So, What is your fantasy motorcycle?

[ATL]

something like this

[phoebeisis]

Gershon- those are pretty good mpg numbers. Most current motorcycles get high 30's low 40's(not one bit better than 1980- of course they make literally 2X 3X the HP).

29" would actually be well below average seat height for current motorcycles. My SR500 is fairly low it is about 31" with a narrow waist to make the 31' seem like less. The standover of scooters is actually much much less than the MCs and that is a huge plus. I'm short,so seat height/standover is always a big deal.Bikes over 32" are just too tall for me.Scooters always have low standover no matter what the seat height.

15 and 14" mean close to 20" total diameter- not too bad. My main concern is our crummy, potholed,rutted streets. I've noticed that scooters have gone to bigger wheels-no 11-12" wheels) lately for just that reason,I guess.

Thanks,
Charlie

[vxgasaver]

I already have a 2002 Goldwing which I love but I'd rather have one of these..

http://www.ecomobile.com/

[flatty]

Not my cup of tea, but entertaining.

Ecomobile video - Jeremy Clarkson

[TRun10]

The OP nailed it for me!

Actually my Kawasaki Vulcan 500 comes pretty close to that: good looks, excellent performance and acceleration (the Ninja parallel twin and 439 lb weight = lotsa zip), and I get 55 mpg. Plus, they're less than $6K new. I bought mine with 4000 miles for only $3100.

Where it diverges greatly from the fantasy bike is in the comfort area. Being "only" a 500model means that the aftermarket selection is scarce, there's no tach or big electrical system for add-ons, and the bike is a bit cramped for a 6'2" rider.

I'd "move up" to a bigger bike for comfort's sake but a bigger frame means a bigger engine which means worse mpg. So I'll just have to wait for the OP to build that fantasy bike.

[rweatherford]

I think the Ecomobile is a neat idea but the cost and parts of the execution need some work. The outriggers are a good idea, but is there enough warning before they touch in a corner and unload the rear wheel?

[flatty]

you didn't watch the video.

[msirach]

They're not quite ecopriced either. Concept is neat.

[jcp123]

Fantasy bike = 30's-'50's Harley bobber bike.

[jdhog]

Yeah just some nice looking Harley will do it for me.

Bikes I've owned in my time,

50cc pedal start moped gerneli?, honda c90, Yamaha xt125, Yamaha yz125, yamaha yzf750