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Predictions that gas prices will never recede to near the $2.80 a gallon seen two years ago is only accelerating the drive toward more fuel-efficient vehicles. (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080610/METRO05/806100375/1016/LOCAL)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_Yamaha_XT250_-_73_mpg_-_Second_most_fuel_efficient_bike_in_lineup.jpgJennifer Youssef - Detroit News - June 10, 2008

2008 Yamaha XT250 - Rated at 73 mpg

To park the Dodge Ram and move to a motorcycle was a big step. A good one too! -- Ed.

Ricky Cook was growing weary shelling out $60 every time he filled the tank of a Dodge Ram diesel pickup that got 18 miles per gallon -- on a good day. When diesel reached $4.75 a gallon, he started looking for a cheaper way to get to work and zip around town.

He found it two months ago in the form of a 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle, with its impressive 50 mpg and wallet-friendly $15 fill-up. And the 22-year-old towing and recovery driver from Farmington Hills couldn't be happier.

"As far as being economical, it's absolutely amazing," he said.

Cook is among thousands of drivers across Metro Detroit and across the United States who are flocking to fuel-efficient two-wheeled vehicles -- motorcycles, scooters and bicycles -- to find relief from $4 gas…

"I think a lot of people are feeling crunched and they're trying to save money. One of the easiest ways to do that is at the gas pump." … http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080610/METRO05/806100375/1016/LOCAL

New bikers (and even experienced ones) should study up on safety:

http://www.msf-usa.org/

http://safetycenter.navy.mil/ashore/motorvehicle/motorcycle/

http://www.magpie.com/nycmoto/hurt.html

http://www.motorcyclesafety.state.mn.us/pages/tips.html

I am seeing more motorcycles on the road, and in the parking lot at work.

Harry

I've seen the same thing at work. :) It's pretty cool seeing more two wheelers. The really cool thing is even the little 883 Sportster is getting some lovin'. I've seen two of them show up in the last week.

My only problem is my Prius is more fuel efficient than my Speed Four. :o I've had the Speed Four longer though.

My only problem is my Prius is more fuel efficient than my Speed Four. :o I've had the Speed Four longer though.

Same here. My Prius is more fuel efficient than my BMW R1150RT motorcycle, which is a bit hard to believe, but true.

Harry

I just discovered that one of my favorite small bikes is not available in the USA: The Honda CBR125R. As the name suggests, it's a 125cc engine, four-stroke, carbureted single cylinder engine, which could be more efficient than even the XT250. Many riders will balk, but for cheap people like me who want a fun city runabout, it's almost perfect. Pricing is $3500 in Canada. I am contemplating getting one once I graduate and get a job.

In my opinion, the best motorcycle safety sight on the internet is www.msgroup.org .

I stopped in at my dealer today, and he said that if sales continue the way they have been they will be out of bikes in a month with no more available until next spring. Smaller bikes just aren't available at all now. Not even trading with other dealers.

I find my Yamaha Majesty 400 is a good scooter to save gas on those short trips when I'd take a car. My Burgman 650 is better for fun and still gets good mpg.