Can forum members recommend bikes that deliver truly outstanding fuel economy? By outstanding, I mean upwards of 75mpg (on UK, or 'Imperial' gallons).

I have a specific trip in mind, in North America, and for my own peculiar reasons -- not just economy -- I am researching the possibility of doing a journey of several thousand miles at the absolute maximum practical fuel economy.

Sure, I know I could get a 50cc scooter to give me 100+ mpg, and maybe even a Honda C90 could get close to such figures -- but do forum members have other, more rational, more comfortable suggestions for bikes that might achieve similar levels of fuel economy?

The idea is at the earliest stage of planning, but the trip would involve as much as 10,000 miles, all on paved roads, but not necessarily with many l-o-n-g travel days, meaning a 200 mile day might be a long one, and that a machine comfortable at cruising at 50 or 55 mph (solo rider, not a huge amount of luggage) would do the job.

I would welcome any input from people with some practical knowledge to share.


ron

Royal Enfield 500 single. easy to maintain, cruise all day at 55 - 60 mph and give you 80 mpg easy.
but then i'm biased. sure you hear horror stories. we have 2 electra 500's, cdi ignition, electric start, disc brakes...3000+ trouble free miles, cheap on fuel, tyres, tax and insurance. ok not for the mechanically inept, but even they can learn to fix 'em they are that simple.

Hi Bikerz,

The Enfield was already in my thinking, though I don't know if they're readily available in North America. And then there is the worry about parts/service when the bikes are so rare. I see one of the posters here (Cameraman? Something like that) says his Yamaha Serow 250 gives great mileage and good reliability.

I know it seems like a daft question, but I have something rather daft in mind, and it does not require a bike capable of 800-mile days, and which means something like the Enfield or the Serow -- or even a comfortable scooter -- might be suitable.

Anyone else have ideas?

ron

I have`heard that the BMW F650 can get over 70 mpg (US gallons), that would be about 84 mpg Imperial gallons. And it will go freeway speeds with luggage.

Hello John,

Thanks for that. I am well aware that the F650 has a superb reputation among long-distance tourers, but I confess its ability to cruise on such a frugal amount of fuel had escaped me.

I know there must be an endless number of threads on F650 issues, and don't want to be a newby pain in the derriere by starting another one -- but is anyone here with experience of long-distance touring on the F650 able to back up the 70 mpg (US Gallons) that John has heard of?

And any other bike suggestions?

Thanks for this! The feedback and food for thought is much appreciated.


ron

I am with Bikerz on this one, get the new electra, whole world of difference to the 1950's bike . ( although it looks similar it is completely different).
they are available in USA at http://www.royalenfield.com/app/US/default.asp
If you really want high mpg try searching this site:= http://www.dieselbike.net/
the only recurring problem I have heard of is the clutch cable barrel at the handlebar lever end is sometimes is too tight and causes premature failure of the cable. just make sure the barrel is free in its hole and lubricate once a week.

On our last trip through the ME, we consistently got over 60 mpUSg. The high was 75mpg over 2 tanks with tail wind. We were 2-up (abate 2 light weight individuals) with gear.

Besides from 1 flat tire and being hit by a minibus, we got no problem from the bike.

Having said that, it seems that you're looking for an even more efficient bike. Perhaps one of the 250cc fuel misers would fit more.

Not certain about 75 but my 2003 650 Dakar provides consistent 65mpIg returns. Better in fact than my Suzuki DRZ400S. Though I doubt its as easy to work on as the Enfield?

Cheers Steve

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The older I get, the faster I was.

Don't do it on a moped or a scooter. Get a cheap Vulcan Harrier 125 ( a nice Yamaha copy) or similar. Mine does over 100 mpg, 60mph comfortably (70mph with a tailwind). Its got a very comfortable seat and riding position. Starts first and every time, ultra reliable ( once you beef up the micky mouse electrics and treat every nut and bolt with locktite!) Its got an electric AND a kickstart, gas rear shox and a cracking little engine. ( I've not had another 125 pass me yet).
You can pick up a good one for £500 - £700 depending on year and condition. As an added bonus, it is not too small, I'm 5'9", the previous owner was 6'2", and it is a very cool looking bike.. far nicer looking than most 125 commuters.
Sorry, you can't have mine, I just sold it for more than I paid for it. I'm now having a different kind of fun on my Fazer 600.

If you are hell bent on doing your own daft gig, don't let the armchair pundits put you off. If you can walk there, you can cycle there. If you can cycle there, you can get there on a cycle with a motor in it. End of debate.
I'm planning UK to Vladivostok then onto South Korea on a couple of old R80/7 police bikes. Complete with full fairing and panniers. Its a case of riding to your own and the bikes capabilities, so I won't be jumping sand dunes and climbing over rocks. You'll do it on whatever you got it might just take a little longer.

Whatever you choose, have a good gig.
Cheers. Ian.

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If you never make mistakes, you ain't trying..

The lean burn enfield is a new modern bike, do not confuse it with the old 1949 model, for which most of teh tooling is worn out. the new engine and gearbox is built using the most modern machines available, The engine and gearbox are all new, although they are physically interchangeable with the old engine and albion gearbox.

you might want to read this, one riders account of an older style bike.

http://www.royalenfield.com/app/UK/trip.asp?sID=223

Thanks for the input -- much appreciated. I do appreciate and enjoy the notion that the tool for the job is not often the 'right' tool, but the one you or I like the look of.

To Ian: What's the plan in South Korea, or is Korea just a target at the end of your trip? I lived there for a while, and still have contacts there, so if you need some input, just ask. My contact details are all on my little website -- www.ronmcmillan.com

To Reggie: I sent you a PM here, but called you Ian by mistake. Sorry!


ron

Sorry guys, it's late. I STILL got the names reversed in my latest post. I think.


ron

Well put Ian.

As I said earlier, it's all about the ride.

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I'm not lost, I'm right here.
'05 650GS

Yep the Vulcan Harrier is a chinese Yamaha YBR copy. Points to watch are the Ikky Electrics with only one 10 amp fuse and things falling off due to lack of locktite or similar. Once these issues are addressed, its not a bad little bike for the money although it was one of the more expensive Chinese copies but at least it does not arrive in bits in a crate with no registration. I just sold my 2 year old Harrier for more than I paid for it so its helped to fund another bike. ( What bike? Dunno yet..I already got a Fazer 600 and a BMW R80/7). Depends on the gig!

As already stated, I plan a liesurely ride to Vladivostok on my R80. Then ferry to Sokcho. After that, I'll just bum around Korea for a while till cash or time runs out. I used to teach English in Korea so plan to return to some of my old haunts down South in Chollonam Do ( Kwangju, Sunchon, Yosu etc.) Maybe drop in on the BMW dealership in Seoul. Maybe drop in on the Barons or Daegu riders. Visit a lot of temples and "National Treasures" Re-visit some charming Korean ladies, ride lots of stonking highways and get indigestion from eating too much Kimchi. ( not to mention the headache from drinking too much Soju) Yea! I know Soju too!!

Anecdote time:
Whenn aaah werre a lad......( Sorry it was the Hovis Butty..honest!) I rode various bikes with the British army in the 60's. The standard issue was the Triumph 500 twin. The army version was more or less the standard road bike with a solo saddle. Later we got BSA 350's which were identical to the civvy road bikes. We rode those bikes in ALL weathers and ALL conditions. Up mountains, across rivers, over cliffs ( the bike didn't survive that one) , rode them up and over stuff and even jumped them with the Signals Display team. If we got ordered to ride around the world on one, we would have packed a small pack and asked what direction?

Point is, if all you got is a clapped out Lambretta and you want to go, ... just go...the worst that can happen is you might have to walk back...so take some walking boots for the return trip. You don't need a new BMW, half a ton of stuff, 10 grands worth of Carnets, a second mortgage and three years off work to do it.
So long as you travel within your limitations and have done some planning you''ll get there..sooner or later.

Me,...I'm going thataway---------------->

Ian.

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If you never make mistakes, you ain't trying..

Almost forgot...If I was going to ride for endless miles on pavement ( American pavement, not OUR pavements..that would be illegal) I think that the experience would be enhanced greatly if the scoot could maintain a comfortable cruising speed. (min 70mph on A roads) Some of the smaller bikes are near their limit at that and it will get tiring after a while. Not to mention the wear and tear associated with "hammering" a bike for prolonged periods. I loved green-laning on my 125 ( 50 - 60 mph) but endless highways would need a different solution. Maybe the Royal Enfield or similar previously mentioned by others might be a good compromise between economy and practicality. I was under the impression that gas was as cheap in the States as the roads are long. Maybe it balances out.
What does anyone think about a Triumph Tiger for my next bike..??
(I'm thinking of rougher pastures for the future)

Have a good ride
Ian.

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If you never make mistakes, you ain't trying..