Is a scooter feasible for my commute? How about motorcycle recommendations?
I’m an avid motorcyclist in the warmer months of the year. My problem is two-fold:
1. My bike is as old as me (24 years old) and is a BMW, thus the maintenance that is increasingly required is getting pretty expensive for my budget. Plus, the 750cc triple (it’s a K75, if you’re curious) doesn’t get great gas mileage, so it’s not like the fuel savings offset the increased maintenance costs associated with riding this beast to work as often as possible.
2. I have very little in the way of versatile riding gear. I have one good leather jacket and decent boots (not m/c specific, though). I have a good full-face helmet. When it rains overnight, I’ll come into work with my pants damp from the knee down due to road spray.
This leads me to ask: Could a scooter or maxi-scooter work on my commute? I have to travel about 25 miles one-way (50 round-trip) on a road with a 55 mph max speed limit to get to work, with the last third of the trip on city streets with a max speed ranging from 35 to 45 mph. I realize 55 is about as fast as most traditional sub-250cc scooters will go. But I’m drawn to the extra rain protection (not to mention the storage space) of the maxi-scooters like the Suzuki Bergman.
If not a maxi-scooter, how about a good economical motorcycle? I’ve long been attracted to the Honda Nighthawk 250. Granted, it has drum brakes and is a little on the smallish side, but it’s cheap to service and gets great gas mileage (about 20 mpg better than the BMW I currently ride, for what it’s worth.) I’m also drawn to Royal Enfield’s new bikes, which look very vintage and supposedly get great fuel economy– though perhaps they cost a fair deal more to keep running, from what I’ve heard.
What’s your scooter or motorcycle recommendation for this frugal commuter?
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Suzuki Burgman is a good idea, but look at the Yamaha T-Max
Being a pilot of both scooters and motorcycles, I can say that scooters offer limited protection against the rain for a couple of miles. After all depends on your rain gear. If you are looking for a high MPG bike I recommend a virago 250. We average users Virago 80-10 MPG. You will not find a scooter at high speeds capable with this type of economy. If you look at a scooter 250, then it must be fast enough for its speed, but expect only 60 mpg. Get a cheap raincoat, a piece or two, and take the bag, along with very heavy rain boots. Rain pants or dresses should buy extra-long ankle, do not pull up when you bend your knees.
I have a Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive mostly used to cover the same distance as you. This beautiful bike for commuting, and I would recommend one if your budget can support. My route includes highways and roads. Just get wet if I go less than 30 km / h, the body (and adjustable screen) does a good job, if allowed. I have about 45 55mpg, depending on the speed and great carga.El Burgman is also perfectly capable as a car travel less. It ‘very smooth, quiet and comfortable all day, wowing legal speed. Going to run all day 85, but will tire long before he does. Get something bigger if your tours include trips serious ambitions. It ‘s funny creases as well, but the suspension will fail if left softish llevar.El return is that you go through tires rather quickly. Its smaller diameter means that the tires rotate at any speed faster so they wear faster. This is also a heavy bike for its size – 550 pounds dry. Maintain tire pressure specific help, but my best was only 9500 miles per set. Maintenance is simple. Engine oil changes and latest album are on him. The valves are adjusted automatically and is fully electronic ignition set-up is to connect every time the Beemer cuando.Pon exciting time in one window and get a Burgman!