American motorcycle most fuel efficient

American motorcycle most fuel efficient

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Oct. 6, 2008

2009 Suzuki DRS200S – The 249 pound On/Off road bike is the most fuel efficient all roadworthy bike available in America and perfect for a short distance commute.

Est. annual fuel cost: $131
105 mpg
Base price: $3,949

While we all wait for the next new or used diesel, hybrid, PHEV, or BEV release, there are other vehicle choices most have never considered before that are available today. These bikes are not only easy on your wallet at time of purchase but are even easier on the same when it comes time to fill up.

As we experienced with the Yamaha XT250 this past summer, fun and fuel economy can go hand in hand. The standard questions about safety and year round road worthiness still abound but for some, traveling 60 + miles on less than a single gallon of fuel can make up for what a bike may lack.

A bike's fuel economy is measured similarly to our automobiles -- using a standard EPA fuel economy test cycle. For bikes, it is the EPA city test. Different from the 1985 through 2007 EPA city test numbers however, a bike's fuel economy rating does not include the 10% offset that the automobile rating was subjected too. In other words, a car that was rated for 50 mpg City actually achieved 55.5 mpg on that test cycle. A bike that achieves 55.5 mpg on the city test cycle is rated at 55.5 mpg.

The following can make sense in today’s tougher economic times. Excluded were scooters and bikes with the same engines built within a slightly different platform. The following are capable of at least 60 mph so as to tackle any roadway in America; some are also dual purpose allowing off-road utility for those odd times when the road less traveled doesn’t actually include a road!

Estimated annual fuel costs were based on 5,000 miles per year at $2.75 per gallon.

2009 Kawasaki Eliminator 125 – The Kawasaki Eliminator® 125 embodies classic cruiser qualities in an incredibly fuel efficient, lightweight bike. An excellent choice for newer riders.

Est. annual fuel cost: $145
95 mpg
Base price: $2,799

2009 Honda CRF230M – An On/Off road air-cooled 223 cc Sport like bike with 17-inch wheels and low-profile tires.

Est. annual fuel cost: $162
* Estimated to achieve 85 mpg
Base price: $5,399

2009 Honda Rebel – A comfortable and stylish beginner road cruiser ready for a trip across town or the country.

Est. annual fuel cost: $162
* Estimated to achieve 85 mpg
Base price: $3,999

Suzuki GZ 250 - An entry-level 249cc cruiser that's affordable and easy to operate and includes the classic styling of larger bikes.

Est. annual fuel cost: $168
82 mpg
Base price: $3,799

2009 Yamaha TW200 – The distinctive “fat-tired” dual-purpose bike offering both rider comfort and fun over almost any terrain.

Est. annual fuel cost: $176
78 mpg
Base price: $3,990

2009 Yamaha XT250 - A dual-purpose that set the standard in single cylinder On/Off road versatility and utility.

Est. annual fuel cost: $188
73 mpg
Base price: $4,690

2009 Yamaha WR250X – Not exactly an Enduro or a Sport bike, the WR250X is for riders cruising mostly paved surfaces without sacrifices. Liquid cooled and fast!

Est. annual fuel cost: $194
71 mpg
Base price: $6,190

2009 Kawasaki KLX250S – The second 250cc liquid cooled model in the group. It is a lightweight dual-purpose bike that is equally at home on the pavement or off-road and always ready for your next adventure.

Est. annual fuel cost: $196
70 mpg
Base price: $4,999

2009 Suzuki DRZ 400S - The liquid cooled DR-Z400S is the performance dual-purpose bike with unmatched On/Off road capability -- yet it still achieves great fuel economy!

Est. annual fuel cost: $211
65 mpg
Base price: $6,699

2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R – The only Sport bike in the list with both a rider-friendly engine and chassis topped off with Super Sport styling. This inexpensive bike performs the 0 to 60 mph dance in less than 6 seconds.

Est. annual fuel cost: $225
61 mpg
Base price: $3,999

An inexpensive lineup of capable, fun and fuel efficient Dual-Purpose, Cruisers and a Sport bike that not only saves fuel but allows a ton of fun while doing so.

*Honda motorcycle city fuel economy ratings were estimated due to the lack of publicly released information.


http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16425

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