette MAC
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
>> If you are getting consistent fifties, that's pretty damned good. So am
>> I (now, anyway) and the engine on my ride is significantly
>> maller. -Dave
>
> How long is a long trip for you, Dave? Say, 40 or 50 miles?
>
I consider a long road trip to be stopping for gas 2 or 3 times each way,
out of necessity. Next bike I buy will definitely have a larger fuel tank.
Even with fuel economy solidly in the 50s (where it should be), the small
tank on my ride makes me stop more often than I'd like to. -Dave
>> If you are getting consistent fifties, that's pretty damned good. So am
>> I (now, anyway) and the engine on my ride is significantly
>> maller. -Dave
>
> How long is a long trip for you, Dave? Say, 40 or 50 miles?
>
I consider a long road trip to be stopping for gas 2 or 3 times each way,
out of necessity. Next bike I buy will definitely have a larger fuel tank.
Even with fuel economy solidly in the 50s (where it should be), the small
tank on my ride makes me stop more often than I'd like to. -Dave
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
On Wed, 4 Apr 2007 21:47:37 -0400, "Dave" <noway@nohow.not> wrote:
....
> Next bike I buy will definitely have a larger fuel tank. ....
* w w w .tourtank . com /
On Wed, 4 Apr 2007 21:47:37 -0400, "Dave" <noway@nohow.not> wrote:
....
> Next bike I buy will definitely have a larger fuel tank. ....
* w w w .tourtank . com /
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
"Paladin" <ls650{modelname}@sbcglobal . net > wrote in message
news:46146433.2883796@news.la.sbcglobal . net ...
> On Wed, 4 Apr 2007 21:47:37 -0400, "Dave" <noway@nohow.not> wrote:
>
> ....
>> Next bike I buy will definitely have a larger fuel tank. ....
>
> * w w w .tourtank . com /
I like it!! I like the guy who hid the thing in a modified cheapie duffel
bag. Too cool. -Dave
"Paladin" <ls650{modelname}@sbcglobal . net > wrote in message
news:46146433.2883796@news.la.sbcglobal . net ...
> On Wed, 4 Apr 2007 21:47:37 -0400, "Dave" <noway@nohow.not> wrote:
>
> ....
>> Next bike I buy will definitely have a larger fuel tank. ....
>
> * w w w .tourtank . com /
I like it!! I like the guy who hid the thing in a modified cheapie duffel
bag. Too cool. -Dave
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
"Dave" <noway@nohow.not> wrote in message
news:46145526$0$97221$892e7fe2@authen.yellow.readfreenews . net ...
>>> If you are getting consistent fifties, that's pretty damned good. So am
>>> I (now, anyway) and the engine on my ride is significantly
>>> aller. -Dave
>>
>> How long is a long trip for you, Dave? Say, 40 or 50 miles?
>>
>
> I consider a long road trip to be stopping for gas 2 or 3 times each way,
> out of necessity. Next bike I buy will definitely have a larger fuel
> tank. Even with fuel economy solidly in the 50s (where it should be), the
> small tank on my ride makes me stop more often than I'd like to. -Dave
I have this Harley- Davidson Softail "Deuce" which has a 96CI motor with a
six speed and a 3 gallon gas tank. I can get about 110 miles out of a tank
of gas on that beast. My RK gets about 165 mpt and my BMW gets almost 230
mpt. The Deuce is just ridiculous. The Harley dealer tells me it's designed
as a "bar hopper". What a joke.
Thumper
"Dave" <noway@nohow.not> wrote in message
news:46145526$0$97221$892e7fe2@authen.yellow.readfreenews . net ...
>>> If you are getting consistent fifties, that's pretty damned good. So am
>>> I (now, anyway) and the engine on my ride is significantly
>>> aller. -Dave
>>
>> How long is a long trip for you, Dave? Say, 40 or 50 miles?
>>
>
> I consider a long road trip to be stopping for gas 2 or 3 times each way,
> out of necessity. Next bike I buy will definitely have a larger fuel
> tank. Even with fuel economy solidly in the 50s (where it should be), the
> small tank on my ride makes me stop more often than I'd like to. -Dave
I have this Harley- Davidson Softail "Deuce" which has a 96CI motor with a
six speed and a 3 gallon gas tank. I can get about 110 miles out of a tank
of gas on that beast. My RK gets about 165 mpt and my BMW gets almost 230
mpt. The Deuce is just ridiculous. The Harley dealer tells me it's designed
as a "bar hopper". What a joke.
Thumper
Re: Best cycle for commuting/touring. High milage!
On Apr 5, 7:57 am, "Thumper" <roadap...@bigfoot . com > wrote:
> "Dave" <n...@nohow.not> wrote in message
>
> news:46145526$0$97221$892e7fe2@authen.yellow.readfreenews . net ...>>> If you are getting consistent fifties, that's pretty damned good. So am
> >>> I (now, anyway) and the engine on my ride is significantly
> >>> aller. -Dave
>
> >> How long is a long trip for you, Dave? Say, 40 or 50 miles?
>
> > I consider a long road trip to be stopping for gas 2 or 3 times each way,
> > out of necessity. Next bike I buy will definitely have a larger fuel
> > tank. Even with fuel economy solidly in the 50s (where it should be), the
> > small tank on my ride makes me stop more often than I'd like to. -Dave
>
> I have this Harley- Davidson Softail "Deuce" which has a 96CI motor with a
> six speed and a 3 gallon gas tank. I can get about 110 miles out of a tank
> of gas on that beast. My RK gets about 165 mpt and my BMW gets almost 230
> mpt. The Deuce is just ridiculous. The Harley dealer tells me it's designed
> as a "bar hopper". What a joke.
Softail Deuce has 4.9 gallon fuel tank. Only .1 less gallons as a Road
King.
* w w w .harley-davidson . com /PR/MOT/2007/07 specs print.asp?locale=en US&bmLocale=en US&dwp=&market=US&family=so&model=fxstd&modelsection=specs&measureCheck=English&specTable=showall
Rayvan
On Apr 5, 7:57 am, "Thumper" <roadap...@bigfoot . com > wrote:
> "Dave" <n...@nohow.not> wrote in message
>
> news:46145526$0$97221$892e7fe2@authen.yellow.readfreenews . net ...>>> If you are getting consistent fifties, that's pretty damned good. So am
> >>> I (now, anyway) and the engine on my ride is significantly
> >>> aller. -Dave
>
> >> How long is a long trip for you, Dave? Say, 40 or 50 miles?
>
> > I consider a long road trip to be stopping for gas 2 or 3 times each way,
> > out of necessity. Next bike I buy will definitely have a larger fuel
> > tank. Even with fuel economy solidly in the 50s (where it should be), the
> > small tank on my ride makes me stop more often than I'd like to. -Dave
>
> I have this Harley- Davidson Softail "Deuce" which has a 96CI motor with a
> six speed and a 3 gallon gas tank. I can get about 110 miles out of a tank
> of gas on that beast. My RK gets about 165 mpt and my BMW gets almost 230
> mpt. The Deuce is just ridiculous. The Harley dealer tells me it's designed
> as a "bar hopper". What a joke.
Softail Deuce has 4.9 gallon fuel tank. Only .1 less gallons as a Road
King.
* w w w .harley-davidson . com /PR/MOT/2007/07 specs print.asp?locale=en US&bmLocale=en US&dwp=&market=US&family=so&model=fxstd&modelsection=specs&measureCheck=English&specTable=showall
Rayvan
