GasBuddy Blog

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: Fuel Economy > Topics	Add to favorite topics Post New Topic

Author	Topic: Motorcycle or Scooter?	Post a Reply Back to Topics

Duke90 All-Star Author Pennsylvania Posts:856 Points:171,955 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 17, 2011 2:44:05 PM Ignore Duke90 Report Abuse When the price of gas got near ther $4 mark, I seriously considered getting either a motorcycle or scooter. The "bike" I liked was the price of a full-size SUV. The scooter prices werea whole lot more managable. But since many other factors must be accounted for, like the dopes texting and driving, talking and driving, weather conditions, the limited seasonal use added maintenances costs, helmet and leathers and insurance; I decided to forego the MPG for the safety, versitility and comfort of my old yet very reliable Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Duke90

Duke90

All-Star Author
Pennsylvania

Posts:856
Points:171,955
Joined:Apr 2011

Message Posted: May 17, 2011 2:44:05 PM

Ignore Duke90 Report Abuse

When the price of gas got near ther $4 mark, I seriously considered getting either a motorcycle or scooter. The "bike" I liked was the price of a full-size SUV. The scooter prices werea whole lot more managable. But since many other factors must be accounted for, like the dopes texting and driving, talking and driving, weather conditions, the limited seasonal use added maintenances costs, helmet and leathers and insurance; I decided to forego the MPG for the safety, versitility and comfort of my old yet very reliable Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Duke90

REPLIES (newest first)Ignore Short Messages

First

Next Last

BlueberryFocus All-Star Author Rochester Posts:553 Points:128,760 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Apr 12, 2013 6:03:54 PM Ignore BlueberryFocus Report Abuse The fuel economy of my car and motorcycle are pretty comparable... 35 on the car and around 40 for the bike. If you want a really fuel efficient bike go for a 250 or a 300.
the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,908 Points:2,055,805 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Apr 11, 2013 8:04:43 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse No thanks to either.
GLM4205 Champion Author Toledo Posts:4,057 Points:800,295 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Apr 11, 2013 5:50:00 AM Ignore GLM4205 Report Abuse None for me.
SgtSmurf Rookie Author Oklahoma Posts:5 Points:505 Joined:Apr 2013	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2013 12:40:30 PM Ignore SgtSmurf Report Abuse Motorcycle. City/Town driving, 350 would be fine, 250 even better. If there's going to be highway driving, I wouldn't go less than a 500. For the safety, take the MSF course for defensive riding, worth every penny. Get a riding suit, jeans just don't even begin to compare. VISIBLE suit, let me throw that out there. Black suit at night is just stupid. Get something with a bright and/or reflective style to it. And of course, a helmet, at least DOT approved, but SNELL is even better.
jrfan6767 Veteran Author Kansas Posts:403 Points:41,770 Joined:Mar 2013	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2013 8:27:24 AM Ignore jrfan6767 Report Abuse i have a motorcycle and yes it gets very dangerous with all the people texting and driving. my belief is you get caught texting and driving it should be a automatic one year suspension of your license. get caught again then it should be indefinite
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,395 Points:1,122,800 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2013 7:15:13 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Too dangerous
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,395 Points:1,122,800 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2013 7:15:03 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Neither
BigHorne1 Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,502 Points:297,750 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2013 3:31:10 AM Ignore BigHorne1 Report Abuse neither, but if had to pick a scooter, they are cheaper and easier to work on.
dvc2 All-Star Author Oakland Posts:937 Points:447,340 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Apr 8, 2013 2:59:11 AM Ignore dvc2 Report Abuse neither
SpiderTash Rookie Author Iowa Posts:21 Points:75,920 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Apr 7, 2013 11:57:39 PM Ignore SpiderTash Report Abuse I want to get a bike, either a 250-350, that way the price is lower, and it gets better gas mileage since that is what I am wanting it for.
holymasamune Sophomore Author San Francisco Posts:103 Points:58,500 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Apr 6, 2013 9:00:16 PM Ignore holymasamune Report Abuse Bike
cools1611 Rookie Author Providence Posts:92 Points:187,965 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Apr 6, 2013 7:47:47 PM Ignore cools1611 Report Abuse Neither
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,395 Points:1,122,800 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 6, 2013 7:54:05 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Neither
L98 Sophomore Author Ontario Posts:180 Points:26,180 Joined:Mar 2013	Message Posted: Apr 5, 2013 3:00:01 PM Ignore L98 Report Abuse motorcycle ... hands down.
RalphHightower Champion Author South Carolina Posts:3,304 Points:689,480 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Apr 5, 2013 6:04:07 AM Ignore RalphHightower Report Abuse neither
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,395 Points:1,122,800 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Apr 5, 2013 12:23:49 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Neither
5p33df73ak Sophomore Author Gary Posts:235 Points:54,110 Joined:Dec 2012	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 11:04:06 PM Ignore 5p33df73ak Report Abuse lol scooter
pawnkingfour All-Star Author Georgia Posts:566 Points:141,765 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 7:00:44 PM Ignore pawnkingfour Report Abuse Luv my F-150 :)
streetirsx Veteran Author North Dakota Posts:342 Points:123,850 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 5:52:24 PM Ignore streetirsx Report Abuse Motorcycle if i had to choose
lyanMI Veteran Author Detroit Posts:267 Points:211,360 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 4:05:59 PM Ignore lyanMI Report Abuse Either of them are not too safe....
GrumpyCat Champion Author Alabama Posts:2,611 Points:789,785 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 1:25:29 PM Ignore GrumpyCat Report Abuse Its a mistake to expect operating expenses for a motorcycle to be comparable to a car, truck or SUV. A new set of tires on a Goldwing will be over $500 installed and last 9,000 to 12,000 miles. There is more competition among sportier tire sizes where one can often find a set for $250. But mounting and balancing is $25 each if you bring the wheels in off the bike, and usually $50 each if the dealer has to remove the wheel and reinstall. Really liked my Goldwing but I quit riding it enough to justify keeping when I bought a Prius. 50 MPG in Prius, 42 MPG with Goldwing. At 40,000 miles the Prius required new tires which cost just under $400 mounted, balanced, and everything.
Houckster Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,345 Points:693,460 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Apr 4, 2013 1:05:59 PM Ignore Houckster Report Abuse The question is not so clear cut as many might suppose. Scooters are by no means just an urban vehicle. Honda and Suzuki, to name just two, make scooters that could easily traverse the nation. I've seen them in our national parks and they have more than enough power to keep up with the cars on the highways. You don't need the insane power to weight ratio of some of the upper level motorcycles. Burgman 650 Executive On the other hand, if long distance touring is the goal, it would be hard to beat the offerings from Triumph, Honda, and Yamaha . . . maybe even Victory. And there's the issue of the transmission. On scooters, you have an automatic and the big bikes have manuals that give you more control but are a pain in heavy traffic. If I had the money, I'd have one of both. [Edited by: Houckster at 4/4/2013 1:07:22 PM EST]
rjro Champion Author Albany Posts:1,237 Points:500,125 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Apr 3, 2013 8:11:23 AM Ignore rjro Report Abuse neither for me. not safe enough.
Marc56 Sophomore Author Asheville Posts:223 Points:374,480 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 3, 2013 8:02:24 AM Ignore Marc56 Report Abuse Neither. Scooter=unsafe Motorcycle=cruising toy.
MertieMan Champion Author Lexington Posts:14,788 Points:2,895,610 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Apr 3, 2013 7:45:43 AM Ignore MertieMan Report Abuse Consider this, how many days are you going to be able to ride any two wheeled vehicle in your state? Think of insurance and upkeep on a bike also. They aren't free, I know as I have owned several of them. I love them, but watch out for the idiots that will practically run you over on the highway. Stay away from scooters, especially on the highways as they don't have enough power to accelerate away from danger that might occur. Bikes are far better in this situation. Scooters are all right in city only driving, but are still too slow. Believe me, you need acceleration and a bike will give you this. Just be careful.
nickless Champion Author Victoria Posts:13,236 Points:2,055,905 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Apr 3, 2013 12:49:18 AM Ignore nickless Report Abuse None of the above.
airamtx Rookie Author Houston Posts:82 Points:52,550 Joined:Mar 2013	Message Posted: Apr 2, 2013 1:21:29 PM Ignore airamtx Report Abuse Motorcycle shows more respect than the scooter. Also, motorcyle is faster when trying to evade any situation.
chuckl95453 Veteran Author California Posts:317 Points:45,950 Joined:Mar 2013	Message Posted: Apr 2, 2013 11:16:55 AM Ignore chuckl95453 Report Abuse motorcycle with a sidecar would be nice.
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,395 Points:1,122,800 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 1:01:59 PM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Either
aalix Champion Author Orange County Posts:23,183 Points:4,122,370 Joined:Aug 2001	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 12:52:11 PM Ignore aalix Report Abuse No matter how careful you drive in a motorcycle or scooter, when you meet a reckless driver, you are in for a lot of trouble.
palantir24 Veteran Author Vermont Posts:270 Points:110,925 Joined:Oct 2010	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 12:37:57 PM Ignore palantir24 Report Abuse Motorcycle. But that answer is based more on power, speed, and style than mileage
metalhat73 Veteran Author Wilmington Posts:368 Points:240,630 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 10:58:30 AM Ignore metalhat73 Report Abuse Can't save money when your dead. Stay with the largest vehicle you can afford. Stay safe.
speedy700 Veteran Author New Jersey Posts:406 Points:126,325 Joined:Jan 2013	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 9:50:45 AM Ignore speedy700 Report Abuse Depends. If not doing any highway driving go for a scooter. Much better fuel economy, but not very fast.
the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,908 Points:2,055,805 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 8:20:30 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse No go on 2 wheel drive for me.
dgsteven All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:802 Points:207,775 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Mar 30, 2013 7:52:37 AM Ignore dgsteven Report Abuse both, better saving
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,395 Points:1,122,800 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jan 30, 2013 6:28:14 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Both
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,395 Points:1,122,800 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jan 30, 2013 6:28:05 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Either would be great
twt Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:8,732 Points:997,635 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jan 30, 2013 4:03:47 AM Ignore twt Report Abuse Motorcycle. There are some decent classes for beginners. Take a class, find a friend who rides, start initially, riding beside a friend who has a motorcycle.
Jmac2008 Champion Author Missouri Posts:2,279 Points:882,115 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Jan 30, 2013 12:52:45 AM Ignore Jmac2008 Report Abuse motorcycle, you just have to be more aware of other drivers.
Z12 Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,661 Points:759,665 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 29, 2013 9:05:17 PM Ignore Z12 Report Abuse Either one
OilerFan Champion Author Tulsa Posts:14,045 Points:2,447,575 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 28, 2013 7:28:19 AM Ignore OilerFan Report Abuse If scooters were a little cheaper, more people might buy them. As it is, for the price, you might as well pay a little more and get a good used motorcycle that can be used for longer distance driving if necessary.
twt Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:8,732 Points:997,635 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jan 28, 2013 2:55:14 AM Ignore twt Report Abuse I ride the Harley, year round in Virginia. If the roads are dry, I am on the bike.
gobux10 Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,174 Points:679,960 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 10:41:41 PM Ignore gobux10 Report Abuse I agree
mnrick041 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:14,306 Points:1,369,060 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 9:48:26 PM Ignore mnrick041 Report Abuse Not in Minnesota. Riding season is too short here. I prefer the safety of a car.
xtremecheap All-Star Author Arkansas Posts:986 Points:373,100 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 4:44:26 PM Ignore xtremecheap Report Abuse Scooter for in town. No registration, no insurance, or license in most states. Bike if you want to get on the highway. Duke90, you need a Duke 690. =)
Mr1lung All-Star Author Phoenix Posts:811 Points:164,150 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 11:57:14 AM Ignore Mr1lung Report Abuse bike
dgsteven All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:802 Points:207,775 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2013 3:04:54 AM Ignore dgsteven Report Abuse scooter
Z12 Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,661 Points:759,665 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2013 8:01:32 PM Ignore Z12 Report Abuse Either one
hornet17 Champion Author Vancouver Posts:1,323 Points:440,865 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Jan 4, 2013 4:07:57 PM Ignore hornet17 Report Abuse Most people won't save money buying a motorcycle after you factor in all the gear and insurance
MertieMan Champion Author Lexington Posts:14,788 Points:2,895,610 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Jan 2, 2013 4:58:46 AM Ignore MertieMan Report Abuse This is a no brainer, the bike is more powerful and can keep up with the flow of traffic, plus it gets excellent gas milage.