Filed under: MPG, On Two Wheels
Kawasaki highlights fuel efficiency on new site
Starting with the KLX 250S, which scores an excellent 70 miles per gallon, Kawasaki has 23 motorcycles that get 33 miles per gallon or better. In case you were wondering, that is every single bike that the manufacturer makes, including beasts such as the Ninja ZX-10R and the 1.4-liter ZX-14. To highlight the possible fuel savings that a two-wheeled vehicle offers over its four-wheeled and enclosed cousins, Team Green has created a new micro-site that shows you each model and its mpg rating.
Of course, riding on a saddle is not for everyone. A motorcycle offers plenty of thrills and excitement, as Kawasaki is eager to point out, but the rider is left out in the elements and there aren't really any safety measures to speak of on most bikes, especially the smallest and most fuel efficient options available. Still, those who do choose to ride will enjoy the extra spending money left in their pocketbooks after filling up, this particular blogger included.
[Source: Kawasaki]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mark 1:41AM (9/24/2008)
Bikes need to do a lot better than 70mpg to compete with the more efficient cars these days - because they can still only carry two passengers. A prius with four people in it gets far better mileage per passenger, a lot of euro diesels do as well. I'd be interested to see some mileage tests with a bike carry a trailer too - however for a single person commuting, commited to not ride sharing, 70mpg is about as good as your going to get.
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Luke 9:36AM (9/24/2008)
I sold my Kawasaki Vulcan 500 and, while I technically don't regret it (I needed the money), I sure do wish I had another one!
One note to those considering taking up motorcycle riding: consider the cost of the safety equipment as part of the cost of the bike. That means at least $150 for a helmet, and and between $400 and $750 for an abrasion-resistant riding suit of some sort, and another $200 for gloves, boots, face-shields, and other knick-knacks (you might have to ride with a few variations before you find what you like). I didn't have to use this safety gear -- but some of my motorcycle-riding friends have, and this gear is worth every penny. But a $4500 motorcycle really does cost more like $6500, once you figure in safety equipment, taxes, fees, and other gotchas.
Also, the MSD New Rider course is excellent!
I miss my bike, and I hope to get on. I've been riding a bicycle lately and I really like bicycles too (which is a perfect fit for my existing commute) -- so I have been out in the wind on 2 wheels, and it's Sustainable... But, all rational arguments aside, the motorcycle really does feel like the ultimate in vehicular Independence. :-) Weee!
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