Combatting Gas Prices
04-27-2008, 03:38 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Orlando FL - UCF
Posts: 684
Total Cats: 1
Combatting Gas Prices
So I am moving to Orlando in August to attend UCF, and the place I am moving into is about three to four miles from campus. With gas prices approaching $4 a gallon I have been playing with the idea of purchasing a used Honda Ruckus. For anyone not in the know, a Ruckus is a 49cc scooter (doesn't require a motorcycle license) that will do around 40mph stock and get from 85-105mpg. Anyone here ever own one? Ideas/opinions?
Reply
0
0
04-27-2008, 06:44 AM
#5
Former Vendor
iTrader: (31)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 15,442
Total Cats: 2,099
That is a phenomenal idea. What does one of those cost? I am going to be living off-campus next year and a motorcycle permit is about 10% of the cost of a general parking permit for a car.
Reply
0
0
04-27-2008, 11:15 AM
#8
Boost Pope
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Posts: 33,019
Total Cats: 6,587
When I was in college, I bought a 49cc Tomos shortly after moving off campus, for the reason that parking a car on the UF campus is basically impossible.
Owning that vehicle sucked badly. Not the ego factor, it just wasn't fast enough to feel safe on *any* roads with any kind of vehicular traffic. More like riding a small, unstable bicycle as opposed to a motorcycle. Fortunately, a friend introduced me to epitome of dirt-cheap, basic motorcycles, the Honda Nighthawk 250.
This is pretty much "The" beginner's motorcycle. It's lightweight and cheap, yet rugged enough to absorb a few curbs and powerful enough to keep up with any traffic you'll encounter so long as you stay off I4. Avg fuel economy is close to 70MPG, and you can park it anywhere.
Did I mention it's cheap?
The Nighthawk (aka CB250) hasn't changed one single bit since I bought mine, which was a '91, in '97. Still has drum brakes, spoke wheels, no tach, a tiny single carb, weird rear coilovers... It's sort of the VW Beetle of the M/C world. Brand-new they retail for $3,600, in a college town, you should be able to find one a few years old and in good shape for $1,000 - $2,000.
BTW- in FL, M/C insurance is "optional." Not that I suggest riding uninsured, but I did it for two years.
Owning that vehicle sucked badly. Not the ego factor, it just wasn't fast enough to feel safe on *any* roads with any kind of vehicular traffic. More like riding a small, unstable bicycle as opposed to a motorcycle. Fortunately, a friend introduced me to epitome of dirt-cheap, basic motorcycles, the Honda Nighthawk 250.
This is pretty much "The" beginner's motorcycle. It's lightweight and cheap, yet rugged enough to absorb a few curbs and powerful enough to keep up with any traffic you'll encounter so long as you stay off I4. Avg fuel economy is close to 70MPG, and you can park it anywhere.
Did I mention it's cheap?
The Nighthawk (aka CB250) hasn't changed one single bit since I bought mine, which was a '91, in '97. Still has drum brakes, spoke wheels, no tach, a tiny single carb, weird rear coilovers... It's sort of the VW Beetle of the M/C world. Brand-new they retail for $3,600, in a college town, you should be able to find one a few years old and in good shape for $1,000 - $2,000.
BTW- in FL, M/C insurance is "optional." Not that I suggest riding uninsured, but I did it for two years.
Reply
0
0
04-27-2008, 12:30 PM
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Orlando FL - UCF
Posts: 684
Total Cats: 1
When I was in college, I bought a 49cc Tomos shortly after moving off campus, for the reason that parking a car on the UF campus is basically impossible.
Owning that vehicle sucked badly. Not the ego factor, it just wasn't fast enough to feel safe on *any* roads with any kind of vehicular traffic. More like riding a small, unstable bicycle as opposed to a motorcycle. Fortunately, a friend introduced me to epitome of dirt-cheap, basic motorcycles, the Honda Nighthawk 250.
This is pretty much "The" beginner's motorcycle. It's lightweight and cheap, yet rugged enough to absorb a few curbs and powerful enough to keep up with any traffic you'll encounter so long as you stay off I4. Avg fuel economy is close to 70MPG, and you can park it anywhere.
Did I mention it's cheap?
The Nighthawk (aka CB250) hasn't changed one single bit since I bought mine, which was a '91, in '97. Still has drum brakes, spoke wheels, no tach, a tiny single carb, weird rear coilovers... It's sort of the VW Beetle of the M/C world. Brand-new they retail for $3,600, in a college town, you should be able to find one a few years old and in good shape for $1,000 - $2,000.
BTW- in FL, M/C insurance is "optional." Not that I suggest riding uninsured, but I did it for two years.
Owning that vehicle sucked badly. Not the ego factor, it just wasn't fast enough to feel safe on *any* roads with any kind of vehicular traffic. More like riding a small, unstable bicycle as opposed to a motorcycle. Fortunately, a friend introduced me to epitome of dirt-cheap, basic motorcycles, the Honda Nighthawk 250.
This is pretty much "The" beginner's motorcycle. It's lightweight and cheap, yet rugged enough to absorb a few curbs and powerful enough to keep up with any traffic you'll encounter so long as you stay off I4. Avg fuel economy is close to 70MPG, and you can park it anywhere.
Did I mention it's cheap?
The Nighthawk (aka CB250) hasn't changed one single bit since I bought mine, which was a '91, in '97. Still has drum brakes, spoke wheels, no tach, a tiny single carb, weird rear coilovers... It's sort of the VW Beetle of the M/C world. Brand-new they retail for $3,600, in a college town, you should be able to find one a few years old and in good shape for $1,000 - $2,000.
BTW- in FL, M/C insurance is "optional." Not that I suggest riding uninsured, but I did it for two years.
For whoever asked, they are around $2K new, and I've found a couple in good shape, but a few years old for around $750.
Reply
0
0
04-28-2008, 09:34 AM
#13
Elite Member
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Chesterfield, NJ
Posts: 6,892
Total Cats: 399
I have a 49cc scooter for sale if anyone is interested. 4 stroke, very torquey, about 40mph with 2 people. Fully federal road legal. Very good chinese brand, comes with federal certificate of origin. Just over 100 miles (still on original tank of gas). $500. Great if you live in a state where you don't need to register or have a motorcycle licensce for scooters under 50cc.
Reply
0
0
04-28-2008, 10:42 AM
#19
Thats what i would do. A $50-100 bike, no ins or laws to deal with. Free parking, no maintenance, Get into shape if your not already. The only downside is you might sweat a little. Just carry a towel and extra shirt.
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote
Reply
0
0
