Posted: 5/18/2013 5:18:32 AM EDT
| I am in the market to get a bike so I can save some money on gas, I used to frequently ride dirt bikes when I was younger. I am mainly looking at dual sport bikes but the biggest problem I've been running into is height, I'm pretty short at 5'5 and a KLR650, Dr650 or any bike that size would be to big even with lowering links most likely. I am open to sport bikes but would prefer dual sport. I am only dipping my toes into this so please enlighten me on where I should look. |
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The new Honda CB 500 series is pretty cool. http://powersports.honda.com/2013/cb500f.aspx?CID=LG_Motorcycle_Street+Reprise+Bing+LG_CB500F+CB500F
Also, the Ninja 300 is a pretty good bike. |
| Would a bike like a KLR650 (if its not to big) be a bit much for a first time dual sport guy? Also this might be a stupid question but other than power how much of a difference is their in sport bikes and dual sport? One is for long distances and the other for speed, how is MPG in both and other factors? |
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Quoted:
Would a bike like a KLR650 (if its not to big) be a bit much for a first time dual sport guy? Also this might be a stupid question but other than power how much of a difference is their in sport bikes and dual sport? One is for long distances and the other for speed, how is MPG in both and other factors? No.. my KLR was one of the first bikes I ever really rode offroad. If you are only going offroad once in a while its not too bad as is. I actually have two KLRs one is set up for offroad and one for on road. I am probably going to change that soon.... Sport bikes are not good for real long distances because you are hunched over all the time.. DS bikes you sit up much like a regular dirt bike... I get in the mid 40s for gas mileage but I am in the throttle all the time. The DR is a good bike but I think that the Air cool thing is a little too old school and is not good if you ever get stuck in traffic... The KLR has about a 5 gallon tank stock. I have a 6.6 gallon on my offroad bike and there is a 10 gallon tank available. There is a huge aftermarket for it..... check out klrworld.com they are awesome and there are lots of good info there. Its like ARFcom of the KLR World. There is another KLR site but I don't like them and suggest not going there.. but that is my opinion. There is also Advrider.com that place covers all bikes not just KLRs. Lots of good people there too but there are a lot of BMW libs on there... If you have any specific questions let me know..... WP |
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These are very nice... a good friend of mine just got one... Good road manners and you can do 10% offroad... Shes a big girl. Wouldn't venture too far off the groomed gravel roads. It can handle the offroad environment but you are going to have to spend some serious coin kitting it out. Although you would still be into it for much less than what a BMW or KTM would cost you...
WP |
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http://powersports.honda.com/2013/nc700x.aspx
Not a dual-sport by any means, but maintains the upright seating position. Reputed to do about 60MPG on the low end, and over 75MPG without too much effort. Pretty much designed expressly for commuting, light touring, and around-town use. Reasonable HP numbers and weight also make it suitable for a newer rider, too... |
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I would pick up a cheap dual sport or UJM if you want to save money. They can usually be run really cheaply. If you buy a sport bike, any money you save in gas is going to be eaten by tires/insureance/maintenence. I gave up trying to save money with a motorcycle. It just doesn't happen unless you're riding something like a scooter. |
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Quoted:
The new Honda CB 500 series is pretty cool. http://powersports.honda.com/2013/cb500f.aspx?CID=LG_Motorcycle_Street+Reprise+Bing+LG_CB500F+CB500F Also, the Ninja 300 is a pretty good bike. The price seems right too |
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The best help I could give you would be to tell you not to get a bike to save money on gas.
Since you'll still be needing a car, you won't see nearly enough savings and bikes are, by far, more expensive to operate per mile in terms of maintenance and tires than cars. Don't forget registration, insurance, depreciation- significant costs that will increase by having two vehicles. Get a bike if you want, but don't kid yourself that you'll be saving money. If your goal is to simply use less gas (by spending more money to have two machines, one of which will be more efficient when you can use it) to help save the planet and do your part, then bravo! |