Help with Motorcycles
 

For a variety of reasons, mostly owning to the obscene costs of gas prices & the impractical nature of trying to run a subcompact or hybrid on the road I live on, I'm looking to a motorcycle.

Features I'm looking for:
-fuel economy no less than 40/mpg & a tank no smaller than 3 gallons
-comfort for regular, relativelly long treks (two to three hours)
-ability to handle poorly maintained dirt roads & highways
-cost, under $10k.

....it'd be nice if the bike were made by an American or European manufacturer, but it's not a must-have.

The Bike I've found which comes closest to the mark is the Triumph Scrambler (pictured below).

http://www.motorcyclingblog.com/medi.../070608002.jpg


....but if anyone has any suggestions as to particular models, makes, or recommendations, I'd be glad to hear them.

Well for under 10k you can get pretty much any bike you want new or used that fits that criteria. Since you posted a cruiser style bike I will show you a few options that would be good starter bikes and even able to handle highway speeds.

1: kawasaki vulcan 500
http://www.bikez.com/pictures/kawasa...20Kawasaki.jpg

2: suzuki s40 650
http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/cro...0-1_460x0w.jpg

3: yamaha v star 650
http://www.chromeworld.com/_Images%5...ccessories.jpg

These are 3 semi lightweight bikes that would suit a beginner. All of which you could get used for under 3,000 or new for under 6-7. Make sure you take the MSF saftey coarse first!

If you have any other questions just ask.

Thanks for the reply, Rezz.

I don't mind cruiser styling, or the comfort they'd afford on longer trips. What does worry me is what could happen when my road washes out, and such situations wherein having such little ground clearance, and a low placed exhaust, is asking for problem.

BMW G650GS
Suzuki VStrom
Kawasaki Versys

I think these bikes look like something a girl keeps in hidden in her sock drawer, but they do seem like they'd be more capable on crappy rural roads. Any thoughts on them, or the brands?

Well the Bmw will be expensive.

I like the Vstrom alot. Heard only great things about it. Supposedly does street and offroad real well.

Just let it be noted that those smaller cruisers I posted are light enough where you wont have much problem if roads arnt great. I drive my 1100 650 pound bike in all weather just not off road. Definitely look into a used Vstrom and the money you save can go towards rain gear saddlebags and other goods.

Heres a review you should check out for the Vstrom 650 (keep in mind that real big bike if your a new rider.)
http://www.ridermagazine.magnify.net...ki-V-Strom-650

With all the things you've said matter to you, I'd recommend the Honda Rebel as a good first bike. I'm thinking of getting one myself.

http://www.article-submissionservice...onda_Rebel.jpg

84 MPG
250 CC Engine - small, but efficent and very lightweight.
Soft Tail - better handling at higher speeds and more forgiving on rougher terrain
High riding suspension - Better for inexperienced riders in difficult turns and bad weather.

If you're not looking to take passengers, it's a great bike at a great price. I've seen a couple used 2007 models with about 2,500 Miles go for less than 2K.

Just to be noted crash, the 250 is such a small bike that not only will you outgrow it reallll fast but the positioning will be very uncomfortable due to height and weight. Its the reason women usually ride it. (due to being shorter) Stepping up to a 500 or 650 is still ok to learn on and will be a welcome size bike for much longer. Also good luck trying to keep up on the freeway with a 250 cruiser. Its nothing like a 250 ninja for instance.

edit: The rebel is usually the bike the MSF class has for everyone to learn on. So take that if you want a free test ride, and youll see what im talking about!

It's also what all the delivery guys ride around town out here. They really aren't bad bikes, you're right about the size though. I'm looking at the Honda Shadow Spirit myself, seems like a solid bike.

Do it! I used to have a Spirit 1100 and it was AMAZING! To bad a drunk driver totaled it.

And what are they delivering that a Rebel will due? Surely not pizza.

250cc is too small; I have to do a good 30 mile stretch of interstate if I want to go to town.

Yeah, I've heard good things about the Vstrom. The Versys, I guess, is just a riff on the KLR - which is supposedly stupidly reliable, and holds its value quite well.

Its also not half as good in bad conditions as the vstrom.