Quote:
Originally Posted by mark manley
Are Honda the only motorcycle manufacturer making an effort to produce an economical range of bikes? Between the 110cc and 500cc bikes mentioned above and the NX750 they must have one of the most fuel efficient ranges available, unless others know different.
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Honda's latest bikes are pretty amazing! That 500 P-Twin motor would make a PEACH ADV type travel bike. 48 HP is plenty for me. Put it in a nice strong, light weight steel chassis, 21" front, 17 or 18" rear, good ground clearance, quality suspension, big forks, tough DID wheels, luggage/passenger capable. I think it would be a HIT if they could keep the price within reason.
BMW have also been doing very well regards economy. But their smallest bike is 650cc. But they go 65 to 70 MPG (US). By contrast, my DR650 (Carb) is lucky to get 50 mpg)
Yamaha also doing interesting things. Not MPG wise, but initial cost wise. That's economical too, yes?
Both FZ-07 & FZ-09 are very good value for money. But neither do very well on saving fuel. (40 to 45 mpg) The FZ-07, 700cc Parallel twin is already being used as a Flat Track racer here in USA and rumors suggest Yamaha have "other" ideas for this motor/platform. Both FZ's are priced low ($7K for 07, $8K for 09 (USD))
Both are VERY light weight (both lighter than Yamaha R-6) Motors are ALL NEW designs, so light, smooth jewels with solid reliability. (so far) And both run super clean! (lean burn, CAT convertors)
I see great potential in the FZ-07 motor as a ADV Dual Sport Travel bike, if adapted into another chassis. Like a mini Tenere' if you will. Lighter, lower, Cheaper, more economical ... and cleaner. Puts out about 70 HP.
So far, we only hear rumors about this ... but I'm convinced Yamaha will do something interesting with the FZ-07.
Honda are more conservative, slower to move ... but are OUT FRONT of most others (save BMW) in going green with their bikes .... and GOOD FOR THEM! Instead of a HUGE re-do of the Africa Twin, I'd much rather see a smaller bike using the CB500X motor built around a real ADV chassis.
We all have to face this reality now. Enjoy your Big, polluting bike while you can. THESE ARE THE GOOD OLD DAYS!