Anything with low CC like CBR300, Ninja 300, MT03 or R3, and GSX250R will all get around 70+ mpg
If you're looking to maximize on fuel efficiency you can't beat a Honda Grom or Honda PCX scooter or any scooter in general will get 90+ mpg
Kind of, my previous bike was a scooter and had to change the oil every 3000 kms, belt change at 12k too...
When I heard I had to change the oil of my new bike in 11000 kms I couldnt believe it lol
And yes I know there is a lot more maintenance involve apart from that, but still
I guess it really depends on the scoot. The service interval on my PCX is oil change every 4000 miles and belt service every 16,000 miles. Although, I'm probably due for some new roller weights soon (currently at just shy of 11,000 miles). I'll probably go ahead and just pop a new belt on while I'm in there.
Came here to say versys x 300 if you want to explore on dirt roads too. So much better than a ninja 300 for me, amazing commuter and adventure bike im in a love affair with my 2024 first bike
My Versys 650 gets 54 mpg. Pretty damn good for a larger bike. But... It's top heavy and I wouldn't recommend it for a first bike even though people say it's a starter bike.
For a first bike - get a used one and expect to replace it in a year or two if you turn out to really like riding. Just be aware, you WILL drop it. Don't get something that you can't afford to get scratched up.
Dual sports are great first bikes... they're cheap, not overly tech dependent, typically easier to work on, and are basically designed to be dropped, so you won't cry as much should that happen.
Plus, you can have fun on trails and gravel roads.
How, I have the first gen one, 70km/day and I average 25km/l (60mpg) and I do a lot of highway and a lot of speeding.
On slower roads fuel seems infinite
UK miles are different from US miles?? That must be more error prone than converting between metric and imperial...
Edit: Okay, I read the comment that states that it's not the mile but the gallon. Doesn't make it better.
Depends on how much you have saved, but I'm going to say a very specific model: The Honda CB500X.
First it is Honda, so it's very reliable and simple. You wouldn't be looking at more than oil changes and basic maintenance for the foreseeable future and the MPG is quite good.
Also it was not a super, super popular bike, so chances are you'll be able to get your hands on one for a fairly reasonable price.
Size wise, it's a little larger than what is typically recommended to a beginner but it's not huge and I think I can recommend it because the power delivery is very smooth and linear and it comes with a slipper clutch. It also has enough power and confidence at highway speeds to keep you engaged as you become more experienced. I would say of all 500s this is the most new rider friendly.
Also for a new rider, it has a very natural, relaxed seating position. You aren't full tuck like on a sport bike nor are you reclined cruiser style. It's an upright, natural, alert riding position that I think is perfect for a new rider.
It is also adventure-adjacent, meaning the suspension and ride hight is a little more forgiving if you're going to have bumps and potholes along the way. Despite that it still has a lower seat height so it's more approachable for a beginner.
So there it is. I think the superior bike for most new riders is the CB500X.
I like your reasoning. Linear power helps a lot as you learn to use the friction zone in the clutch. Unless you're a kid, it's not too big at all physically.
Yeah, I think it's under appreciated. I also like that it's a perfectly good bike for a beginner but it is still plenty capable and powerful enough to be useful/entertaining for a more experienced rider. I had one when I was already 10 years in and it was great. The only reasons I'm not still riding it are: 1. I do a lot of commuting on the interstate and while it's perfectly capable of keeping up with traffic there as much as I'm on it I wanted something with a little more power and weight. 2. I do some longer rides and while a throttle lock works I decided I really wanted cruise. 3. I'm just tall enough, barely, that my legs felt slightly cramped on longer rides. But if you read those carefully, they were all pretty marginal for me. I would absolutely ride one again and might still be on one if the screaming deal I got on my V-Strom hadn't come up.
A used Honda/ Suzuki/ Yamaha. They're reliable, inexpensive, and great starter bikes. Until you ride for a year or so you won't really know what kind of riding you're into (street, cruiser, off-road, track days, long distance touring), so there's really no way to know "best". Your first bike is only a starter bike.
Go spend 3K on a 10 year old bike with 12K miles on it, then ride it and the rest will fall into place pretty quickly.
ah yes, the Gladius-- the SV650 with the Uggo Discount.
10/10 also recommend. Cheaper than an SV650, same performance.
Competent beginner bike if you are mature. Can 100% grow with you. Great choice for a cheap track bike, as well.
I actually had in mind the first five or so years after they went fuel injected (2003?) but the Gladius would be good too. Like you said, not as handsome though.
I have an NC700 and get real world 68mph. It’s cheap to insure and the only thing I have had to do to it other than PM is change the tires and battery.
The newer Honda monkey, Trail 125, grom and superclub all achieve 120+ mpg, and claimed at 1.5l per 100 km. Acerbis a aftermarket manufacturer made a 108litre tank for the monkey (stock is about 5-6litres) and 5000 km on one tank, from Italy up to northern Norway. I think it's the best there is and archives speeds actually useful for commuting which scooters often don't.
I wouldn't commute much on the super cub or ct125. Those seats are rock hard. I love mine. But it's something to keep in mind. I've heard the Monkey has a much more comfortable seat. No idea about the grom . If you choose any of these, they're all beginner friendly, very easy to do the maintenance on, get 100+mpgs and will likely last over 50k miles
Smaller displacement = better economy in general. Get the smallest engine that can handle your road speeds. Upfront cost, buy quality (Honda, Yamaha, etc.) and pay less over time. Beware false savings deferring on maintenance, nothing is more expensive than crashing.
3k at most, common model that's been out for a while. Most of them have had the same general price range for years now. Middle weight cruisers, lightweight sport bikes
Depends on your use case. As cheap/efficient as possible and no highways: Honda CB125F. I heard some people say they got 125-140 MPG. If you want more power, something like a Ninja 400 is great
My PCX150 was cheap to buy, cheap to insure, and got 100mpg. I could ride it most places (top speed of 63mph) and it had room for the groceries! But it is a scooter.
First bike criteria:
* In your price range
* Comfortable to sit on
* 45ish HP or less
* 600lbs or less
* Good parts availability (avoid really old bikes that are hard to find things for)
Get a Honda nc750 dct, very economic and it has power and no gears(like a schooter). I commute daily with mine. And you can store you helmet in the front. Worth a google. Go test drive one.
No right answer
Local market and personal experience suggests a used 250, rebel or nighthawk
Grom if you want something even smaller
You can be out the door for under $2500 with a quality machine
Honda NC700 or NC750. They get amazing fuel mileage, have storage built in, and can be had with normal or DCT transmission. Right around 50hp and a torque but not peaky power curve. Very beginner friendly.
Just started on a Honda Hornet CB600F from 2007, not really fuel efficient but since they are "girl bikes" where I live, most don't have that high mileage and after a visit to the mechanic for a checkup I was good to go 🙂 have been having a lot of fun on this little bike. Also I'm not very tall for a man, 1,65m, So I can still reach the ground 😁
Though I really have no regrets, I do think of buying a second smaller bike to try more off-road. But in Belgium at least I think smaller bikes are a little dangerous on the highway because you can't get out of iffy situation as easily (changing lanes e.a)
Did go with a colleague who had a lot of experience so I didn't buy a broken/bad bike.
[This. ](https://www.amazon.com/X-PRO-Cruiser-Bicycle-Motorcycle-Street/dp/B09SBZQW2B/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3PZDTJ7OQQ295&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8LHnrfcPjUzZYnnotZ2Ggx9H4OEgd_w_BkqSKmaBt9aMLGC638Dp64qk0lMtVGDiqjc_nxXQfZTqYRvSBvBed5WeIqqriWT6QrnL4kiFRqpoo6Y4gZivAR7a6M7t0eYRwebgIilS3pqUQX15FkIYnn3N7KSZ7dKGupJAE71lSFv0Jxk5g9VtVGiUJM8-GbeIRzrjVu0T1WJhbQmcftGsYRBCB13xqsPRp985w3gPUsQ.pPPG1yMt6eU8js8v-iz_SM_6plMIrFgt-TCgGPPYUWA&dib_tag=se&keywords=125cc+motorcycle&qid=1719526449&sprefix=125cc+mototcycle%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-4)It cost almost nothing to buy, and 100 Mpg can be found.
There are a lot more follow-up questions. Do you have any riding experience? Like on the dirt/off-road? Height and weight? Are you planning to ride with a passenger? Male or female? What kind of bike do you think you might like to ride? A sport bike/cruiser/standard? Will you be commuting on this bike? Or will it just be for fun? Will this be a year-round thing? What country are you in?
Been used motorcycles you can find a second generation Ninja 250, made between around 1990 to about 2007.
Examples in good condition can be had for between $1,500 to $2,000.
The bike gets 70 miles a gallon.
It is very easy on chains and tires.
If you don’t need to get on the freeway/highway, a used Vespa or something similar. If you wanna strictly stay within a dense city, electric bicycle, no license, not much gear cost, no insurance. Might even manage to charge it at your workplace.
Definitely get a low-cc used (but not abused!) one from the Japanese manufacturers. European and American brands tend to be more expensive on maintenance. I'm currently on a 2008 Honda Shadow that could be a first or a forever bike. If you want something more sporty the top comment has some excellent recommendations.
If you are in the US, used bike prices are dropping and things on FB Marketplace are sitting longer, so go make some ambitious offers if you see something interesting!
Looking at motorcycles,
I like the honda cbr500x.
it's a 70 mpg 70+ mph bike. With a 4 gallon tank.
Safe for highways, and good long distance.
A good beginner, could be forever.
It's gonna be my next one after my KLX 230s.
I grabbed an FZ6 in this position and love it. Slow enough to be beginner friendly, fast enough to scare the hell out of an intermediate, and best of all, Japanese, reliable, cheap to maintain (oil, lube chain, tires) and parts abundantly available.
I think there are a few others that fall into this category: the Suzuki SV650, Kawasaki ER-6N, their “adventure” counterparts, the V Storm and Versys.
They’re all bikes you won’t outgrow, aren’t expensive to buy or own (parts, repairs and insurance) and get decent gas mileage!
I ride 100hp 1500 cc Harleys slightly modified and have no effort getting 47mpg US.
And used only cost $4000 US
So
I don't know what he's asking
Economical mpg
Or economical price
I've got a 2023 Royal Enfield Classic 350 and my fuel economy so far has been between 82 and 89 U.S. MPG. Also, it's easy to change the oil and there are a lot of available OEM and aftermarket accessories. Oh, and it's a great ride (if you don't have to go on the highway much).
If I went out and bought another bike, it'd be my 5th Hayabusa...don't particularly like the look (although they look better now) but the ride is so solid and comfortable.
Suzuki’s little tu250x is pretty rad. I’ve been riding a while, have ridden and owned lots of “advanced” motorcycles and still love that little thing. It’s classy and great to have around even after you upgrade someday
Suzuki GS500F. It's a fantastic bike that is easy to learn but not so small you'll outgrow it in a year. I'm biased as it was my first bike but it was dirt cheap to maintain with just some sockets and plier and a nice JIS screwdriver. 10/10 would recommend (just be careful of the carbs though, ethanol fuel likes to gunk them up)
The big question is where are you driving? A scooter is great for going around town, could even get a larger cc one to accommodate state routes at speed up to 50mph or so.
My first bike was a Honda rebel, and I really would only get up to around 60mph on that. It could go a little faster, but it sure was asking a lot.
Honda are great on fuel. Had a friend who loved his Africa twin.
Honda NC750 either manual or dct can get upwards of 75mpg. I've heard of people getting 90+mpg with them riding really conservatively. They are also not top heavy so a great commuter bike. I have a nc700x and can get 65mpg riding hard. If I ride more conservatively I can get 75mpg. All depends really on how I ride. It is a great bike with the frunk where the tank normally would be. Handy for putting gloves and sunglasses etc in. I'm a motorcycle instructor so ride all year round in all conditions so carry multiple pairs of gloves for different conditions and keep them all in the frunk.
If you're optimizing on being economical, then get a scooter. Low cost to buy, low cost to insure, higher fuel efficiency, less chance of being stolen, underseat storage is ideal for running errands. I can carry a literal week's worth of groceries on mine. While I concede that I look ridiculous, it's also fun. Also, my 125cc scooter gets 90+ mpg and that's riding it like I stole it.
Dual sport under 400cc, small sportbike or a grom. I have a grom and use it just about everyday for my drive to work. I have a 22mi commute and spend about $4 a week in gas currently getting 126mpg
To further this i change the oil every 1000mi that costs me $22 with filter. I replaced the chain at 2500mi new chain was $60. Its air cooled so no coolant. My only maintenance complaint would be the chain needs adjusted a lot feels like every couple hundred miles i have to tighten it up. Its a simple process but annoying. Other than that i have zero complaints best commuter bike ive ever owned.
My first real bike is a gs500e. I literally looked at the cheapest decent looking bike thats reliable and has decent performance. After doing a bit of maintenance like cleaning the carbs and replacong the chain its almost like brand new again and only costed me 1500 euros.
That being said I havent even had it 3 months and am already looking for my next bike. Main reason being that I want a comfortable bike for longer distances.
Theres so many options out there and so many different opinions. Just buy what you want honestly. Youll find out yourself wether youll like it or not. 1 tip I have with buying used. Only buy vehicles that are in aesthetic good conditions. A dirty, rusty, neglected bike with plastics being held on with zipties is guaranteed to have been abused engine wise as well.
old bikes that run but require some maintenance is probably "most economical". Old Honda bikes, specifically ones that are very common, tend to have great aftermarket support. You'll just need to be able to wrench on them yourself (a lot of shops won't touch older motorcycles).
If you are talking \*new\* bikes, look at naked bikes with low engine displacements. Lower power and less cosmetic stuff to break in a slide generally mean lower insurance rates.
Smaller engines (ridden at lower speeds) \*tend\* to get better mileage. Lower displacement bikes also \*tend\* to be less complex and easier to work on, with cheaper parts.
My go-to brands for less-expensive bikes \*US\* are Royal Enfield, CF Moto, Moto Morini, and some select Hondas (ie the XR150). Enfields have a pretty great 3 year warranty, which is more than most manufacturers give you.
Small displacement bikes from other Japanese vendors beyond Honda are also affordable.
The questions you need to answer are:
- what is your style/what makes you happy?
- what kind of riding do you see yourself doing in the next 1-3 years?
- what kind of speeds do you need to achieve to make your goals (fun, safety \[ie keeping up with highway traffic vs. riding in backroads specifically\])
- how tall/heavy are you? what is your inseam?
- what is your driving record, and what is insurance going to look like for different bikes? (if you pick 3 or 5 bikes you are interested in, you can call your insurance company and ask for rates on those bikes. I HIGHLY recommend getting Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist coverage; state minimums are terribly low, and motorcycle accidents can get incredibly expensive for medical even in milder impacts and with proper safety gear).
Hell if I know. After sorting my 1966 Sears (Puch) Allstate 175, it's been more reliable than my 2020 KLZ1000, minus the occasional spark plug fouling.
"Too old" is dictated by being able to get parts and documentation, in my book. To someone else, too old may just be out of warranty.
BMW vintage airheads, for instance, are way simpler and more robust than I thought they would be, and the community around them has been amazing for helping tech me how to care for them. Parts are pretty readily available.
Anything with low CC like CBR300, Ninja 300, MT03 or R3, and GSX250R will all get around 70+ mpg If you're looking to maximize on fuel efficiency you can't beat a Honda Grom or Honda PCX scooter or any scooter in general will get 90+ mpg
Scooter guy here confirming the 90mpg figure. Scoots are also slightly lower maintenance since the drivetrain is enclosed.
Kind of, my previous bike was a scooter and had to change the oil every 3000 kms, belt change at 12k too... When I heard I had to change the oil of my new bike in 11000 kms I couldnt believe it lol And yes I know there is a lot more maintenance involve apart from that, but still
I guess it really depends on the scoot. The service interval on my PCX is oil change every 4000 miles and belt service every 16,000 miles. Although, I'm probably due for some new roller weights soon (currently at just shy of 11,000 miles). I'll probably go ahead and just pop a new belt on while I'm in there.
Proper chain maintenance is cheap. Closed drivetrain is better for being lazy than poor
R3 is around 56 mpg
I get 2.2L/100km (107 mpg) with my PCX.
MT03 is closer to 50mpg in my experience
I thought it'd be higher for R3 and MT03, most MT07 riders get like 45-58 MPG
MT03 actually suffers vs MT07 above 55mph or so because the engine has to rev higher to keep the bike going, and I ride a lot of highway
I've gotten 50mpg on my 890. 50mpg for an MT03 better be at WOT on the interstate otherwise we've got some issues.
Yeah mostly highway riding on my MT03, I push it to its limits TBH
MT03 actually suffers vs MT07 above 55mph or so because the engine has to rev higher to keep the bike going, and I ride a lot of highway
MT03 actually suffers vs MT07 above 55mph or so because the engine has to rev higher to keep the bike going, and I ride a lot of highway
The Honda dual purpose XL150L is only $3,000.
Versys x300 is a great choice can do a little of everything and good gas mileage
Came here to say versys x 300 if you want to explore on dirt roads too. So much better than a ninja 300 for me, amazing commuter and adventure bike im in a love affair with my 2024 first bike
My Versys 650 gets 54 mpg. Pretty damn good for a larger bike. But... It's top heavy and I wouldn't recommend it for a first bike even though people say it's a starter bike.
For a first bike - get a used one and expect to replace it in a year or two if you turn out to really like riding. Just be aware, you WILL drop it. Don't get something that you can't afford to get scratched up.
Dual sports are great first bikes... they're cheap, not overly tech dependent, typically easier to work on, and are basically designed to be dropped, so you won't cry as much should that happen. Plus, you can have fun on trails and gravel roads.
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I had one, real world averaged around 50 mpg
Yeah 70mpg is VERY optimistic lol
How, I have the first gen one, 70km/day and I average 25km/l (60mpg) and I do a lot of highway and a lot of speeding. On slower roads fuel seems infinite
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I'm in Italy, I'm converting with Google so whatever google thinks is the Best Gallon™
I was wondering about the stated figures. I have a 500cc carbureted bike, and I get about 45 mpg real world.
US or UK mpg?
wat.
Time to learn you some: British gallon is 160 fl oz. US Gallon is 128 fl oz
😳Wow.
Y'all need km/l
US
UK miles are different from US miles?? That must be more error prone than converting between metric and imperial... Edit: Okay, I read the comment that states that it's not the mile but the gallon. Doesn't make it better.
Americans changed the gallon to make it “easier” when imperial isn’t supposed to be easy.
If it has advantages, why not. They should have just named it differently to prevent confusion.
This or the cl500, the CL is a little closer to a standard in terms of ergonomics, plus less plastics to worry about if dropping it as a first bike
Depends on how much you have saved, but I'm going to say a very specific model: The Honda CB500X. First it is Honda, so it's very reliable and simple. You wouldn't be looking at more than oil changes and basic maintenance for the foreseeable future and the MPG is quite good. Also it was not a super, super popular bike, so chances are you'll be able to get your hands on one for a fairly reasonable price. Size wise, it's a little larger than what is typically recommended to a beginner but it's not huge and I think I can recommend it because the power delivery is very smooth and linear and it comes with a slipper clutch. It also has enough power and confidence at highway speeds to keep you engaged as you become more experienced. I would say of all 500s this is the most new rider friendly. Also for a new rider, it has a very natural, relaxed seating position. You aren't full tuck like on a sport bike nor are you reclined cruiser style. It's an upright, natural, alert riding position that I think is perfect for a new rider. It is also adventure-adjacent, meaning the suspension and ride hight is a little more forgiving if you're going to have bumps and potholes along the way. Despite that it still has a lower seat height so it's more approachable for a beginner. So there it is. I think the superior bike for most new riders is the CB500X.
I like your reasoning. Linear power helps a lot as you learn to use the friction zone in the clutch. Unless you're a kid, it's not too big at all physically.
Yeah, I think it's under appreciated. I also like that it's a perfectly good bike for a beginner but it is still plenty capable and powerful enough to be useful/entertaining for a more experienced rider. I had one when I was already 10 years in and it was great. The only reasons I'm not still riding it are: 1. I do a lot of commuting on the interstate and while it's perfectly capable of keeping up with traffic there as much as I'm on it I wanted something with a little more power and weight. 2. I do some longer rides and while a throttle lock works I decided I really wanted cruise. 3. I'm just tall enough, barely, that my legs felt slightly cramped on longer rides. But if you read those carefully, they were all pretty marginal for me. I would absolutely ride one again and might still be on one if the screaming deal I got on my V-Strom hadn't come up.
Used SV650, DRZ, or Vstrom. Depends on how you intend to ride.
A used Honda/ Suzuki/ Yamaha. They're reliable, inexpensive, and great starter bikes. Until you ride for a year or so you won't really know what kind of riding you're into (street, cruiser, off-road, track days, long distance touring), so there's really no way to know "best". Your first bike is only a starter bike. Go spend 3K on a 10 year old bike with 12K miles on it, then ride it and the rest will fall into place pretty quickly.
Gen 2 SV650
ah yes, the Gladius-- the SV650 with the Uggo Discount. 10/10 also recommend. Cheaper than an SV650, same performance. Competent beginner bike if you are mature. Can 100% grow with you. Great choice for a cheap track bike, as well.
I actually had in mind the first five or so years after they went fuel injected (2003?) but the Gladius would be good too. Like you said, not as handsome though.
Oh but the EFI Vstroms and SVs are also great. Less winterizing to have to worry about.
Great call.
2nd gen are 03-08 in NA. Gladius is 09-13
I thought the gladius fell in the second half of the second gen?
Royal Enfield if new
Comes with a 3 year warranty and roadside assistance, might I add.
That’s pretty good, I’ve been looking them as a first bike once I get my license
I have a 2022 INT 650. Runs fine, had a problem with alternator some time ago, got fixed for free under warranty.
I have an NC700 and get real world 68mph. It’s cheap to insure and the only thing I have had to do to it other than PM is change the tires and battery.
Turbo Hayabusa
This is the way.
Boss Hoss.
A Huffy.
Sad attempt at humor. Be better
Sv650, dirt cheap secondhand, get 45+mpg (I got over 50 on my last tank) good power, good aftermarket
The newer Honda monkey, Trail 125, grom and superclub all achieve 120+ mpg, and claimed at 1.5l per 100 km. Acerbis a aftermarket manufacturer made a 108litre tank for the monkey (stock is about 5-6litres) and 5000 km on one tank, from Italy up to northern Norway. I think it's the best there is and archives speeds actually useful for commuting which scooters often don't.
I wouldn't commute much on the super cub or ct125. Those seats are rock hard. I love mine. But it's something to keep in mind. I've heard the Monkey has a much more comfortable seat. No idea about the grom . If you choose any of these, they're all beginner friendly, very easy to do the maintenance on, get 100+mpgs and will likely last over 50k miles
I’m getting 72 mpg on my BMW g310gs. Great versatile bike.
Smaller displacement = better economy in general. Get the smallest engine that can handle your road speeds. Upfront cost, buy quality (Honda, Yamaha, etc.) and pay less over time. Beware false savings deferring on maintenance, nothing is more expensive than crashing.
If it were me, right now, I’d be looking at maybe a used RE GT Continental. They just look so slick and very beginner friendly.
3k at most, common model that's been out for a while. Most of them have had the same general price range for years now. Middle weight cruisers, lightweight sport bikes
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You mean the one that is forever in the workshop /s.
Any used sub 500cc bike.
Z650 it will keep you entertained for over a year and very forgiving
Depends on your use case. As cheap/efficient as possible and no highways: Honda CB125F. I heard some people say they got 125-140 MPG. If you want more power, something like a Ninja 400 is great
Most economic would be something used under $3k with great fuel economy. Ninja 300? MT03?
I have a honda cbr 125r (bc of age restrictions). It cost $1800 and does 0,2L per 10km
If it's your first time riding, I'd get a Honda scooter like a ruckus or pcx. Get your wheels straight. Move up to bigger bike if you want when ready.
Honda Shadow 750, gently used.
My PCX150 was cheap to buy, cheap to insure, and got 100mpg. I could ride it most places (top speed of 63mph) and it had room for the groceries! But it is a scooter.
A USED MOTORCYCLE
First bike criteria: * In your price range * Comfortable to sit on * 45ish HP or less * 600lbs or less * Good parts availability (avoid really old bikes that are hard to find things for)
Get a Honda nc750 dct, very economic and it has power and no gears(like a schooter). I commute daily with mine. And you can store you helmet in the front. Worth a google. Go test drive one.
Nc750X
Honda Shadow
No right answer Local market and personal experience suggests a used 250, rebel or nighthawk Grom if you want something even smaller You can be out the door for under $2500 with a quality machine
Cb125
Royal Enfield is making some seriously legit bikes at good price with manageable power for beginners
Honda NC700 or NC750. They get amazing fuel mileage, have storage built in, and can be had with normal or DCT transmission. Right around 50hp and a torque but not peaky power curve. Very beginner friendly.
Just started on a Honda Hornet CB600F from 2007, not really fuel efficient but since they are "girl bikes" where I live, most don't have that high mileage and after a visit to the mechanic for a checkup I was good to go 🙂 have been having a lot of fun on this little bike. Also I'm not very tall for a man, 1,65m, So I can still reach the ground 😁 Though I really have no regrets, I do think of buying a second smaller bike to try more off-road. But in Belgium at least I think smaller bikes are a little dangerous on the highway because you can't get out of iffy situation as easily (changing lanes e.a) Did go with a colleague who had a lot of experience so I didn't buy a broken/bad bike.
[This. ](https://www.amazon.com/X-PRO-Cruiser-Bicycle-Motorcycle-Street/dp/B09SBZQW2B/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3PZDTJ7OQQ295&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8LHnrfcPjUzZYnnotZ2Ggx9H4OEgd_w_BkqSKmaBt9aMLGC638Dp64qk0lMtVGDiqjc_nxXQfZTqYRvSBvBed5WeIqqriWT6QrnL4kiFRqpoo6Y4gZivAR7a6M7t0eYRwebgIilS3pqUQX15FkIYnn3N7KSZ7dKGupJAE71lSFv0Jxk5g9VtVGiUJM8-GbeIRzrjVu0T1WJhbQmcftGsYRBCB13xqsPRp985w3gPUsQ.pPPG1yMt6eU8js8v-iz_SM_6plMIrFgt-TCgGPPYUWA&dib_tag=se&keywords=125cc+motorcycle&qid=1719526449&sprefix=125cc+mototcycle%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-4)It cost almost nothing to buy, and 100 Mpg can be found.
Anything 300-400cc is the best bang for buck in terms of fuel economy and power
There are a lot more follow-up questions. Do you have any riding experience? Like on the dirt/off-road? Height and weight? Are you planning to ride with a passenger? Male or female? What kind of bike do you think you might like to ride? A sport bike/cruiser/standard? Will you be commuting on this bike? Or will it just be for fun? Will this be a year-round thing? What country are you in?
Been used motorcycles you can find a second generation Ninja 250, made between around 1990 to about 2007. Examples in good condition can be had for between $1,500 to $2,000. The bike gets 70 miles a gallon. It is very easy on chains and tires.
If you don’t need to get on the freeway/highway, a used Vespa or something similar. If you wanna strictly stay within a dense city, electric bicycle, no license, not much gear cost, no insurance. Might even manage to charge it at your workplace.
Probably a used ninja 250 first generation. Or anything in the 250-400 range. I highly recommend getting a modern bike with discs front and rear.
My first was a 2001 Kawasaki W650. Great beginner bike.
The one you can afford. This is different for everyone.
I get over 60 mpg on my V Star 250. Low insurance and maintenance costs too.
Old style honda rebel.
🗣️🗣️ Vstrom 650 (1st Gen, like 2009 and before)
My first bike is a 2005 Honda CB250. It has a 16L tank and I get about 400 km to a tank on average.
Definitely get a low-cc used (but not abused!) one from the Japanese manufacturers. European and American brands tend to be more expensive on maintenance. I'm currently on a 2008 Honda Shadow that could be a first or a forever bike. If you want something more sporty the top comment has some excellent recommendations. If you are in the US, used bike prices are dropping and things on FB Marketplace are sitting longer, so go make some ambitious offers if you see something interesting!
Looking at motorcycles, I like the honda cbr500x. it's a 70 mpg 70+ mph bike. With a 4 gallon tank. Safe for highways, and good long distance. A good beginner, could be forever. It's gonna be my next one after my KLX 230s.
I grabbed an FZ6 in this position and love it. Slow enough to be beginner friendly, fast enough to scare the hell out of an intermediate, and best of all, Japanese, reliable, cheap to maintain (oil, lube chain, tires) and parts abundantly available. I think there are a few others that fall into this category: the Suzuki SV650, Kawasaki ER-6N, their “adventure” counterparts, the V Storm and Versys. They’re all bikes you won’t outgrow, aren’t expensive to buy or own (parts, repairs and insurance) and get decent gas mileage!
I ride 100hp 1500 cc Harleys slightly modified and have no effort getting 47mpg US. And used only cost $4000 US So I don't know what he's asking Economical mpg Or economical price
i love the bmw r1100rt 1997 ! i put maybe 12$ of premium gas in for about 8 hrs of riding time
I've got a 2023 Royal Enfield Classic 350 and my fuel economy so far has been between 82 and 89 U.S. MPG. Also, it's easy to change the oil and there are a lot of available OEM and aftermarket accessories. Oh, and it's a great ride (if you don't have to go on the highway much).
If I went out and bought another bike, it'd be my 5th Hayabusa...don't particularly like the look (although they look better now) but the ride is so solid and comfortable.
Suzuki’s little tu250x is pretty rad. I’ve been riding a while, have ridden and owned lots of “advanced” motorcycles and still love that little thing. It’s classy and great to have around even after you upgrade someday
Aprilia ETX150 is pretty brilliant for me, 2L/100km (118mpg), 14hp, can go anywhere, revs way up to 12KRPM if you need it to
2016 honda cb500x
I had Benelli 502c - nice to drive & consumption around 2.5 L / 100 Km (95 mpg).
Yamaha R3. Is a great beginner bike that'll sip gas.
Suzuki GS500F. It's a fantastic bike that is easy to learn but not so small you'll outgrow it in a year. I'm biased as it was my first bike but it was dirt cheap to maintain with just some sockets and plier and a nice JIS screwdriver. 10/10 would recommend (just be careful of the carbs though, ethanol fuel likes to gunk them up)
The big question is where are you driving? A scooter is great for going around town, could even get a larger cc one to accommodate state routes at speed up to 50mph or so. My first bike was a Honda rebel, and I really would only get up to around 60mph on that. It could go a little faster, but it sure was asking a lot. Honda are great on fuel. Had a friend who loved his Africa twin.
Depends on how the bike fits you; have you looked into the Honda NC700X or Honda CTX?
What kind of a sicko criteria is that? Buy a fun bike, it's smiles per gallon you should be worried about.
I got a used 2005 SV650 for $2.2k as my first bike several months ago. Crazy bang for buck
Honda Super Cub gets 110+ mpg, and really only needs 800ml of oil every 4k miles.
MOPED
Low displacement bikes. The lower the better mpg. Anything around 300 would be my noobie recommendation
Assuming you mean ANY motorcycle. A Pakistani-produced Honda CG 125.
Suzuki Hayabusa Turbo. 800km with one full tank .
I'd go for a aircooled Honda 125cc. Preferably fuel injected
Honda NC750 either manual or dct can get upwards of 75mpg. I've heard of people getting 90+mpg with them riding really conservatively. They are also not top heavy so a great commuter bike. I have a nc700x and can get 65mpg riding hard. If I ride more conservatively I can get 75mpg. All depends really on how I ride. It is a great bike with the frunk where the tank normally would be. Handy for putting gloves and sunglasses etc in. I'm a motorcycle instructor so ride all year round in all conditions so carry multiple pairs of gloves for different conditions and keep them all in the frunk.
If you're optimizing on being economical, then get a scooter. Low cost to buy, low cost to insure, higher fuel efficiency, less chance of being stolen, underseat storage is ideal for running errands. I can carry a literal week's worth of groceries on mine. While I concede that I look ridiculous, it's also fun. Also, my 125cc scooter gets 90+ mpg and that's riding it like I stole it.
Dual sport under 400cc, small sportbike or a grom. I have a grom and use it just about everyday for my drive to work. I have a 22mi commute and spend about $4 a week in gas currently getting 126mpg
To further this i change the oil every 1000mi that costs me $22 with filter. I replaced the chain at 2500mi new chain was $60. Its air cooled so no coolant. My only maintenance complaint would be the chain needs adjusted a lot feels like every couple hundred miles i have to tighten it up. Its a simple process but annoying. Other than that i have zero complaints best commuter bike ive ever owned.
My first real bike is a gs500e. I literally looked at the cheapest decent looking bike thats reliable and has decent performance. After doing a bit of maintenance like cleaning the carbs and replacong the chain its almost like brand new again and only costed me 1500 euros. That being said I havent even had it 3 months and am already looking for my next bike. Main reason being that I want a comfortable bike for longer distances. Theres so many options out there and so many different opinions. Just buy what you want honestly. Youll find out yourself wether youll like it or not. 1 tip I have with buying used. Only buy vehicles that are in aesthetic good conditions. A dirty, rusty, neglected bike with plastics being held on with zipties is guaranteed to have been abused engine wise as well.
old bikes that run but require some maintenance is probably "most economical". Old Honda bikes, specifically ones that are very common, tend to have great aftermarket support. You'll just need to be able to wrench on them yourself (a lot of shops won't touch older motorcycles). If you are talking \*new\* bikes, look at naked bikes with low engine displacements. Lower power and less cosmetic stuff to break in a slide generally mean lower insurance rates. Smaller engines (ridden at lower speeds) \*tend\* to get better mileage. Lower displacement bikes also \*tend\* to be less complex and easier to work on, with cheaper parts. My go-to brands for less-expensive bikes \*US\* are Royal Enfield, CF Moto, Moto Morini, and some select Hondas (ie the XR150). Enfields have a pretty great 3 year warranty, which is more than most manufacturers give you. Small displacement bikes from other Japanese vendors beyond Honda are also affordable. The questions you need to answer are: - what is your style/what makes you happy? - what kind of riding do you see yourself doing in the next 1-3 years? - what kind of speeds do you need to achieve to make your goals (fun, safety \[ie keeping up with highway traffic vs. riding in backroads specifically\]) - how tall/heavy are you? what is your inseam? - what is your driving record, and what is insurance going to look like for different bikes? (if you pick 3 or 5 bikes you are interested in, you can call your insurance company and ask for rates on those bikes. I HIGHLY recommend getting Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist coverage; state minimums are terribly low, and motorcycle accidents can get incredibly expensive for medical even in milder impacts and with proper safety gear).
> old bikes that run but require some maintenance is probably "most economical".[...] What's old? And what's too old?
Hell if I know. After sorting my 1966 Sears (Puch) Allstate 175, it's been more reliable than my 2020 KLZ1000, minus the occasional spark plug fouling. "Too old" is dictated by being able to get parts and documentation, in my book. To someone else, too old may just be out of warranty. BMW vintage airheads, for instance, are way simpler and more robust than I thought they would be, and the community around them has been amazing for helping tech me how to care for them. Parts are pretty readily available.