Economical Commuter: What Should They Build?: MD Readers Respond, Part 5

In Part 5 of our series, we share with you the remaining responses from our readers regarding what they would like to see the manufacturers build in an economical commuter. You can find Part 4 here. The photos on our home page and above are of Kawasaki's redesigned Ninja 250R, which we reviewed here, and readers tell us achieves more than 70 miles per gallon. Here are the final responses in their unedited form.

• Corbin’s Sparrow was a great idea. Hell, GM’s EV1 was loved by all who drove it. If I want an economical commuter, those are the lines along which I’d choose.
  
  Scooters suck. They can’t get out of their own way and that’s dangerous in a world of cagers. Leave motorcycles alone. As you stated, motorcycles are plenty efficient and inexpensive when compared to their 4-wheeled counterpart. However, I don’t think motorcycle manufacturers have done enough to keep costs under control.
  
  $9k for a 600! Granted, 600s today would dismantle anything from the 80s on a track. But how often do most motorcyclists actually see the track? Even the most diehard track junkies spend only 10-20% (that maybe optimistic) of their time/mileage off the streets, if their cycle is sharing duties. Why can’t we have more SVs, Versys’s and the like?
  
  People buy into marketing and reviews, that’s why. If they didn’t, we wouldn’t have editorials written about liter bikes being bad choices for novices or how much HP is enough? They wrote the same thing in 1990 when the ZX-11 came out. Now people can buy that bike for less than a new 250 Ninja! An interesting side-note comes from an article I read about a blind test of riders who were asked to ride two different R6’s. One R6 was massaged and the other was stock. The testers didn’t know which one was which. The results of the test were riders preferred the massaged R6 that had greater mid-range but less peak HP! What a shocker! Without the influence of marketing hype and media reviews, riders chose what actually felt best, not what they thought people would like to see them riding on.
  
  So build an electric car for me…I’ll drive it when there is snow on the road or when it’s raining and I don’t feel like constantly cleaning my bike…I like to ride year-round, it’s a pleasure that cannot be replicated in an automobile. But please don’t make me ride on a bike that is a compromise.
  
  
• They shouldn’t build anything like it if they want to have a commercial success. In reference to your 848 article and gas mileage, I have previously compared the real costs of riding versus driving a 20 mpg car, and even then the numbers simply didn’t work out in a feasible way. Any bike remotely heavy or sporty goes through tires far faster than a car (5X faster?), and a pair of sportbike tires costs about as much as four ordinary car tires. Not to mention cars generally require much less maintenance on a per mile basis, and it is generally cheaper per hour and for parts. If you go with a smaller bike with better mpg, it would also have to work harder cruising at 70 mph, which might lead to reduced life and increased maintenance. How long would a 250 Ninja last buzzing on the freeway? 100,000 miles? I seriously doubt it.
  
  Plus unless you live in a warm climate, with an agreeable job, and without kids, you still need a car for some portion of the year. So the required license and insurance costs for the bike make the balance point even more in favor of the used economy car like a Toyota Echo. In my original bike/car comparison I would have to displace my SUV mileage by 100,000 bike miles to save $5000 or so. But it would take perhaps four years to accumulate that amount of bike miles riding 60% of the time, so it only works out to about $100/month. It simply wasn’t worth the inconvenience of being hot, cold, wet, or otherwise inconvenienced commuting any real distance on a bike.
  
  So while I may fit the ideal criteria of a person that could commute and save money by motorcycle, running the numbers shows that it simply doesn’t add up compared to an efficient car. I keep the bike for fun, and that is my justification.
  
  
• The answer is - they already did. Just take a look at Honda DN-01. That is a commuters perfection in action. Fantastic intelligent auto transmition. Good wind protection, comfy, fantastic consumption and it is a serious bike you can take on the real road. It looks really cool and ready for the future. And there is also the proverbial Honda quality so that is a perfect commuter bike IMHO:
  
  
• I am currently on a K1200R and fuel economy is one reason I am looking for a change. Even without the cost of gas considered the range of only 150-160 miles is annoying.
  
  While I don’t think I am ready for an automatic scooter (unless Suzuki decides to build the G-Strider) I think there are a couple of good choices already out there. The Ninja 250 (I was happy to finally see a review of the new one, and on your site) makes a wonderful commuter bike. My brother has one and is quite happy with it. This will sound hypocritical from someone riding a K1200, but it is a shame the US market just doesn’t support more choices in the small sporty range. The BMW F800 series is also a good choice and likely what I will be going to. From all I have read it gets great mileage and is still plenty powerful for most street use. And I came back from my test ride smiling, so it must work okay. Suzuki’s GS500 is a great bike, but it is dated. I bet a water cooled, fuel injected 500 twin could be even better.
  
  Another consideration for a commuter bike is maintenance. I know I don’t pay as much attention as I should when getting ready to go to work. The chain in particular is something which requires too much attention. It would be nice to see more small bikes with belt drive or some other low maintenance final drive system.
  
  
• I think a small displacement full VVT multi fuel hybrid. if use a motor that can Handel a 25k- 3k watt. elect. motor. And use a lith-ion $ fast discharge capacitors. on a newer three wheel style bike or scouter. and If you can brake the 150-200 mpg. you might have something.
  
  
• I currently commute on a V-Strom 650 nearly year round – driving one of my cars only when the roads are snowy or icy (maybe 20 days per year). My commute is about 15 miles each way (more or less depending on the particular routes). The bike averages 50MPG over the long term and I find that pretty acceptable. The modest MPG increase that would be available from a scooter or other smaller displacement bike is just not compelling. That said, what I’d really like for my commuter bike is a plug in electric with at least 50 miles range and capable of running comfortably at 65 MPH. I’m aware that a couple of these are just coming to market from ‘niche’ companies, but the prices are currently well over $10K. One of the major manufacturers should be able to mass produce a good model at a $7K price point and really lock up a leadership position in this market (Think Toyota and Hybrid here…). I would happily pay that price for a “gas free” commuter bike that could also take (short) fun trips. I’d keep my current bike for longer tours.
  
  
• Here in Michigan, motorcycles are seasonal vehicles. Even on clear days in the winter when the pavement has been salted and dried, there are no motorcycles to be seen. Mainly due to temperature and also do to motorcycle eating potholes. There are potholes here that you don't want to hit in an SUV much less a motorcycle. And a scooter? ....please, it would rip the front suspension right off and send you flying.
  
  If they were going to build economical transportation for use in Michigan all year round, it would have to be an enclosed three-wheel vehicle with 1 or two person seating. Add to that a hybrid system to improve on mileage and that will sell.
  
  I think it's already being made....check here - http://www.aptera.com/
  
  
• My wife actually commutes on a Yamaha Vino 125, weather permitting. We live about 3 ½ miles from her office, and she wears scrubs (not much of a wrinkle-on-the-way-to-work issue), under her jacket. She averages around 85 MPG. I don’t kid myself though; we got it as a toy, not a conveyance. She takes the Honda Element most days. It will take five years to pay for itself through gas savings, and she is Jonesin’ for a Vespa. We got the Yamaha at my insistence, because of price (I didn’t know if she would really even ride it), and availability of repair facilities.
  
  I’m in the market for the 2008 Ninja 250R. At around 70 MPG, I will commute every other Saturday (my work schedule) that the weather is good. I am concerned with fuel economy and reliability primarily.
  
  I wish there were a publication that empirically measured motorcycle/scooter reliability like a Consumer Reports.
  
  It’s impractical (weather and space) to ride everyday. It’s also rather dangerous. Since she bought her scooter, I ride it on Sunday mornings, and notice just how little respect any two-wheelers get on the road.
  
  My preference for a commuter would be great gas-mileage, reliability (and ease of maintenance), good looks, an up-right seating position for comfort, large fuel tank, and some aero’s for deflecting wind at speed. The 2008 Ninja 250 fits the bill nicely, though I would like to lose the front-lower fairing ‘a la’ Yamaha FZ6. That would make it easier to work on and less prone to tip-over fairing damage. It’s too bad most American’s are into “Super-sizing” their motorcycles as much as their Happy Meals. We could use a few more bikes in the 250-500cc class, as they would make excellent commuters.
  
  
• I live it Southern California Desert and commute to work about 30 miles each way. My commuter is Yamaha FZ6. Very manageable at all speeds and has quick turning. That center stand comes in very handy for weekly maintenance. Wish most standard bikes had that.
  
  
• I use a 650 vstrom, and it works very well. I borrowed a friend's 650 Burgman for a few weeks, and it was excellent - great wind protection, great luggage space, super easy transmission. The Burgman problem is that it is so expensive. Also, with the Burgman it is easy to forget that you are on a bike, which tempted me to ride in shirtsleeves and running shoes - dangerous.
  
  Since I ride in California, I lane-split. Lane-spliting (and cheap & easy parking) is the big plus of commuting by bike. Dual sports tend to make the best lane-splitters. They also deal with potholes and curbs. So, my vote? Any good dual sport will serve you well.
  
  
• Diesels have come a VERY long way and technology now exists to produce 100mpg bike that has more than adequate performance. But will people buy it when you can get a 50mpg 848.
  
  
• The best approach in the present economic environment would be a bike of about 500cc probably a twin, V or parallel would have enough power and return good fuel economy. The transmission should be a sequential auto (like a paddle shifter) . This would make for easy around town or traffic but direct link within each gear. Wheels of about 15 inch would have some gyro but make for easy handling . Aerodynamic plastic would be very useful and of course storage / luggage capability. This would return 65-70 mpg and have no problem dealing with traffic.
  
  
• -- Aerodynamic bodywork to reduce drag to a minimum
  -- Bodywork shaped to maximize storage room for laptop, groceries, helmet and clothing storage
  -- Lightweight frame using engine as stressed member
  -- Carefully ducted intake and cooling air to maintain aerodynamics
  -- Slow-turning, direct-injected 800-cc 180-degree or 90-degree twin with variable-volume intake and exhaust tracts; about 50 hp and 50 ft-lb torque
  
  Some current scooters are leaning in this direction.
  
  
• Right now, I ride all year here in Jersey except for: rain on departure, heavy/steady rain predicted, snow/ice conditions and sub 20 degree days. Lets see...
  1. It'd have to get great gas mileage as you discussed. Fifty plus MPG.
  2. No scooters (for me anyway).
  3. It would need great lighting. I have been commuting on my R1150RT and the stock lighting on it is pretty good though I'd like to do better on MPG than the 42-45 I currently get.
  4. I go 47 miles each way through 800 feet of elevation change so it needs bags to carry a wide range of gear plus incidentals (I have the RT top case but don't use it much).
  5. It needs decent wind protection (and rock protection on I-287) so I can ride more than 8 months a year though I'd like to be able to duct air into the cockpit on hot days. Adjustable windscreens are nice but it doesn't need to be powered and I never want to look through it.
  6. It needs outlets for connecting electrics, heated handgrips and wind/rock protection for the hands (handguards, fairing extensions, ??). Basically, the bike has to be able to cope with whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
  7. It needs enough power and braking to allow the kinds of maneuvers that traffic demands, sometimes on the gas, powering out of harms way, sometimes on the brakes. How much is enough? Depends on the weight I suppose, rider and bike weight. 100 HP give or take is enough for me and should allow the 50+ MPG. Heck, the Buell 1200s run about 100HP and they get 50+ MPG so it's not impossible.
  8. This bike would need to place a bit more of the rider's weight on the arms than the RT does, so a *slightly* aggressive riding position for instantaneous directional inputs. For me, the old man riding position of the RT - very upright, almost no weight on the arms - is probably my largest single RT dislike (and maybe the crappy BMW switchgear :) ).
  9. Maintenance must be at 7500+ mile intervals and sub $500. Dealers must service the bike in one day. Belt final drive is the way to go.
  10. Did I mention that it has to look good (subjective, I know).
  11. Rocket launcher for dealing with lit cigarette tossing cagers (does that only happen in NJ? I get that all the time. Sheeesh).
  That's all I can think of right now. I buy that bike tomorrow.
  
  
• In the US I believe there is no real market for mopeds or even full size (400cc plus) mopeds. Nothing personal, but they just look gay. I personally believe that a bike along Suzuki’s DL-650, or even a 400cc version of that bike, would be more likely to succeed. And with selectable ignition and fuel maps available now, having the option to pick economy over performance when that’s what interests you would be welcome option. And possibly a deciding factor in my next purchase (if it was offered).
  
  
• Why on earth won't they release that diesel powered KLR 650 the military has been using for years.90mpg with a 6 gal tank I'd buy it.
  
  
• I'm sorry Dirck, but the ideal commuter bike is already being built, and it's in your garage! Bikes shouldn't be built for, or bought for commuting! They should be bought for pure, insane moto lust! Being an excellent choice for commuting is just a secondary benefit! As you mention , almost ANY bike gets better mileage than most cars, is easier to maneuver, park, and store, and cheaper buy, own, and operate. So why have special requirements for a "commuter-bike" alone?
  
  
• As oil prices continue to increase, the motorcycle world in the USA is going to change from recreation to transportation. I believe manufacturers are addressing this problem developing new motorcycles/scooters to have the best of both worlds. The new prototypes, look like motorcycles but have some of the scooters characteristics, good wind protection, auto transmissions, incredible amount of storage and a large selection of engines. Any of these new “bikes” with an engine between 250 cc to 600cc will be my ideal transportation vehicle for a daily commute
  
  
• How about a bike that is 500-600cc's that costs somewhere between $5000.00 to $7000.00, with sane ergonomics, an ability to use saddlebags, has a metal tank for a magnetic tank bag, easy on the insurance costs and gets 40 to 50 miles per gallon. Plus, I would want something that doesn't look like a "traditional" cruiser. Oh yeah, Kawasaki already makes the EX500 or the newer style EX650.
  
  
• I really think 250cc to 500cc, four-cycle, single cylinder, scooter is the future. One day we may see then parked, by the hundreds, like some of the streets on Europe.
  
  I saw a ton of Scooters in Italy, last May (none at the Ducati factory, LOL). I would prefer a 400cc Super Moto as a commuter, but the wife and I commute to downtown Sacramento, in the Volvo, so she might not ride on the back of something smaller than, say, a Monster SR1000(LOL). She said she would ride a 250cc Vespa, if we each had one. She is pushing me to get the Multistrada 1100DS or a BMW K 1200 R Sport.
  
  I have thought about the cost of gas, my 98 Volvo and the 95 Ford F150. It would take 11 years to pay for $6500 in fuel for one of those “paid-off” vehicles. That’s why I might spend $2,000 fixing up the stock 1976 KZ900 sitting under a tarp, for 10 years, in my garage. We are driving these to vehicles until the engines fall out the bottom...then a new bike.
  
  FYI – we did a week in Croatia, after Italy. The Honda 919, KTM Super Duke and the Versys were very popular.
  
  
• I think single cylinder bikes fit that mold in general. They are economical and still provide good sensations around town. A DRZ with a top case would be ideal to go to work and have some weekend fun to boot.
  
  
• The U.S. should give tax credits to drivers who use motorcycles. We save on gas and decongest the highway system that's so overloaded in major cities.
  
  I would choose a motorcycle that has some pick up and go to get out of a jamb, anti-lock brakes for situations like debris, oil and anti-freeze on the street. Also some capacity to carry a change of clothes for work.
  
  I would like a DL650 or Bandit 1250S with a top trunk and ABS.
  
  
• Hi There, regarding a saleable commuter bike for North America,,,I like the idea of 400cc triple, twin or V. Fuel injection,maybe variable valve timing. I think 5 or six gears semi auto, comfortable ergo’s and better than average wind protection ! How about abs as standard equip.?Think Vstrom for the masses with sexy styling and colours for the young crowd and build it closer to the ground (seat height). I bet Triumph or Suzuki could do a great job. Oh right the target should be $4999.00 !
  
  We can always hope !
  
  
• An automatic, hybrid engined 3 wheeled scooter like the update planned for the Piaggio MP3 is the way to go for efficient commuting. An even better solution would be a cheaper version of the Vectrix electric scooter. Active safety features including front and side impact airbags with radar or laser based deployment need to make their way onto 2 wheeled vehicles as well to insure maximum acceptability.
  
  
• What they should build is trikes with one wheel in back and two in front for stability and cornering.
  
  Advantages:
  1. Far superior aerodynamics to motorcycles (much lower coefficient of drag as well as smaller frontal cross-section). That would give a huge boost for highway mileage.
  2. Because they would corner flat like a car, they could be shod with longer-lasting, narrow (for economy) automobile tires.
  3. They could have an enclosed cockpit (hopefully with a retractable top). This would allow for more comfortable wet and cold weather operation. It could also allow the installation of a heater and AC (tiny, low-power due to cockpit size). The enclosed cockpit would also allow for the use of a radio and/or cell phone (hands-free, of course).
  4. No need for commuters to learn how to lean a motorcycle into a turn with one of these trikes. Again, that's something that scares off many non-motorcyclists.
  These could be built with a range of engines from an ultra-economical small diesel that could exceed the magic 100mpg number to a high-torque engine out of a cruiser or naked bike to an all-out performance engine. Low-revving V-twins, such as the ones used in Buells, would be ideal as they have the torque, extremely good economy (over 50mpg highway on a conventional bike), and horsepower (100+) to make a small trike fly. If an automatic transmission was desired, they could go with the Aprilia Shiver 750 or a version of the Yamaha paddle shifting from their FJR1300. Final drive should be lifetime belt (like the Buells) or shaft drive to minimize maintenance.
  
  Being a trike, it would be licensed as a motorcycle in almost all states, would qualify for use in HOV lanes, and would be exempt from regulations which make cars so heavy (side impact protection, bumpers, tighter emissions limits that require catalytic converters to meet, collapsible steering columns, etc.).
  
  You simply won't get most commuters on a traditional motorcycle or scooter. They think about winter cold, summer heat, rain, snow, cargo-carrying capability, wind noise, how they will listen to the radio, and how they will be able to use their cell phones (cell phone operation is going to happen and a driver in a tiny trike is more likely to be careful than one who feels invincible in his/her giant SUV). There have been economical motorcycles for years, as you note, but the general public simply does not buy them. I think that we all know why, so why not build a vehicle that addresses the public's objections to commuter motorcycles?
  
  P.S. Yes, I know that there have been specialty, limited production enclosed trikes, but they were expensive, crude, and had no nationwide dealership network to support them. You're not going to get a commuter to pay $50K for a crude vehicle for which parts and service are all-but-impossible to obtain ("Hi, it's Bob. My trike has died and I won't be in until, at the earliest, mid-March when the backordered parts come in. Tell everyone at the office Christmas party that I said 'hi'...").
  
  
• First off I wouldn't be caught dead on a scooter. I had a PC800 a few years back and that was close enough to the scooter world.
  
  Seriously though the PC800 had a lot going for it, some luggage capacity, shaft drive decent weather protection and comfort . What it didn't have was enough power. Right now I commute on an FZ1, with a full set of Givi Luggage. Pretty close to perfect except for a few flies in the ointment: First is the chain, coming home late at night after work, making the gas stop, milk stop and then oiling the chain is a bit much. Second Givi bags are great but sometimes a bit wide for comfortable lane splitting. Third I ride year around and wouldn't mind an adjustable windshield to hide behind now and then. So yes it sounds like I want and FJR, ST1300 or Concours, right? Well not exactly those bikes seem heavy and big for the day to day grind of steep driveways, lane splitting, uphill parking, downhill parking well you get my drift.
  
  So my perfect bike would be a Concours 1000, detune the 10R, build on some sleek frame hugging luggage (30L minimum each side please), a solid luggage rack that will support a top box, a 6 gallon tank, that cool new tetra lever, an electric screen, a handlebar you can change (no thanks on the cast ones) and about 550lbs ready to roll. Now that will rock my world.
  
  
• I'd like to see a lightweight, single-cylinder, 600cc streetbike. Good mpg, clean simple classic lines, great handling, 17" wheels ready for spooning on sticky sportbike tires, six-speed gearbox with a high 6th gear for freeway flying. Screw-type valve adjusters, good rebound and compression adjustable forks and rear suspension. A good sized gas tank with more than a 75 mile range. Sign me up.
  
  
• After reflecting on what’s come and gone (BMW C1 for example), I’d love to see a mostly-enclosed Piaggio MP3 or equivalent. Something you can get on and go without regard for rain or slick roads… just a truly utilitarian year-round scoot. I commuted on an 86 interceptor for years, but frankly when the weather turned bad I reached for my car keys. A three-wheel weather-protected scooter would work for me rain or shine (well… except that I bicycle on sunny days!)
  
  
• What to build for commuters of today? Start with the Honda Griffon and go from there. But for cheap and good the “Dream” was fine. The more you look for the less you find. Trying to build for cheap, fast, fun, powerful, cool, sexy, reliable, and economical etc. just points to that it is a delusion that you can have it all. Pick out what you value most and start from there. There are plenty of all rounders, custom cruisers etc., but in the morning when I ride to work there’s that same guy on his beemer K series, a couple of fellows on their st1300s, the guy going the other way on his 600RR and me on my R1. There are a lot of scooters of all descriptions out there but the difference is as the late great Bruce Lee put it: “emotional content”.
  
  
• I commute on the LA freeways on my Suzuki V-Strom 650. I particularly like that you are eye level with drivers in the large SUV’s and trucks – you have a good view of traffic ahead. The Vee is very maneuverable and has plenty of power. With a 46 liter top case to leave my helmet and other gear, and room for what I need for work, it makes a good commuter. I average 55 – 58 mpg.
  
  All riders stand to benefit if we are in substantially greater numbers on the roads – even if as a result of high gas prices. The more of us, the more noticeable we will become. But, of course, always have an escape ready!
  
  
• I think that it should be in the form of a roofed two-wheeler....in other words, like that bike already in production in Europe. It is a scooter that gets 100 mpg and has an arched "canopy" for some protection. Must have the ability to travel at 70 mph, has disk brakes on both ends, and a big trunk capable of holding a riding suit and briefcase. This would be a great commuter vehicle. I have used my Goldwing to commute but the mileage is a ridiculous 38 mpg.
  
  
• They already make it. Honda just will not bring it here. The Honda SH300.
  
  
• well after using a dl650 for 37000mi, then a dl1000 12000 mi..im on an 08 klr650.I ride 34 miles a work day one way.Trying know to find good tires threw trial and error.the gas milage on the dl650 was 44 avr. on the dl1000 was 36 avrage and on the klr its 51 avr.I did gear it up to 16 counter. and it takes the freeway better , but still lacks in the top end. Oh theres a super trapp on now and jetting changes,air box mod. but i would like to see a perallel twin in the klr chasis,,maybee alittle more front wind protection, but that would be the ultimite commuter. Tall enough to see,suspended to take on a short cut or two, then enough power to escape the cages that are eating and talking on the phone while changing lanes. And priced right
  
  
• I rode a maxi-scooter for a couple of years, an Aprilia Scarabeo 500. It got 60+ MPG. It had a large top box and color matched hard side bags were available. I would have been the perfect commuter except for the harshness of the ride and the vibration of the motor at low speeds. The problem was the engine swinging up and down with the swing arm and it's single cylinder motor. The Honda Silverwing and Suzuki Bergman have solved those problems but their looks are ghastly. The Scarabeo was gorgeous. My idea of the perfect commuter would be the Scarabeo with the engine, transmission, and suspension of the Aprilia Mana.
  
  
• I would definitely commute on a well designed, reliable, automatic scooter. It makes so much sense. BTW - I live in the Philadelphia suburbs.
  
  
• Something along the lines of the old Honda PC800 would be nice.
  
  
• The ideal commuter? Has to be a motorcycle, cool looking, comfortable standard seating, torquey engine (peak horsepower is not as important as flexibility), a good ride. My commute is 10 miles on surface streets so I rarely get over 60. Good mileage is of course a plus, 50 mpg regular gas should be doable. I have no trouble with shifting so don't need an auto trans, but sometimes I dream of a rekluse clutch like the dirt bikes have now. Another must is good heat control so you don't roast in stop and go traffic.
  
  
• I think the time has come for automatic motorcycles. The new Aprilia Mana looks very interesting,sporty,nice sized vee twin. I also like the large storage compatments. I am still waiting for Victory to come out with an automatic since their parent company Polaris did very well with there automatic ATVs. The large sales of their ATV's prompted other manufactures to come out with their own auto models. When my niece's went from their auto clutched honda 50 and 70 to manual clutched XR 100 and Yamaha TTR 125 they asked how come larger motorcycle aren't automatic or auto clutched. We answered, we don't know! I see the company Revloc does very well with their unique auto clutch system. I know I'm showing my age but I remember when Terry Cunningham won a few enduro championships on Husqvarna's automatic enduro bikes. I know of a lot of guys that can't drive standard transmission cars or trucks and that are afraid to tell any one that they can't ride a motorcycle! So there are a lot of potential cutomers out there and I hate when somebody says Honda and Suzuki along with some others tried to sell automatic motorcycles before and did not do very well . That was THIRTY years ago,in case they didn't notice a lot has changed since then!!
  
  
• I commute nine months each year 13 miles each way. I ride a Suzuki GS500F. So it is fair to say that my bike is my primary source of transportation.
  
  My ideal bike would have fuel-injection and belt or shaft drive. I would also like to get more than 40 mpg. The bike also needs to weigh as little as possible. To keep up with traffic, I think you need at least 35hp.
  
  I change my mind all the time about which bike to purchase next. Some of my favorites include the Harley Sportster, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800, and the Honda 919.
  
  Nowadays any manufacturers produce high-powered scooters for commuters. However, machines with automatic transmissions do not appeal to me emotionally.
  
  It would be great if guys like me could get a tax break. My bike gets better mileage than many hybrids automobiles.
  
  
• It would be hard to beat the Ninja 250 for sure. I bet a "naked" standard bike would fare better with entry level riders though. I think manufacturers need to capitalize on their existing trail bike motors. Have you ever seen Honda's CB400SS? It uses the (25hp) XR400 motor in a basic street package. I'd wager it would be closer to $4000 than 6. Suzuki has their excellent DRZ400 motor but not many people like the looks of a dirt bike. If it were a DRZ400 Cafe Racer I'd be all over it. The 250-500 range is definitely under served in the US. My GB500 gets 55-60mpg.
  
  A scooter is ok. I've only ever enjoyed blasting around town on them, not long distance trips though. A scooter has to become way too heavy and expensive to be a decent freeway commuter. What I really miss on scooters is a manual transmission. There's nothing better than winding through the gears and racing a scooter. Automatics are boring but I find I'm more comfortable letting non-riders ride them. I guess that's where their appeal lies; less intimidating.
  
  
• What we need is a vehicle with:
  1. Dummy tank, for full-face helmet storage.
  2. Proper weather protection, sufficient to keep the water lying on the roads from splattering our boots, and also designed to keep the cold wind off our hands.
  3. If chain-drive is employed, this should be enclosed so as to avoid the extremely irritating lubricant "fling".
  4. An engine designed for torque and fuel-economy, not out-and-out power. Too much high-end power kills.
  5. ABS, as standard.
  6. Rear carrier as standard, as per the Suzuki V-strom. After-market carriers always look naff.
  7. Good tank size, again as per the V-strom.
  8. Two headlamps on at a time, not just one. We need to see, aswell as be seen.
  9. Mirrors that actually allow a good view of road behind. Surely a mirror could be designed that allows good rear-view + some peripheral view, just as cars have.
  That`s about it really.
  
  By the time we see a bike like this, motorcycles will have become totally banned in Europe and any pleasurable activities will be punishable by firing squad.
  
  
• Kawasaki ex250 is already perfect commuter bike. Recent revamp makes it even more so. I would commute on one myself were it not illegal to do so in Boston, where motorcycles are banned from virtually all parking facilities.
  
  
• I don't own one, but a friend does, and it seems to me that the ideal 2 wheeled commuter is already avialable, the Suzuki Bergman 650.
  
  
• I like the Can-Am 3 wheeled motorcycle. A commuter needs luggage space so the trunk up front helps that. Should be easy to ride in different seasons and the 2-wheeler isn't working for me when there could still be ice on the roads, and the leftover sand is also bad news. Up north you never know what you will get, I would like more than a 3 month commuter.
  
  Also should be easy to maneuver, ride, and park. Tall heavy bikes take some fun out of riding, like at stoplights on hills or with sand on the road. If all you can get is a toe down, which is pretty much what I can do on most all bikes, and you hit a wet paint stripe or whatever, you could fall into moving traffic or another vehicle. Its always on my mind and this is not so good for fun or commuting. Reverse should be great for parking. Like I can stay on the seat use my legs to back up, not going to happen.
  
  I hope these things catch on in a huge way. Kawasaki Versys 650 looked good on paper but it ended up tall like the rest, so I didn't buy it. I don't know why they always make new concept vehicles so expensive with all the options in the book. I don't like the anti lock brakes on my truck, I don't think I need them on a motorcycle ether. If they could get the price down I would buy the Can-Am.
  
  I would say a 650-750 twin would be a good commuter engine size to balance power and fuel mileage.
  
  
• Check your web site each day, Thanks for the news... My wintertime commuter is a VW Jetta Diesel that gives me 48 - 50 mpg all the time. My summertime commuters (Triumph Sprint ST and V Strom 650)give about the same. Why not a diesel motorcycle that returns over 100 mpg, but has enough power to outrun the cage commuters... I'm ready to buy one!!!
  
  
• I understand the ( old ) 250 ninga gets 75 to 85 mpg and will do 100 mph . It doesn't take a scooter to save gas . I rode a SRX 250 and thought it was a blast but needs MORE gears .... I bet that bike could of made use of an 8 speed !
  
  
• I commute about 70% of the time via motorcycle. I commute on a 95 VFR 750 with over 100,000 mile most of the time. I also commute on a GL1500 when I have to carry a lot of stuff or when the weather is expected to turn bad. My basic rules for commuting are temps above 27 degrees F and not raining between home and the office.
  
  I also have a Honda Accord I use to commute frequently, 20% of the time. The Accord gets about 30 mpg around town, with a 5 speed four cylinder. I have computed a break even point for the price of gas about $2.25 per gallon between the VFR and Accord. The Goldwing is break even around $2.75 per gallon. Of course the fun factor is much higher via Motorcycle.
  
  I think the perfect commuter bike may be a V-Strom 650 with a travel trunk and/or hard bags. I have read reports of Wee-Stroms averaging 60 mpg plus. That is much better than my VFR at 40 mpg and my Goldwing at 35 mpg. I also have a Triumph Sprint ST 995 that averages 45+ mpg but it is generally used for weekend trips and sport riding.
  
  As for a scooter, forget it!! Half the fun of commuting via motorcycle is the performance advantage over cars. Automatic transmissions are for whimps, we have four manual transmission cars and one automatic in our fleet currently. I do agree luggage capacity is a major consideration.
  
  
• A few years ago, Kawasaki downsized the 1,000 cc inline 4 motor to 750cc and put it in a small modern looking bike called the K750S as I recall. It was almost as fast amy 2001 VMax but got 64MPH instead of 30MPH. I don't see why a somewhat smaller version of the new Kawasaki 650 dual sport could not be made light enough to get close to 80 MPH. Thanks for all your good info.
  
  
• I think good commuters a already here. I to work 30 highway miles each way on a Suzuki GS-500 getting 55-60 mpg. It's an F model with full fairing I found used for under $2000. I also had a DR-650 that made the same run a few times but the lack of wind and weather protection makes the GS a bit better.
  
  I used to have a ZRX-1200 and got a respectable 50 mpg on the same route. But this seemed like a waste of power on a road limited by traffic to less than 65 mph. Anyway, the lighter and more nimble GS is really a pleasure to ride even with less than 50 hp.
  
  I'm sure the Kawasaki Ninja 500 would be as good a commuter as would their 250 for smaller riders. With soft bags across the saddle and maybe a tank bag carrying capacity is good enough to stop for a few groceries. And these bikes have a real motorcycle look that gets respect from other riders and maybe a bit more than a scooter would from the four-wheel crowd.
  
  
• The list of features I’d like to see in a commuter. Note: I commute roughly 60% of the time on a Honda Rebel 250 – 70 mpg.
  
  - High mpg
  - Large, high quality tubeless tires
  - Fuel injection
  - Shaft or belt drive
  - Extremely low maintenance (i.e. cams, valves, etc.)
  - Low to mid weight range
  - Low seat height
  - Windshield
  - Passenger backrest
  
  
  
• I think like the Piaggio MP3, Can-Am Spyder and Peugeot Quark, we need to see more designs that combine the thrill and fun-factor of a motorcycle with the stability offered by added wheels. 99 days out of 100 I don't need anything more than a messenger bag for storage, so a vehicle that offers a bit of a joyride while maintaining decent MPG and added stability would be great by me.
  
  
• What I'd like to see mass-produced is simple: turbo diesel powered motorcycles. Diesel for the high mpg's and turbo for the power. When I say "power", I don't mean all out, racing type, power. Just enough to get up to highway speed with enough passing power. Imagine a 500cc diesel motorcycle with a turbo? Boggles the mind, doesn't it?
  
  
• I have a 1993 CBR 900 RR. I get 53 mpg on my commute to work (9 miles, 50% hwy, 4 stop signs), 55 - 58 mpg is normal for hwy travel, my low mileage on a trip was 46 mpg loaded down with lots of weight, my best hwy mileage was 61 mph with a light touring load.
  
  I find magazines tests that show 30 - 35 mpg an unacceptable performance number. Our Prius gets up to 52 mpg on the highway that takes some of my justification for bike travel (not that it will stop me). How about manufacturers offer a commuter model that gets 100 - 120 mpg?
  
  
• I would like to see an emphasis on low maintenance, mid-displacement machines. The Kawasaki Versys is already a great bike but if they made it with shaft drive and self-adjusting valves that would be perfect.
  
  
• Since the major motorcycle manufacturers seem to enjoy going after every narrow sub-set of a market niche with often overly-specialized products, it has always baffled me as to why they have mostly abandoned the middle ground. Every new model intro now features something larger, faster, and more highly stylized than the previous generation. The end results are bikes that do one thing really well, and little else. That might be handling, accelerating, comforting, or just sitting pretty in front of a tavern.
  
  A prime example is the Gold Wing. Why is the best answer to long haul capability 1800cc pushing 900+ pounds? If Honda dusted off the GL 1200 drivetrain tooling, they could easily fill a now ‘mid-size’ hole in the touring market. Give that product a style and equipment update geared towards lighter weight and less luxo-boat bling, tune it towards high fuel efficiency and low maintenance including high mileage tires, make it tip-over tuff (lose the insurance-claim-eating Tupperware) and that is what I would like to see in my dealer.

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