High MPG commuter bike options...
Discussion
Looking for a purposeful commuter for a 30mile round trip, mix of A roads and across town (Luton).
Eyeing up CBF250, YBR250 type things - it's purely a money saving exercise so initial purchase+running costs+mpg combined matters.
I already have a tuono 1000 and partner has a cbr600f I'm currently using, so the commuter is a tool not a toy. CBR does 55ish MPG, it's fine this time of year but don't want to hammer it over winter and the 250s get 80+mpg from my research.
I'm just after something economical, a 125 would have worked but I'm 6ft4 so they are physically too small size wise!
I had an S wing 125 scooter which was great, but most newer scoots and all the 300s are small and my knees are up against the bodywork.
Any suggestions to consider?
Eyeing up CBF250, YBR250 type things - it's purely a money saving exercise so initial purchase+running costs+mpg combined matters.
I already have a tuono 1000 and partner has a cbr600f I'm currently using, so the commuter is a tool not a toy. CBR does 55ish MPG, it's fine this time of year but don't want to hammer it over winter and the 250s get 80+mpg from my research.
I'm just after something economical, a 125 would have worked but I'm 6ft4 so they are physically too small size wise!
I had an S wing 125 scooter which was great, but most newer scoots and all the 300s are small and my knees are up against the bodywork.
Any suggestions to consider?
What about the Honda Varadeo 125 V-Twin?
Is a Chinese manufacturer now making a version of it?
Could be shill bidding, but there's a 2008 one with almost 30K miles on it on eBay finishing tomorrow that's over £3,000
The 125 premium is pushing up Varadeo prices to the extent you can get younger NC-700X for the same money?
Is a Chinese manufacturer now making a version of it?
Could be shill bidding, but there's a 2008 one with almost 30K miles on it on eBay finishing tomorrow that's over £3,000
The 125 premium is pushing up Varadeo prices to the extent you can get younger NC-700X for the same money?
Edited by carinaman on Thursday 14th July 20:01
30 mile round trip, I'd also be considering tank range, I'd only want to fill up once a week if possible.
The MPG you get out of a small bike may be less impressive if you're using full throttle a lot in fast traffic. but the annual cost difference between 100mpg and 75 mpg is not huge. Reliability and depreciation will probably influence the total cost?
15 miles each way is do-able on an e-bike, but I think I'd prefer the 125.
The MPG you get out of a small bike may be less impressive if you're using full throttle a lot in fast traffic. but the annual cost difference between 100mpg and 75 mpg is not huge. Reliability and depreciation will probably influence the total cost?
15 miles each way is do-able on an e-bike, but I think I'd prefer the 125.
TheInternet said:
If you want something not tiny CB500X/F/R or NC750S/X.
I'd think you'd have to a lot of miles to make it worthwhile though.
The NC750 would seem a good choice for someone who’s 6’4, I’m that tall and not sure I’d want to get on a 125 for a 30 minute (?) commute after a long day at work. I'd think you'd have to a lot of miles to make it worthwhile though.
carinaman said:
What about the Honda Varadeo 125 V-Twin?
Is a Chinese manufacturer now making a version of it?
Could be shill bidding, but there's a 2008 one with almost 30K miles on it on eBay finishing tomorrow that's over £3,000
The 125 premium is pushing up Varadeo prices to the extent you can get younger NC-700X for the same money?
It's nearly impossible to get less than 70mpg out of an NC700. I used to ride mine very enthusiastically and normally managed close to 80. I hear the 750 is even better. And the helmet storage "tank" is a very useful addition.Is a Chinese manufacturer now making a version of it?
Could be shill bidding, but there's a 2008 one with almost 30K miles on it on eBay finishing tomorrow that's over £3,000
The 125 premium is pushing up Varadeo prices to the extent you can get younger NC-700X for the same money?
Edited by carinaman on Thursday 14th July 20:01
Economy of a small bikes also includes costs like tax and MOT, not just fuel. Also insurance.
A 500cc bike is £2 a week in tax, a small bike is £1 or 50p
but there's more to life than saving a few coins.
In the long run the extra cost to run something you enjoy could be trivial. My Ducati ST is pretty cheap to run, depreciation is low to non existent, mpg is OK, insurance not too bad. Tempting to look at tax exempt 'classics'?
A 500cc bike is £2 a week in tax, a small bike is £1 or 50p
but there's more to life than saving a few coins.
In the long run the extra cost to run something you enjoy could be trivial. My Ducati ST is pretty cheap to run, depreciation is low to non existent, mpg is OK, insurance not too bad. Tempting to look at tax exempt 'classics'?
The only bike that I'd add to the list is a BMW 310GS. Gets you the smaller capacity consumables, decent riding position etc. I'd personally go with an NC as they are bullet proof and designed for commuting. The miles add up quite quickly and the larger engine is better able to cope with them.
I have a VFR800X but then I use that for fun, touring as well as commuting (not that I do much of that anymore thankfully). At the time, I was doing 35 miles each way into London and that's 15,000 per year. I think a smaller engine will notice that sort of mileage much faster than a bigger engine.
I have a VFR800X but then I use that for fun, touring as well as commuting (not that I do much of that anymore thankfully). At the time, I was doing 35 miles each way into London and that's 15,000 per year. I think a smaller engine will notice that sort of mileage much faster than a bigger engine.
Can highly recommend the NC750 for high MPG commuting (don't bother with the 'X' version). I had one for a while, the riding position is very comfortable, nice weight, it's got plenty enough power for any situation, and the huge storage area where the fuel tank would traditionally be is just fantastic. Obviously Honda build quality as well.
Eventually sold it because it didn't excite me very much, but for commuting, I would highly recommend it.
If you've got a full licence, don't bother with a 125.
Eventually sold it because it didn't excite me very much, but for commuting, I would highly recommend it.
If you've got a full licence, don't bother with a 125.
carinaman said:
What about the Honda Varadeo 125 V-Twin?
Is a Chinese manufacturer now making a version of it?...
Let's have a bit of common sense now shall we? AVOID AVOID AVOIDIs a Chinese manufacturer now making a version of it?...
I'm 6'6 and faced a similar issue a few years ago - I lived in Richmond in West London and got a job next to the dartford crossing - 30 miles through central London - or 65 going round - so a bike to go through was the answer.
I ended up with a BMW G650GS - Would do a little over 60mpg, never failed, looks good filthy and most importantly I fitted.
I ended up with a BMW G650GS - Would do a little over 60mpg, never failed, looks good filthy and most importantly I fitted.
FatboyKim said:
Can highly recommend the NC750 for high MPG commuting (don't bother with the 'X' version). I had one for a while, the riding position is very comfortable, nice weight, it's got plenty enough power for any situation, and the huge storage area where the fuel tank would traditionally be is just fantastic. Obviously Honda build quality as well.
Eventually sold it because it didn't excite me very much, but for commuting, I would highly recommend it.
If you've got a full licence, don't bother with a 125.
I'm with this. I've only ever heard good things on these for MPG range, build etc. Thats where my money would goEventually sold it because it didn't excite me very much, but for commuting, I would highly recommend it.
If you've got a full licence, don't bother with a 125.
I commute on a NC750x, simply brilliant for the job. Aside from the excellent mpg the storage locker is great, handling is easy, decent build quality, parts are cheap and plentiful, they are also a doddle to service. The only thing I'm not too keen on is that the brakes are a bit weak. I've no hesitation in recommending one to you.
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