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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg Please place this engine in a small Dual-Sport ;) (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=200203)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Honda_SH150i.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) – April 10, 2009

Scooters are not “me” but the Fuel Injected 2010 Honda SH150i’s FE could be as high as 120 mpgUS!

Following the successful public unveiling of the 2010 Fury, American Honda is proud to announce the early introduction of another exciting 2010-model-year machine, the SH150i scooter.

The SH150i now makes its way to the shores of the United States where it is destined to become an instant favorite. The stylish SH150i delivers an exceptional blend of new, modern styling, easy operation, plus economical and fun transportation. A responsive 153cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine with fuel injection delivers smooth acceleration and the power for two-up riding, while 16-inch wheels provide great handling and a reassuring ride. The SH150i also offers the stopping power of Honda's Combined Brake System, plus useful amenities such as an under-seat storage area and the option of an accessory rear box that's both fashionable and functional.

Honda makes this impressive combination of utility and style available in the SH150i for an affordable suggested retail price of $4499. The first units will begin arriving in dealership showrooms in May of 2009, and will be available in Red and Black colors.

A nice addition to Honda's Fury Cruiser and DN-01 Crossover releases earlier this year.

The trouble is that you have to add the cost of extra insurance (the same cost as you pay for a small car, and no break for only riding a scooter for only a part of the year, or low miles and "occasionally"). That's the deal killer on a small motorbike --- from an insurance point of view it's just as inexpensive to buy an old Civic or similar. Maybe not quite the same great MPG, but something you can use "instead of the GG" (gas guzzler) in any kind of weather, and year round (not just when it's sunny and little wind).

Until someone tromps on the foot of the greedy insurance industry, the idea of having a low-cost high-MPG alternate to the GG for a local put-put is going to be choked off before it gets any legs. Pitty.

That's where the ebike shines --- lower speed, less range, but no "extra" insurance required, providing you can live with bicycle-like capabilities.

The trouble is that you have to add the cost of extra insurance (the same cost as you pay for a small car, and no break for only riding a scooter for only a part of the year, or low miles and "occasionally"). That's the deal killer on a small motorbike --- from an insurance point of view it's just as inexpensive to buy an old Civic or similar.

I don't believe that's true in the US. Insurance for my motorcycle is quite a bit cheaper than for a car. I like to think that what I save on insurance for the bike makes up for higher costs in tires. You are far less likely to cause much damage to other vehicles with a motorcycle, so the liability part is cheaper.

Insurance for a Civic is a little higher than average because it has been a favorite of car thieves.

Anyone thinking about purchasing any vehicle should check with his insurance agent to find out what the costs to insure will be. Insurance costs for motorcycles vary widely depending on the type of motorcycle, and brand. Harleys cost more to insure. I would think a scooter would be on the low end of the cost range.

Harry

That's a lot of money for something that looks like a moped. I like the Honda CRF 230 L for $50.00 more. I think $1200-1500 would still be profitable for Honda, What could it cost to make this thing and you can get a gazillion of them on a freighter/container ship, destination fees should be $1.00 or less... I know they don't charge a destination fee, it's already built into the MSRP along with all of the money from fuel savings your not gonna get. It appears to be overpriced by 300% regardless of the mileage. :( - Dale

$5000 more or less will buy at least 1000 gallons of gas assuming a worse case gas spike.This is an easy 45,000 Prius miles or 18,000 Suburban miles. It would be hard to justify from a $$ and cents point of view.

However, a FI 150cc single does make sense in a sub 300 lb bike of some sort. It could easily enough make 15 hp- meaning close to 75 mph and maybe 8-10 second 0-60 mph-adequate for interstate riding. Most importantly, it should be good for close to 100 mpg at 65 mph, and maybe 80 mpg in pure city riding.

Makes sense if you buy buy used, or maybe buy a used Blast for $2000-which is good for about 60+mpg with a lot more acceleration.
These mpg bikes have to be $2500 or less-just like the cheapo chinese scooters that sold so well during the most recent gasoline runup.

Oh, in light of the recent slightly positive economic news, how soon will we hit $3 gallon?
$3 is a magical tripping point where big vehicles lose their luster because of close to $80 fillups. We have had almost a year of sub $40 fillups. No one likes to get just $20 back from a "Benjamin"! Used Suburbans-2000-2005- have risen about $3000 in asking price in just 10 months. Not so long ago a 80,000 mile 2004 went for $9000-now >$13000+.
We really are an optimistic people(I will buy this guzzler because gasoline will always be $1.50)- or we are kinda childish.

Charlie

I'm not a scooter fanatic, so I'm not sure how this new scooter compares with others. But from some quick Googling, it is the most popular scooter in Italy, which is a major endorsement in the real world.

It is a thoroughly modern scooter, with fuel injection, full engine electronic controls, a catalytic converter, etc.

One site I looked at estimates it at 100 mpg. Comparing the price of the machine to X number of gallons of gasoline isn't a fair evaluation. There are people for which a scooter like this makes more sense than a $25K+ Prius. For me, a 50 mpg touring bike makes more sense than a scooter, and that's why I have one. Others would have no desire to tour on a bike, and want a scooter to commute to work, something I have to respect.

http://scootinoldskool.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/sh-150i-by-jove-i-think-hondas-got-it/

Harry

Earthling-true- not really fair to compare it to $25000 cars. But, most of us won't be using it for a primary vehicle like the Euros and Asians do. MCs and scooters are usually second or thrid string vehicles for us. I use my SR500 for transportation on weekends, but only in the daytime when the weather is good. This is pretty much how we use two wheelers in the USA.

Charlie

If I were not living in Manitoba, I would rather have a CBR125R. It's $1000 cheaper, looks better, and is probably more efficient and fun to ride. The major downside is that motorcycle insurance in Manitoba is prohibitively expensive for me. Insuring the CBR is twice as expensive as insuring my car. The insurance costs alone would probably force me onto a scooter instead of a motorcycle as long as I live here.

It sounds like Canada is very unfriendly to motorcyclists, as exhibited by overly expensive insurance rates for motorcycles.

I do know that sport bike insurance is very high here in the US, but other than that, motorcycle insurance is cheaper than car insurance.

Harry

Wow, when I think that my old 350 cost me about $1200 new...
then again, it only got about 50 mpg even after I re-geared
the final drive.
.
_H*

Insurance seems to vary greatly from province to province. Saskatchewan is probably the most similar to us in terms of population and driving conditions and are right next door. Out of curiosity, I calculated the insurance for the CBR125 in Saskatchewan. It came out to about $200 there vs $2100 for Winnipeg residents.

I would consider this scoot when we move from South Florida next year. No shifting, fuel injection, 16 inch wheels. Sounds like a great bike.

I bought one last friday. It rides great. I have had 10 motorcycles in the past and this is my favorite bike yet. I've only got 60 miles on it and I'll report on mpg when I fill up.

Hi Southerncannuck:

___I am very much looking forward to your replies over the rest of the summer.

___I would still like to see this engine in a CRF230L chassis but with the low slung scooter, the frontal area and Cd for aero drag has to be much lower allowing higher speeds if needed.

___How does it handle and do not forget to let us know your first tank numbers. I am betting you touch 120 + :)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

It handles like a dream. No shifting and instant startup and idle due to Honda fuel injection. I rode from Daytona to Flagler beach at 55 mph with throtle left and it was very stable. Let put a few hundred miles on the bike and I'll fill you in.

The first tank came in at 91 mpg. It runs like a dream. The only other scooter I ever ran was a Yamaha Vino. It's also a nice bike but the small wheels affect stability. I love the ease of no shifting, and unlike a Harley I don't need a new wardrobe.