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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: bobrebos on March 10, 2022, 06:20:35 AM

Title: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: bobrebos on March 10, 2022, 06:20:35 AM
I like the Monkey! 

https://powersports.honda.com/street/minimoto/monkey
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: twowheeladdict on March 10, 2022, 06:44:47 AM
I almost bought one in '19.  Dealer offered me a great price and I test rode a used Grom for comparison. 

Then a good riding friend told me the small wheel/tires would not be as good off road as the Van Van 200. 

The Honda Monkey is a toy, while the Van Van 200 is a full sized, low power, high gas mileage bike.  The new Honda Trail 125 would be a better errand bike because it already has a rack for the milk crate. 
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: bobrebos on March 10, 2022, 06:54:11 AM
I almost bought one in '19.  Dealer offered me a great price and I test rode a used Grom for comparison. 

Then a good riding friend told me the small wheel/tires would not be as good off road as the Van Van 200. 

The Honda Monkey is a toy, while the Van Van 200 is a full sized, low power, high gas mileage bike.  The new Honda Trail 125 would be a better errand bike because it already has a rack for the milk crate.

Also nice!  Good point.  https://powersports.honda.com/street/minimoto/trail125-abs/?cid=main_reprise/google/Brand_Model_Motorcycle_miniMOTO_Exact/Trail125/2021%20honda%20trail&gclid=CjwKCAiA4KaRBhBdEiwAZi1zznNzlfRI08RSj3KTuAc18z_7yFZ8Yh-cPu2f8t2DhG5aNZPpM3GpxBoCXUQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: bobrebos on March 10, 2022, 07:04:55 AM
Or the Super cub!  https://www.southernhonda.com/New-Inventory-2022-Honda-Motorcycle-Scooter-Super-Cub-C125-ABS-Southern-Honda-Powersports-11752287?ref=list
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Sye on March 10, 2022, 07:16:47 AM
High fuel prices indeed. Here in the UK unleaded is £1.56 a litre which is £7.00 0r $9.22 a gallon. UK gallon yes, but that's still $7.68 a gallon US!
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Road Rocket on March 10, 2022, 07:30:45 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/YXWWZRg/58-A52-CB9-F75-A-4544-8293-94-F98-D2-D0227.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YXWWZRg)
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: bobrebos on March 10, 2022, 07:59:28 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/YXWWZRg/58-A52-CB9-F75-A-4544-8293-94-F98-D2-D0227.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YXWWZRg)

:thumb:

Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: tommy2cyl on March 10, 2022, 08:09:00 AM
+ 1 on Van Van. Excellent 200 cc all rounder. 
Regarding Perazzimx comment on justification of spending X amount on a motorcycle to save at the gas pump. 
Always remember:  The dollars you spend on a motorcycle is a different currency.  Those dollars are not the same dollars you spend on gas, insurance,
food, mortgage, etc.  Motorcycle dollars are their own separate entity.  As a side corollary, once you sell a motorcycle, never/ever put those funds back into the real money accounts.  Once you do that, the motorcycle  $ are now lost forever and have become real money.  Always best to set up a side account for the special motorcycle currency for, well, you know......
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Darren Williams on March 10, 2022, 09:49:06 AM
Honda Navi or other small scooter, if you are really talking economy.

Revzilla Daily Rider video...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4FxY5ybUOU
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: twowheeladdict on March 10, 2022, 10:05:36 AM
+ 1 on Van Van. Excellent 200 cc all rounder. 
Regarding Perazzimx comment on justification of spending X amount on a motorcycle to save at the gas pump. 
Always remember:  The dollars you spend on a motorcycle is a different currency.  Those dollars are not the same dollars you spend on gas, insurance,
food, mortgage, etc.  Motorcycle dollars are their own separate entity.  As a side corollary, once you sell a motorcycle, never/ever put those funds back into the real money accounts.  Once you do that, the motorcycle  $ are now lost forever and have become real money.  Always best to set up a side account for the special motorcycle currency for, well, you know......

Exactly what I do.  There's residual value in the bike.  Unfortunately my bike account is low requiring me to sell in order to buy.  I don't want to part with what I have at the moment.

Regarding the beater car, I thought northerners did that for winter driving to keep the good car nice.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: tommy2cyl on March 10, 2022, 10:16:23 AM
TWA:  I know we both own the VV 200's.  Wonderful little machines that are fun & capable on & offload.  Available in US from 2017-2019.  Glad I got mine.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Clifton on March 10, 2022, 10:47:43 AM
I picked up a (barely) used Monkey from the local dealer a couple years ago for $2,700 thinking I could ride it locally, let my partner learn to ride on it, toss it in the truck when camping, etc. While it was cute, in a nutshell I found it lacking in either power, suspension, or both for riding the roads around here. My partner did enjoy learning to ride on it but then moved up to riding my XT250 which is a much more capable and useful bike so I traded the Monkey back for what I paid for it.

(https://i.postimg.cc/wBGyxLdz/IMG-4696.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VSXLDS6Z)

LOL no she did not ride it as dressed, she just jumped on it for this pic when I brought it home.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: JJ on March 10, 2022, 11:10:16 AM
I love the little Monkey bikes... :thumb: :wink: :boozing: :smiley:but my concern on the street would be being SEEN by distracted car / truck drivers because they are smaller than a full size motorcycle...but I suppose just around town would be fine... :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

However...Bicycles. ..YES!!  Electric bicycles...YES!!  ...or maybe something like this!!


(https://i.ibb.co/xD2S1mf/Screen-Shot-2022-03-10-at-10-07-10-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/xD2S1mf)
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: guzzisteve on March 10, 2022, 12:02:01 PM
I still have my Kinetic moped, it's a Piaggio Ciao the Indians cept making after Italians pulled out. 2000 TFR, I rode to work w/no license 10mi one way. You could walk faster up Hog Mtn. I bumped it up a bit w/real DelOrto & drilled out port. Needs a chamber now. Been sitting 16yrs.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Clifton on March 10, 2022, 12:05:25 PM
I still have my Kinetic moped.....  ....Been sitting 16yrs.

Better start using it. Heck around here they're dragging Geo Metros in from the fields to get them running again!
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Cage Free on March 10, 2022, 12:11:52 PM
A friend recently bought a 2012 CBR250 with 1200 miles for $2k. He wanted a small around town bike and to put less miles on his big HD. He loves the little bikes maneuverability in traffic and is getting a consistent 70 + mpg, now more important than ever.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: s1120 on March 10, 2022, 12:23:36 PM
Im thinking something like a 70's CB350, or a old GS400-425 would fill the bill for me. Pretty cheap still, run FOREVER, and really can do most anything you would need for short hops around.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: JJ on March 10, 2022, 12:37:54 PM
"I don't want a PICKLE...I just want a pair of gas stingy MOPED's... like these two JC Penny "Pintos" :rolleyes: :laugh: :grin: :shocked: :huh:


(https://i.ibb.co/JryF36N/Screen-Shot-2022-03-10-at-11-35-43-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/JryF36N)


Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: bad Chad on March 10, 2022, 01:12:38 PM
CSCmotorcycles.com.  I have had my $2200 tt250 for 6 years and it been great!
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Scout63 on March 10, 2022, 01:43:33 PM
+ 1 on Van Van. Excellent 200 cc all rounder. 
Regarding Perazzimx comment on justification of spending X amount on a motorcycle to save at the gas pump. 
Always remember:  The dollars you spend on a motorcycle is a different currency.  Those dollars are not the same dollars you spend on gas, insurance,
food, mortgage, etc.  Motorcycle dollars are their own separate entity.  As a side corollary, once you sell a motorcycle, never/ever put those funds back into the real money accounts.  Once you do that, the motorcycle  $ are now lost forever and have become real money.  Always best to set up a side account for the special motorcycle currency for, well, you know......

Perfectly put.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: guzziart on March 10, 2022, 03:24:47 PM
Im thinking something like a 70's CB350, or a old GS400-425 would fill the bill for me. Pretty cheap still, run FOREVER, and really can do most anything you would need for short hops around.

I'll use my wife's CB125s, if she lets me.

(https://i.ibb.co/XWMJ3v2/Joyce-s-Ride.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XWMJ3v2)
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: kballowe on March 10, 2022, 04:31:18 PM
I lived in southern Spain in the mid/late 70's.  Gasoline was approx $2.50/gallon there. 

There were a LOT of those 49cc mopeds, and they had special pre-mix pumps at the gas stations.  I mixed my own, because the pump mix was very heavy on the oil. 

Mine was a Puch, like this one.  I don't know what kind of gas mileage it got, but I would fill it every couple of weeks.


(https://i.ibb.co/2nJyXhH/puch.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2nJyXhH)
 
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: JJ on March 10, 2022, 05:16:52 PM
Then, of course, there are these two little "spendy" tiddlers.... :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh:


(https://i.ibb.co/CHPq5pm/Screen-Shot-2022-03-10-at-4-15-34-PM.png) (https://ibb.co/CHPq5pm)
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: kballowe on March 11, 2022, 06:57:44 AM
Last year, I took a test ride on one of those new Monkey bikes.  They had several "demo bikes" out front, and were encouraging everyone to participate.  Hey, free hot dogs and drinks - how could I resist?

Did I want one?  You bet.   :bike-037:

Lots of fun, but it would take some getting used-to.  I mean, 40 mph on that thing felt like 80 on a full-sized motorcycle.

What I really want is one of those Honda "Trail 125"  bikes.   I know they're out there. but I've not seen one anywhere.


(https://i.ibb.co/RSf7MhM/2021-Honda-Trail-125-ABS1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RSf7MhM)
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Scout63 on March 11, 2022, 07:27:51 AM
I would want a full size bike, even for around town use.  A lightly used Honda 250 single if really in town, a 650 XL or KLR if some rural or highway use.  My old SR500 fits the bill pretty well but I find myself taking bigger cooler bikes, even out for a burger.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Dave Swanson on March 11, 2022, 08:10:40 AM
Perfect around town bike, and everywhere in between!  Great gas mileage and reasonably priced!  AND ITS A GUZZI!  :azn:

(https://i.postimg.cc/x80k96Qb/271711650-10227447400349868-2901769495057394095-n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/r0PyJCK8)
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: 80CX100 on March 11, 2022, 08:19:54 AM
     If you're going to invest into and maintain another bike for around town, might as well make it a real one.

     If you think you might do the odd back road rip with it, a model like a CBR250-300? or Ninja 300 would be good choices.

     If exploring dirt back roads and trails is more likely to be part of it's use, a nice little dual sport like a DR200 or XL/XT 250 would do welll.

     fwiw ymmv
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: JJ on March 11, 2022, 08:24:59 AM
The Italian, (Monkey Bike styled), "TIDDLER" of the Week!! :thumb: :bow: :cool: :boozing: :wink:


(https://i.ibb.co/VCcps4t/Screen-Shot-2022-03-11-at-7-23-46-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/VCcps4t)
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: zebraranger on March 11, 2022, 08:27:00 AM
Purchased my full sized lightweight Versys X-300 new in 2018 for $5000 out the door. it gets 65 to 70 mpg and is very capable of interstate speeds and excellent for around town errands. I've added a set of Shad quick release side cases for when needed.
(https://i.postimg.cc/cJZ6wznT/1554-2880-P.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/68j9NYzG)
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: twowheeladdict on March 11, 2022, 08:39:32 AM
My bikes fuel economy depending on how hard I am riding each.  65 mph is the highest speed I typically ride since I avoid interstates as much as possible.  I even try hard to avoid crossing interstates where there are on/off ramps.

My Van Van gets 80+ mpg
My KLX300SM gets 70+ mpg
My V7III gets 60+ mpg
My Road Glide gets 50+ mpg.

The Mazda CX30 gets 35 mpg.
The Titan gets 20 mpg.
The 2500HD gets 12 mpg. 
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: rocker59 on March 11, 2022, 09:01:17 AM
Also nice!  Good point.  https://powersports.honda.com/street/minimoto/trail125-abs/?cid=main_reprise/google/Brand_Model_Motorcycle_miniMOTO_Exact/Trail125/2021%20honda%20trail&gclid=CjwKCAiA4KaRBhBdEiwAZi1zznNzlfRI08RSj3KTuAc18z_7yFZ8Yh-cPu2f8t2DhG5aNZPpM3GpxBoCXUQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Yeah.  I never understood the "spend money to save money" concept.  LOL.

A family member asked me this week what I thought about buying an electric car to save money on gas.

That family member drives an SUV which is paid for.

I asked, "how much gas will $40,000 buy?"   

The conversation ended.

Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Joliet Jim on March 11, 2022, 09:24:12 AM
buy a used buell blast for 500 and get almost 80 mpg
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Tiki Joe on March 11, 2022, 09:49:09 AM
Yeah.  I never understood the "spend money to save money" concept.  LOL.
I agree....when my son was travelling a lot with baseball, one of the other dads would rent a car for the weekend for a 400 mile road trip to keep miles off of his.....He drove an older truck that wasn't fancy by any means.  So when you trade it in after 15 years and it has 180,000 miles instead of 182,500 miles are you going to get more for it??  I just don't understand peoples logic.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: twowheeladdict on March 11, 2022, 10:47:28 AM
I agree....when my son was travelling a lot with baseball, one of the other dads would rent a car for the weekend for a 400 mile road trip to keep miles off of his.....He drove an older truck that wasn't fancy by any means.  So when you trade it in after 15 years and it has 180,000 miles instead of 182,500 miles are you going to get more for it??  I just don't understand peoples logic.

Maybe he plans on never selling the vehicle and the rental and travel for a volunteer organization used to be a tax deduction or at least considered a donation deduction. 
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: twowheeladdict on March 11, 2022, 10:51:55 AM
Yeah.  I never understood the "spend money to save money" concept.  LOL.

A family member asked me this week what I thought about buying an electric car to save money on gas.

That family member drives an SUV which is paid for.

I asked, "how much gas will $40,000 buy?"   

The conversation ended.

I agree with spending $40k just to save gas, but when it comes time to change vehicles are you going to choose one that gets better mileage?

When we had kids at home my wife drove a minivan.  Every vehicle since then has been smaller and more fuel efficient where now she has the Mazda CX-30 in the garage.

But, when talking about a $4000 motorcycle that will have a residual value of $2500 and you are going from 15 mpg to 100 mpg it makes a lot of sense to spend money to save money. 

Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Sye on March 11, 2022, 10:56:24 AM
Statistically most people in the UK commute less than 16 miles a day and only do 1 or two long trips a year. I know quite a few people who have a small car for commuting and shopping stuff who hire a larger car for their main holiday.

They say it saves them a fortune. Low purchase price, low maintenance costs, low depreciation and 50mpg more than makes up for the hire of a holiday vehicle.

I imagine it will be different in the USA due to much greater distances.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Moparnut72 on March 11, 2022, 11:11:25 AM
I got my V7lll for an around town bike a couple of years ago. I guess I was ahead of the curve. I replaced my 40 mpg Audace with a Triumph T120, it gets almost as good a mileage as the V7, 55 to 60 mpg.
kk
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: LowRyter on March 11, 2022, 11:21:16 AM
Just checked, my Accord has averaged over 28mpg for the last 12k miles (I guess I haven't hit the trip Odo in a couple of years?).  1 oil change, no maintenance, no tires.  OTOH, my Duramax and Toy Hauler haven't since Doug's campout.  My bikes get from 33-43 mpg, they eat tires and maintenance. 
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Moparnut72 on March 11, 2022, 12:38:42 PM
Depends on what you are comparing your bike to. Compared to my Dually Ram diesel my two bikes don't even come close. I am due for an oil and fuel filters change. 12 quarts of oil comes to $75. The two fuel filters plus oil filter adds another $200. I just did a trans filter change, I don’t remember how much that was, special fluid was pricey. Still needs a intake manifold filter, another $75. I don't
even want to think about the six tires but I have it worked out to where I have to buy only two at a time by rotating them around. This doesn't include big difference in fuel mileage, insurance and registration fees. Annual registration and license fees for my 8 year old truck are $750. So I ride my bikes as much as possible and leave the truck parked until it is really needed. Of course I realize not many of us have a dually diesel pickup.
kk
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Huzo on March 11, 2022, 02:59:14 PM
Well, I did 18,000 k’s on this in 6 weeks
(https://i.ibb.co/ZhYCBZF/4-D0-D8-B7-B-AA32-46-FC-B3-B4-50185-B8367-E0.png) (https://ibb.co/ZhYCBZF)

and survived.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Tom on March 11, 2022, 03:55:50 PM
Try a scooter.  I picked up 3 in Nov. 2021.  Low mileage.  Registration and insurance costs are low.  Gas mileage is about 80mpg.  About $7K for all three.  They're becoming the commute workhorses.  2020 Kymco Agility 125, 2013 Honda PCX 150 & 2016 Honda PCX 150.  All 3 will 55mph +.  The Honda's will get up to low 60's.  Factory says they should be 70mph, might be the dyno they test them on.

The Kymco is my favorite.  It looks like the 50 Agility w/larger cylinder & piston.  If I hit an intersection with traffic congestion, I'll pull over in the moped/bicycle lane and slow down to 35mph.  I'll pretty much keep forward movement going and not sit in traffic.  It's also the one to take shopping.  Large under seat storage w/trunk but it also has a hook to hang t shirt bags from.

The long term plan is for personal use, teaching the youngest for motorized 2 wheel transport and rentals.  I live 2 miles from the airport.  They will pay for themselves.   :thumb:  Weather wise, we get maybe 5 days of rain per year.  Mostly sunny and warm year round with low humidity.   :grin:  I'm still working the bugs out before renting them out.   :thumb:
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: twowheeladdict on March 11, 2022, 08:32:18 PM
I think you'll find that cost per mile to operate a motorcycle is not that much different than the average automobile and possibly more. People want to believe that since a motorcycle gets 40+ MPG that it has to be cheaper to operate.

What do you consider in your cost per mile calculation? 

I would consider gas, maintenance,  parts, tires, registration,  insurance, and the difference between purchase and sale price to figure cost per mile. 

Of course it is hard to put a value on enjoyment.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Canuck750 on March 11, 2022, 09:06:05 PM
Fuel mileage is only part of the equation.

The ‘cost’ of running any vehicle needs to include the annual deprecated market value, finance companies, auto leasing calculations etc are roughly 10% of the new sale price over 10 years. year 1 and 2 depreciated values are greater than 10% and years 9 and 10 are lower but an average ‘cost’ is 10% per year. So a $70K pickup is costing (loosing value) of $7K per year. Add insurance, registration, fuel etc to get to actual cost.  A $70K truck is purchased with after tax dollars, for most people that $70K purchase price equates to at least $100K in earned income, so the actual cost on depreciation is not $7K by $10K per year of earned income.

A Tesla Model S may only cost pennies per mile in electricity but since it’s close to $100K (or more depending on type) in earned income depreciation that vehicle costs in the range of $13K per year before any other costs are added. A V8 full size pickup that cost $60K earned income depreciation is appx. $7.8 per year. That’s about half the cost per year of the Tesla Model S.






Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Scud on March 11, 2022, 09:23:53 PM
I have a Yamaha TW200 that I do a few errands on. My daughters ride it on trail rides with me when we go to the mountains and it's rated at 78 MPG (seems about right, but I don't actually calculate it). I have a rack on the back. It's a surprisingly capable little all-arounder and kind of fun to go slow.

I also rent it on Riders-Share. I get a renter about once or twice a month, so it covers all my insurance, registration, and maintenance. But "unfortunately" the depreciation causes a loss at tax time...

I also have an electric bicycle with a rack. Good for day-time errands, but I don't like taking it out at night.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: MMRanch on March 11, 2022, 11:09:04 PM
Hay Bob

I got a DR200 for local back roads , but in hind-sight I'd rather have the RE350 Meteor.   I believe $4,500 will get a  new one with 3 year grantee.   If you can believe the claimed mpg ... then you could expect near 100 mpg.

The DR200 has less than 3000 miles , and runs like it should with 20 HP.   I'd sell it and get the RE tomorrow if I had a buyer .
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: chuck peterson on March 12, 2022, 05:57:19 AM
+ 1 on Van Van. Excellent 200 cc all rounder. 
Regarding Perazzimx comment on justification of spending X amount on a motorcycle to save at the gas pump. 
Always remember:  The dollars you spend on a motorcycle is a different currency.  Those dollars are not the same dollars you spend on gas, insurance,
food, mortgage, etc.  Motorcycle dollars are their own separate entity.  As a side corollary, once you sell a motorcycle, never/ever put those funds back into the real money accounts.  Once you do that, the motorcycle  $ are now lost forever and have become real money.  Always best to set up a side account for the special motorcycle currency for, well, you know......

Oh absolutely! I’ve been on this blessed path since 1975.. amen brother!
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: chuck peterson on March 12, 2022, 06:23:43 AM
I’ve been hoarding for the apocalypse for several years now…

150-180mpg. Seven running mopeds X 150 mpg equals….if seven mopeds drive 150 miles at 150 miles per gallon equals..buying a $1000 moped and riding it 10 miles to work over 52 weeks a year will only cost you ….$1000 plus gas, so it takes 10 years to save the $1000 you spent to save gas…

Or something like that..the short answer is you bought the damn thing because you wanted it….but use the gas mileage as a reasonable justification





(https://i.ibb.co/27Hp5jw/177-C10-B8-8720-4-E16-83-B8-881-CBE01365-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/27Hp5jw)

(https://i.ibb.co/HxYTPLt/533395-A8-213-D-4-B4-C-AD75-7-F119561413-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HxYTPLt)

(https://i.ibb.co/9NvZcGG/105-BB753-DFC1-48-EE-8-F43-6371-C5-CF8-D81.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9NvZcGG)
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: twowheeladdict on March 12, 2022, 07:09:11 AM
I have a Yamaha TW200 that I do a few errands on. My daughters ride it on trail rides with me when we go to the mountains and it's rated at 78 MPG (seems about right, but I don't actually calculate it). I have a rack on the back. It's a surprisingly capable little all-arounder and kind of fun to go slow.

I also rent it on Riders-Share. I get a renter about once or twice a month, so it covers all my insurance, registration, and maintenance. But "unfortunately" the depreciation causes a loss at tax time...

I also have an electric bicycle with a rack. Good for day-time errands, but I don't like taking it out at night.

Do you have to have special insurance to cover the bike being rented? 
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: twowheeladdict on March 12, 2022, 07:18:41 AM
Fuel mileage is only part of the equation.

The ‘cost’ of running any vehicle needs to include the annual deprecated market value, finance companies, auto leasing calculations etc are roughly 10% of the new sale price over 10 years. year 1 and 2 depreciated values are greater than 10% and years 9 and 10 are lower but an average ‘cost’ is 10% per year. So a $70K pickup is costing (loosing value) of $7K per year. Add insurance, registration, fuel etc to get to actual cost.  A $70K truck is purchased with after tax dollars, for most people that $70K purchase price equates to at least $100K in earned income, so the actual cost on depreciation is not $7K by $10K per year of earned income.

A Tesla Model S may only cost pennies per mile in electricity but since it’s close to $100K (or more depending on type) in earned income depreciation that vehicle costs in the range of $13K per year before any other costs are added. A V8 full size pickup that cost $60K earned income depreciation is appx. $7.8 per year. That’s about half the cost per year of the Tesla Model S.

Wouldn't it be 0.1 X 70,000 = 7000
then 0.1 x 63,000 = 6300
then 0.1 x 56,700 = 5670 

Of course corrected for the years you say are above 10 percent and years below.  The point is that it is never the same amount each year (you say $7k per year)

This is why when buying used motorcycles there is an age where the depreciation is almost non-existent and of course varies by the specific brand/model bike.

Like the TW200 mentioned above.  New price with dealer fees might push you above $5000, but once they hit the $3000 price they will never go much lower in well maintained condition. 

 
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Tom on March 12, 2022, 08:32:16 AM
Do you have to have special insurance to cover the bike being rented?

Insurance proviided by Rider Share during rental period.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: twowheeladdict on March 12, 2022, 09:16:06 AM
Insurance proviided by Rider Share during rental period.

Interesting.  I don't just let anyone ride my bikes, but if I lived in an area where rideshare was popular I could see an excuse to expand my fleet  :drool:
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: pressureangle on March 12, 2022, 10:30:03 AM
Many years ago, I lived in Miami where traffic and parking made taking the car anywhere a nightmare. I worked 10 miles away.

I always rode my bicycle, because 20 miles a day only cost 15 minutes more than the car and was free exercise. Some time later I came across a Honda Elite 80 scooter nearly free which got ~75mpg on the work commute. I did the arithmetic, and discovered that at the gas prices of that time, it was cheaper to ride the scooter than to feed myself on the bicycle. FWIW.
With the influx of refugees from elsewhere into Florida, riding a bicycle has become off-road only so none of that for commuting.

Given the current state of affairs, I'm rehabilitating my '74 Aermacchi H-D Sprint 350. I don't know the mileage but figure it's ~55 around town if I don't have any fun on it. Back to my early 20's, backpacking and being a bit sweaty everywhere.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Furbo on March 13, 2022, 02:27:47 PM
I'd go with any mid range used Jap air cooled dual sport. Even up to a KLR/XLR. Great mileage and you can stay out of peoples way. 
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: 9fingers on March 13, 2022, 08:06:49 PM
I think those Honda Trail 125s are pretty cool.......in a dorky way. Unless I am mistaken they get over 100 MPG and are capable of 55mph, so OK for around town. I am considering one to take on the Northeast BDR route.......figure it would be a hoot and way easier in the more difficult off road parts than a loaded V Strom. But I like that CRF300 Rally too. The Royal Enfield bikes, being in a relatively mild state of tune, all get good mileage.
Scott
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: kballowe on March 13, 2022, 08:13:56 PM
Hey what sort of fuel mileage will my new V7 850 get ?
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: stubbie on March 13, 2022, 09:00:59 PM
What about a Vitpilen 401, 59 miles to gallon.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Scud on March 13, 2022, 10:23:36 PM
Interesting.  I don't just let anyone ride my bikes, but if I lived in an area where rideshare was popular I could see an excuse to expand my fleet  :drool:

I'm good with renting the TW 200, I'd barely ride it otherwise, but this way, I can justify keeping it for few times a year my daughters will ride with me. I have though about putting the Stelvio on there, it would rent for a lot more than the TW - but I like that bike too much.

My last renter was interesting. He just relocated from Europe, and has been riding for 40 years. Has a Vincent Black Shadow and a big BMW. Just wanted the TW to pass the California DMV test, which is stupidly riding in a very tight circle and weaving through some cones.

Anyway... back to topic... I like the 401 Husqvarnas. Those would be a lot of fun around town, and they are damn capable, great handling bikes. And they are powerful enough to take on the freeway for a bit (which I have done, but did not enjoy on the TW).
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Shorty on March 14, 2022, 12:12:35 AM
I needed a car to commute in with a big enough interior to move my legs around a little and headroom.  Found a Nissan Versa with manual windows and door locks. Thinners doors, no electronic protrusions jutting onto my left leg. 35-40 mpg. Cheap tires. It has taken me throught about 3 fuel "crisis" now with the only disadvantage being having to jump in before unlocking the doors. My RE Meteor is a fuel champion as well, (65 mpg +) but you better not be in a hurry to get anywhere.
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: bobrebos on March 15, 2022, 05:39:31 AM
Last year, I took a test ride on one of those new Monkey bikes.  They had several "demo bikes" out front, and were encouraging everyone to participate.  Hey, free hot dogs and drinks - how could I resist?

Did I want one?  You bet.   :bike-037:

Lots of fun, but it would take some getting used-to.  I mean, 40 mph on that thing felt like 80 on a full-sized motorcycle.

What I really want is one of those Honda "Trail 125"  bikes.   I know they're out there. but I've not seen one anywhere.


(https://i.ibb.co/RSf7MhM/2021-Honda-Trail-125-ABS1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RSf7MhM)


I agree.  Honda Trail 125 sounds great! 
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: bobrebos on March 15, 2022, 05:57:26 AM
Try a scooter.  I picked up 3 in Nov. 2021.  Low mileage.  Registration and insurance costs are low.  Gas mileage is about 80mpg.  About $7K for all three.  They're becoming the commute workhorses.  2020 Kymco Agility 125, 2013 Honda PCX 150 & 2016 Honda PCX 150.  All 3 will 55mph +.  The Honda's will get up to low 60's.  Factory says they should be 70mph, might be the dyno they test them on.

The Kymco is my favorite.  It looks like the 50 Agility w/larger cylinder & piston.  If I hit an intersection with traffic congestion, I'll pull over in the moped/bicycle lane and slow down to 35mph.  I'll pretty much keep forward movement going and not sit in traffic.  It's also the one to take shopping.  Large under seat storage w/trunk but it also has a hook to hang t shirt bags from.

The long term plan is for personal use, teaching the youngest for motorized 2 wheel transport and rentals.  I live 2 miles from the airport.  They will pay for themselves.   :thumb:  Weather wise, we get maybe 5 days of rain per year.  Mostly sunny and warm year round with low humidity.   :grin:  I'm still working the bugs out before renting them out.   :thumb:

I had a kymco people 300 and a Suzuki burgman 650 five years ago that I bought not running, and I fixed them up and sold them.  Never should have sold them!  My mistake
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Motormike on March 15, 2022, 09:21:07 AM
buy a used buell blast for 500 and get almost 80 mpg
Wow, are any of those left?  I thought they'd all been crushed! :evil:

(https://i.ibb.co/BCnznGg/90.webp) (https://ibb.co/BCnznGg)
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on March 15, 2022, 09:36:21 AM
I went past the gas station in the mid-day @$3.79.  I went the other way past it in the early evening @$4.19.  I think they're taking advantage of the situation. 

My car and my Convert get close to the same mileage.  It's a bummer when I can't justify riding the bike with fuel economy arguments.   :embarrassed:

In '08 when oil was $126/barrel gas was selling for $4.30/gal... Now oil is $106 a barrel and they are charging $5+gal. Curious. Someone is getting rich(er) and it aint us.

I'm just glad it takes me 2+ weeks to run through an 18gal tank
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Clifton on March 15, 2022, 09:52:27 AM
Not an around "town" bike for high gas prices but around the area where I live. XT250

(https://i.postimg.cc/wvLTr1pd/IMG-4979.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/njVJjcrd)
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: MattP on March 15, 2022, 10:27:31 AM
Mabey I should fire up my 1981 freeway 3 wheel car. 100 mpg, know  might be able to get phoney guzzy to post a pick. I don,t know. Matt
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Tom on March 15, 2022, 05:50:06 PM
Looking at a MP3 500 tomorrow.  If in good shape w/low miles.  I'll probably get it.  Real odd-ball ride.   :grin:
Title: Re: Around town bike for high gas prices NGC
Post by: Joliet Jim on March 15, 2022, 08:57:44 PM
Wow, are any of those left?  I thought they'd all been crushed! :evil:

(https://i.ibb.co/BCnznGg/90.webp) (https://ibb.co/BCnznGg)


that may be the best bike he ever built. damn things are indestructible

ok I had to edit evidently not totally indestructible