Great time to own a bike
saddlebag
"Crude oil prices vaulted to a record high $80 a barrel as dealers
focused on tight inventories in the United States and potential supply
disruptions from a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico."
tomo...@erols.com
Unless you are riding a profligate fuel wasting 2-stroke!
Michael Fell
wrote:
Don't tires and general maintenance of a motorcycle offset the cost
savings versus an automobile?
saddlebag
wrote:
> On Wed, 12 Sep 2007 14:47:44 -0700, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com>
> wrote:
>
> >http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1345154
>
> >"Crude oil prices vaulted to a record high $80 a barrel as dealers
> >focused on tight inventories in the United States and potential supply
> >disruptions from a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico."
>
> Don't tires and general maintenance of a motorcycle offset the cost
> savings versus an automobile?
Not at $80 a barrel.
TroytheTroll
"saddlebag" <sadd...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1189633664.1...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
I think the Peak Oilers are causing it all!!
TroytheTroll
>> Don't tires and general maintenance of a motorcycle offset the cost
>> savings versus an automobile?
>
> Not at $80 a barrel.
>
The price has been nearly that high for a few months, get used to
$3/gasoline like everyone else, and don't worry about it.
saddlebag
> "saddlebag" <saddle...@aol.com> wrote in message
Better than the Houston Oilers anyway. You and Earl Campbell better
get busy chopping down some trees.
BryanUT
> used to $4/gal.
>
That is a good thing. Of course I get a free bus pass and could walk the 4
miles to work if I desired, or ride the bicycle.
TroytheTroll
> used to $4/gal.
My next breakpoint for buying/selling a vehicle is $6/gal. Whats yours?
Andrew
Luv Ya Blue!
--
Andrew
00 Daytona
00 Speed Triple
71 Kawi H1
05 Infant
Vaughn
I just bought a gas sipper car for the economy factor. I'm looking at
a highway worthy slabtastic motorcycle for work trips if it goes much
higher. Both my current bikes (V-Strom 1000 = 35 mpg, Triumph 675
Spitfire = 34-44 mpg) don't quite fit the bill for straight on
motoring solo, to a hotel.
I'd like a bike with little storage boxes (hard luggage) and about 60
mpg going 65 on a slab. And maybe even something that is fun to ride
in town and on some technical twisties. Why can't they make a real
low-thrill sportlite-touring bike with little 21 L side bags built
into the tail section? A 550 parallel twin would do the job nicely,
in a lightweight on-road package. A Kawi Ninja EX500 comes to mind,
but it is just too dated.
sqidbait
[snip]
> I'd like a bike with little storage boxes (hard luggage) and about 60
> mpg going 65 on a slab. And maybe even something that is fun to ride
> in town and on some technical twisties. Why can't they make a real
> low-thrill sportlite-touring bike with little 21 L side bags built
> into the tail section? A 550 parallel twin would do the job nicely,
> in a lightweight on-road package. A Kawi Ninja EX500 comes to mind,
> but it is just too dated.
Kwak 650 with SWMotech racks and Givi cases?
http://tandemhearts.com/coppermine/displayimage.php?pos=-97
-- Michael
tomo...@erols.com
> Why can't they make a real
> low-thrill sportlite-touring bike with little 21 L side bags built
> into the tail section?
Honda did, but sales of the PC800 were rather meager. After several
years, they gave up.
Fake Name
>years, they gave up.
Aye but they do offer the "new" Silverwing and the ST so I think those
two in combination cover the niche of the PC.
Fake Name
>in a lightweight on-road package. A Kawi Ninja EX500 comes to mind,
>but it is just too dated.
The GL500 was such a bike. But if the Ninja is too dated then I don't
think you'd consider a GL500.
Vaughn
That 650 Ninja gets 60 mpg?!?
That would fit the bill perfectly.....! I've seen those in person
they have a neat style, and look like they'd perform resonably well.
I never liked the Pacific Coast, however. And the Silverwing is
pretty nice, but I'm not looking for a scooter. I'm not familiar with
the GL500... how far back do those go?
Justin
: I'd like a bike with little storage boxes (hard luggage) and about 60
: mpg going 65 on a slab.
FWIW I get 52mpg or so in general riding (city/suburbs) on my SV.
Better, when I rode to Maine and back a few weeks ago I did 1945 miles on
29 gallons. That's a smidge over 67mpg, mostly running at 70-80mph.
That was with Givi topcase containing about 20lb and tank bag with another
few.
Justin
'07 Suzuki SV650
'02 Honda Shadow VT750DC
sqidbait
> On Sep 13, 5:00 am, sqidbait <sqid_b...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > Kwak 650 with SWMotech racks and Givi cases?
>
> >http://tandemhearts.com/coppermine/displayimage.php?pos=-97
>
>
I think MCN saw 60+mpg out of their test horse. The
Kwak makes low 60s hp, so it seems reasonable.
-- Michael
Fake Name
>the GL500... how far back do those go?
>
now. The interstate flavor of the old silverwing is the only one I've
seen in recent years. This one, http://tinyurl.com/258oda is typical
of the ones I've seen still on the road. I think the production run
was 1980-1985.
TroytheTroll
>> > A few weeks back it went down to ~$65. I think you're about to get
>> > used to $4/gal.
>>
>> My next breakpoint for buying/selling a vehicle is $6/gal. Whats yours?
>
> I just bought a gas sipper car for the economy factor.
Me too. 32 mpg mixed city/highway on its 3rd tank.
> I'm looking at
> a highway worthy slabtastic motorcycle for work trips if it goes much
> higher. Both my current bikes (V-Strom 1000 = 35 mpg, Triumph 675
> Spitfire = 34-44 mpg) don't quite fit the bill for straight on
> motoring solo, to a hotel.
>
I got a solid 40mpg last trip out on my 1100. It could be better though, its
running rich enough that it fouls plugs at altitude.
> I'd like a bike with little storage boxes (hard luggage) and about 60
> mpg going 65 on a slab. And maybe even something that is fun to ride
> in town and on some technical twisties. Why can't they make a real
> low-thrill sportlite-touring bike with little 21 L side bags built
> into the tail section? A 550 parallel twin would do the job nicely,
> in a lightweight on-road package. A Kawi Ninja EX500 comes to mind,
> but it is just too dated.
Kawasaki Versys? Its gotta be a 50mpg+ kinda bike.
TroytheTroll
> Better, when I rode to Maine and back a few weeks ago I did 1945 miles on
> 29 gallons. That's a smidge over 67mpg, mostly running at 70-80mph.
> '07 Suzuki SV650
> '02 Honda Shadow VT750DC
Never heard of that high a mileage on an sv at highway speeds. I can get
56-58mpg around town, it instantly drops to 50mpg even on the highway at any
speeds over 70mph.
You really got 67mpg?
Justin
: Never heard of that high a mileage on an sv at highway speeds. I can get
: 56-58mpg around town, it instantly drops to 50mpg even on the highway at any
: speeds over 70mph.
: You really got 67mpg?
Yep, I was as surprised as anyone.
I kept track of the mileage with the trip meter (reset to 0.0 on leaving)
and I kept track of the gallons I put in the tank. I will grant that I
averaged my gallons to the nearest quarter but that was up as well as down
so in truth I can't see how I would have been off by more than a gallon
total. That's only a few mpg in the long run.
Unless something is radically off in my calculations but I'm not sure
where that would have been.
Justin
Steve Mackay
It just might be your added... Um Fat Bastardness? :)
I can't get the 50+ in around town. It's usually 46-49 MPG in the city,
but close to 60 on the HWY doing 70-80MPH on the new Buell. And over
60MPG on the wife's iBuell.
saddlebag
I remember riding home from Tenn with a friend on an SV. We both
fueled up in Kentunkty at the same time and I was bone dry on my 5.5
gal Duc getting mid 40 mpg by southern Ohio. I was shocked when he
skipped the opportunity for fuel and made it at least another 40 miles
home. And the SV 650s only have about 4 gal capacity if that!
TroytheTroll
>
> It just might be your added... Um Fat Bastardness? :)
>
> I can't get the 50+ in around town. It's usually 46-49 MPG in the city,
> but close to 60 on the HWY doing 70-80MPH on the new Buell. And over 60MPG
> on the wife's iBuell.
I'm curious to see what the KLR gets. The old one was great around town, and
even greater at slow cruising speeds, like around Yellowstone. I've hit
mid-60's with the old one, but usually it was in the 50's.
Vaughn
The beloved SV650 strikes again...>!
I'm not suprised it does well at the tank. I know a lot of V-Strom
650 owners who always get 55mpg, unless they ride at 70mph or more, in
which case the Wee winds up and basically matches the DL1000 Strom's
35 mpg at most any speeds.
Though I notice a lot of the reported mileage is due to the rider's
style. Basically, a medium sized engine kept at legal speed limits
will do well, but when you want "make time" they almost all suffer.
Of all the bikes discussed I think the SV and DL 650's are great for
economy and fun, but the Ninja 650 seems to take the cake.
And the Buell Uly has a reported 55mg as well, which is noteworthy for
such a big engine.
TroytheTroll
> 650 owners who always get 55mpg, unless they ride at 70mph or more, in
> which case the Wee winds up and basically matches the DL1000 Strom's
> 35 mpg at most any speeds.
When my DL1000 got 35 mpg, I thought that was pathetic considering how tall
6th gear is. I think I've cracked 50 a time or two on it, but 44-48mpg
seemed the most common for interstate cruising.
I would have sold it alot faster than I did if I thought it only got 35 mpg.
> And the Buell Uly has a reported 55mg as well, which is noteworthy for
> such a big engine.
I found a review somewhere where they only got like 38 mpg out of the Uly. I
always figured it did better than that, based on Steve's stories about how
well his do.
Vaughn
My Strom has seen in the mid-40's as well, but I also changed the
gearing (16/41) for forest roads exploration, and generally carry
camping gear, bags, cooking gear, a passenger, and totally rail the
big alien. It is also equipped with a power commander to smooth out
the wonky FI map. So carrying stuff and operating consistently above
posted speed limits (which is what I use it for), it usually gets
about 35 mpg.
But after suspension mods, and a few other niceties, it is a great Adv/
ST bike. Just want my cake and to eat it too, I guess. Liter bike
engine performance, touring bike comfort, and economy bike
mileage.... I too have heard the Uly doesn't do as well in real
world riding as the brochures report.
I'm sure a KLR would get better mileage, but it wouldn't go nearly as
fast or carry as much stuff and/or a passenger as comfortably. (I've
been out riding with KLR guys, and unless we are on really sloppy sand/
gravel, I spend a lot of time waiting for them....)
So, it all brings me back to the idea of a lightweight solo ST bike
with 60+ mpg.
TroytheTroll
> fast or carry as much stuff and/or a passenger as comfortably.
Nope. But it doesn't feel like your trying to take a limo off road either.
I've had an absolute blast learning how to drift both ends of a KLR on
fireroads in the Big Horn mountains, in 4000 miles of DL1000 riding I didn't
even CONSIDER pulling a stunt like that. But it definitely hauled lots of
stuff, could easily accomadate a passenger, and can run REAL fast if you are
inclined.
> (I've
> been out riding with KLR guys, and unless we are on really sloppy sand/
> gravel, I spend a lot of time waiting for them....)
>
Considering how fast a DL1000 is, this wouldn't be a surprise. But its so
heavy I don't even think to try and do silly things with it, whereas with
the KLR I do them and giggle all the way home. Just couldn't get that level
of dirt road enthusiasm for the DL.
> So, it all brings me back to the idea of a lightweight solo ST bike
> with 60+ mpg.
I think cracking 60 mpg just isn't that easy of a thing to do on the
interstate nowadays.
Vaughn
> > I'm sure a KLR would get better mileage, but it wouldn't go nearly as
> > fast or carry as much stuff and/or a passenger as comfortably.
>
> Nope. But it doesn't feel like your trying to take a limo off road either.
> I've had an absolute blast learning how to drift both ends of a KLR on
> fireroads in the Big Horn mountains, in 4000 miles of DL1000 riding I didn't
> even CONSIDER pulling a stunt like that. But it definitely hauled lots of
> stuff, could easily accomadate a passenger, and can run REAL fast if you are
> inclined.
>
> > (I've
> > been out riding with KLR guys, and unless we are on really sloppy sand/
> > gravel, I spend a lot of time waiting for them....)
>
> Considering how fast a DL1000 is, this wouldn't be a surprise. But its so
> heavy I don't even think to try and do silly things with it, whereas with
> the KLR I do them and giggle all the way home. Just couldn't get that level
> of dirt road enthusiasm for the DL.
>
Agreed that the Strom is heavy for a dual sport, but it is light for
Sport Touring bike! And compared to the BMW R1150GS, it is very
light for an Adv Touring bike. And at 550 lbs., and with long legs,
I'm not afraid to take it most places I want to go. Bombing down
forest roads on it is fun, and then hiking up the single track trails
to the peak meets my needs perfectly.
-And-
Steve, I gotta take you up on that Buell test ride offer before the
season is out. I kinda like the little iBuell XB9's, and if they get
60mpg+ I might even get one. Supermoto style and ergos, with a 900
twin for highway touring. Seems to fit the niche my DRZ400SM never
quite captured. Once I left town on that one, I was consisntently
disappointed with the top end.
smn
<tomo...@erols.com> wrote in message
news:1189634425.6...@g4g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...
> On Sep 12, 5:47 pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
>> http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1345154
>>
>> "Crude oil prices vaulted to a record high $80 a barrel as dealers
>> focused on tight inventories in the United States and potential supply
>> disruptions from a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico."
>
Like I have said countless times to persons worrying about gas price. Buy
oil stocks when discounted and the best is oil and gas trusts because of the
yield. Though they were better before O'Flaherty changed the tax to 30%.
Or the xeg etf on the tsx. or get double exposure even with bull and bear
energy security if you want more. The consensus is for a bull BTW
smn
"Vaughn" <vbr...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1189663078....@y42g2000hsy.googlegroups.com...
I saw luggage for a sport bike yesterday. I will try to dig it up. I am
working on the same thing. the "fast rack"($59) goes under the back seat
and bolts down so you can carry the $64 trunk I found. I can get you those
URLS too if you want.
smn
Ron Gibson
> http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1345154
> "Crude oil prices vaulted to a record high $80 a barrel as dealers focused
> on tight inventories in the United States and potential supply disruptions
> from a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico."
I'm gonna buy a newer bike (1998 kaw ZX-6R) but I'm not selling my
(83) XS400RK - It gets 46MPG city and 50MPG on the road.
That is unless the Kawasaki gets mileage like that :-)
--
Linux Help: http://rsgibson.com/linux.htm
Email - rsgi...@verizon.borg
Replace borg with net
Vaughn
> "Vaughn" <vbra...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:1189663078....@y42g2000hsy.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Sep 12, 9:27 pm, "TroytheTroll" <f4_...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >> >> >> Don't tires and general maintenance of a motorcycle offset the cost
> >> >> >> savings versus an automobile?
>
> >> >> > Not at $80 a barrel.
>
> >> >> The price has been nearly that high for a few months, get used to
> >> >> $3/gasoline like everyone else, and don't worry about it.
>
> >> > A few weeks back it went down to ~$65. I think you're about to get
> >> > used to $4/gal.
>
> >> My next breakpoint for buying/selling a vehicle is $6/gal. Whats yours?
>
> > I just bought a gas sipper car for the economy factor. I'm looking at
> > a highway worthy slabtastic motorcycle for work trips if it goes much
> > higher. Both my current bikes (V-Strom 1000 = 35 mpg, Triumph 675
> > Spitfire = 34-44 mpg) don't quite fit the bill for straight on
> > motoring solo, to a hotel.
>
> > I'd like a bike with little storage boxes (hard luggage) and about 60
> > mpg going 65 on a slab. And maybe even something that is fun to ride
> > in town and on some technical twisties. Why can't they make a real
> > low-thrill sportlite-touring bike with little 21 L side bags built
> > into the tail section? A 550 parallel twin would do the job nicely,
> > in a lightweight on-road package. A Kawi Ninja EX500 comes to mind,
> > but it is just too dated.
>
>
> http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductBrowse?storeId=10101&Pr=p_P...
>
> http://www.sporttouringusa.com/www/wolfman/ex503.htm
>
> even a hydration system- 2 liter-http://www.extragear1.com/get_item_rtl6595080_rapid-transit-hydro-spo...- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Thanks for the info. Some resources I have not seen before today.
Ron Gibson
>> > I'd like a bike with little storage boxes (hard luggage) and about
>> 60 mpg going 65 on a slab. And maybe even something that is fun
>> to ride in town and on some technical twisties. Why can't they make
>> a real low-thrill sportlite-touring bike with little 21 L side
>> bags built into the tail section? A 550 parallel twin would do the
>> job nicely, in a lightweight on-road package. A Kawi Ninja EX500
>> comes to mind, but it is just too dated.
> Thanks for the info. Some resources I have not seen before today.
Ninja 500R (EX500) see...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ninja_500R
Really ain't a bad choice. I'm not sure about the gas mileage though.
For a twin it runs pretty good, mid 12's in the 1/4 mile I've read. They
are cheap and you'll never have a problem finding parts. It's been in
production (same basic engine) since 1987.
As far as carrying stuff I use bungee cords with duffel bags or a
backpack. If I have a really big load I use an army surplus backpack.
Those things are amazing, all kind of pockets, huge capacity and are
waterproof. Actually mine is the one used by the British Army. My next
door neighbor works at Tampa's McDill AFB (Home of CENTCOM) and I asked
him if I could buy one at a surplus store. A few days later he gave me
the limey backpack. I've loaded that thing with close to 80 pounds of
stuff a few times and it doesn't even phase it. Works great because when
you sit on the cycle the back of the backpack rests where the passenger
would sit taking the load off your shoulders.
I never have liked saddle bags or any of that stuff. In fact I prefer
naked bikes. I might like something that had the ability to be removed
via quick disconnects or similar.
This is part of my rebellion against absurd insurance and travel costs
which are the highest in the nation where I live. Since I ditched my
cars I've saved a fortune. If I must have 4 wheel transport I'll rent a
pickup from UHaul for a day and I still will be wayyyy ahead $ wise.
Of course if you have a family or whatever this is not practical. But
for me living alonwe it works great.