Petrol prices..........would you now consider a motorbike?

[*Al*]

With ever increasing petrol prices, would you now consider buying a motorbike? Obviously this will not suit everyone, but loads of PHers drive for a 'hobby/weekend toy'. How many are or could be seriously considering the switch for the bang per buck thrill? As a biker myself i'm not interested in the 'organ donor st'replies as we all know the risks, just serious replies, ta.

[David87]

Not a chance. The money it'd cost to get through the test and buy the gear and bike would buy an awful lot of fuel. I can't fall off my car either.

[AnotherClarkey]

But are bikes all that economical? Most seem to get mid-high 30's mpg these days as far as I can tell. My old Guzzi 750 used to get about 63 on a run but was a pretty mild performer and noted for economy.

[kiethton]

definitely, i am really wanting to do my test and already have a bike to share, even though its a deuville. Want a cbr 600rr/ gixxer though

If all goes to plan and i am working in the city in a few years time, there is no way i am paying £2k a year to stand in a sardine can for 14 miles, much rather take a bike.

[Chris_w666]

Have considered it for about 6 years now, partly because of the bang for buck you get, I'm just certain I will get something very wrong on a bike because I am a clumsy sod.

[Glade]

My SV650S gets 42mpg... my Passat 33mpg.

Unfortuantely since I got the Passat I also got lazy and the bike has been neglected, and only got ridden to the MOT in 2010!

I've just bought a new battery to get it going again just so that I can save 25% on my petrol bill.

Admittedly I already had the bike... but yes, I'm switching back!

[Mr Gear]

AnotherClarkey said:

But are bikes all that economical? Most seem to get mid-high 30's mpg these days as far as I can tell. My old Guzzi 750 used to get about 63 on a run but was a pretty mild performer and noted for economy.

Not all bikes are as economical as they should be. More revs = more fuel consumed generally.

But Some are incredible on fuel. My 800cc BMW is plenty fast enough but does a genuine 72mpg on a run and 60mpg in town.

[ajprice]

No.

1. I'd fall off it.
2. I'm 6'6" so it would have to be a big bike for me not to look like a tt
3. I'd have to dress like a tt anyway

[TheMoron]

No.

[farrendahl]

As much as I would love a Bike, I don't have enough faith in other road users to not end up killing me. Enough people seem to have difficulty seeing a bright blue Saab 9-3, I'm convinced on a BMW K 1300R I wouldn't stand a chance.

[f1nn]

But any bike worth riding is not that economical, my 2010 zx6r will ruin a tank of fuel (15-16 litres) in around a 100 miles.

[AnotherClarkey]

Mr Gear said:

AnotherClarkey said:

But are bikes all that economical? Most seem to get mid-high 30's mpg these days as far as I can tell. My old Guzzi 750 used to get about 63 on a run but was a pretty mild performer and noted for economy.

Not all bikes are as economical as they should be. More revs = more fuel consumed generally.

But Some are incredible on fuel. My 800cc BMW is plenty fast enough but does a genuine 72mpg on a run and 60mpg in town.

Nice to hear that some are still decent for economy. The biggest downsides about commuting by bike are the seemingly constant visits to petrol stations.

[Mojooo]

I considered it a few years ago on traffic grounds but decided against it due to safety and having to wear to much gear.

[redgriff500]

Not in this weather !

I would in theory but I need to carry tools / children / dogs (not necessarily at the same time).

Also I quite like having a fully functioning body and would like it to stay that way.

[amare32]

I have. Did my DAS 4 years ago and it's the best thing I've done. Was totally alien at first riding a motorbike but you get used to it in time with experience. Can wait to buy another bike this spring after I got shot of the TT last year specially running a 3.2 V6 + £450 VED in this economic climate is great not having to bend over everytime I have to visit the pumps.

Depreciation on most cars is epic compared to bikes too. I bought a new Suzuki GSXR600 K7 for £5,900. Ran it for 18 months and sold it on for £5,200 to a mates brother. The bang per buck more than makes up for the initial £1k outlay for the bike training and gear.

[supersingle]

If I were commuting a short distance I'd definitely have some sort of step-through four stroke scooter. C90s are a bit old now but the innova 125 are pretty good. 120mpg, 50mph and pennies for tax and insurance. Also the leg shields keep your legs dry.

For longer distances one of the 800cc BMW parallel twins would do, 80mpg and 130mph, can't be bad!

[xr287]

David87 said:

I can't fall off my car either.

I have always used this as one of the main reasons I would never have a bike. That and the potential for dozy motorists ploughing in to me while not paying attention.

[y2blade]

my DRZ400S was doing 65ish mpg commuting

100miles per £5

[R1 Loon]

2 cars and 3 bikes already. This one works well in the snow

[AnotherClarkey]

supersingle said:

If I were commuting a short distance I'd definitely have some sort of step-through four stroke scooter. C90s are a bit old now but the innova 125 are pretty good. 120mpg, 50mph and pennies for tax and insurance. Also the leg shields keep your legs dry.

For longer distances one of the 800cc BMW parallel twins would do, 80mpg and 130mph, can't be bad!

These seem to be the serious commuting weapons in most of Europe - usually a Burgman 400 or a Yamaha T-Max.