Let's Get Small

I recently bought the September issue of Cycle World and the October issue of Rider magazines. Both of these motorcycle magazines had articles focusing on fuel efficiency. Rider’s cover article was a 9-bike shootout comparing which one had the best fuel-efficiency. For a motorcycle magazine to devote this much space to small bikes is pretty significant. (Although the bikes range in style significantly and that would be the bigger factor in choosing one to buy, the bike with the highest MPG was the Star V Star 250 at 77.0). That article was followed by 10 tips to get better fuel efficiency.

Cycle World’s cover story was a 14-bike Superbike shootout. But they also ran a story about best first bikes; it features a number of 250’s, including the Aprilia SportCity scooter. An editorial shares the story of Craig Vetter who is trying to modify a Honda Helix 250 to get over 100MPG at 75MPH into a 25MPH headwind. All this in a sport bike magazine?

It seems that America is starting to rediscover the practicality and fun of small bikes. People are starting to whisper that they are embarrassed that most motorcycles aren’t getting much better mileage than cars. The size inflation that led soccer moms to drive huge SUV’s happened to engines in motorcycles. During the 70’s gas crisis, a big bike was a 750cc. Now there are models over 2000cc. For comparison, my Chrysler PT Cruiser has a four-cylinder 2400cc engine.

Small bikes are starting to be touted as great commuter vehicles. But that is not a new concept. Take a look at this: a 1950 BSA Bantam. It was a part of Lancaster Museum of Art’s motorcycle exhibit during Barnstorming Weekend. The Bantam was introduced as a commuting bike for the British working class. It’s a 125cc.

The 1961 Arial Leader was more curious. It's a motorcycle, but this 250cc 2-stroke looks like a scooter with its leg protection, big screen, and bodywork.

So if you commute on a scooter or a small motorcycle, take heart! You are smart. You are continuing a well-established tradition that is coming back into vogue.

Some FAQ

Some of the questions I get asked, as a scooter rider:

Do you need a motorcycle license? No, not if the engine is under 50cc and has an automatic transmission. A regular automobile drivers license is all that is needed.

Do you have to wear a helmet? No, in PA, you don't have to. Eye protection is all that is required.

Do you wear one anyway? Yep. Sure do. I like my skin and bones, and the ones around my brain are some of my favorites.

What kind of mileage do you get? Mine gets about 110mpg, but that will vary with body size and weight. After all, the rider weighs almost as much as the scooter. My C3 also has a fuel-injected four-stroke. A bigger two-stroke may only get 60mpg. It's still better than a car.

How fast does it go? A 50cc scooter, unmodified, tops out at about 40mph. So you can't take it on the highway. You can buy models that will do 80mph, but you'll need a motorcycle license.

How do you get a motorcycle license? In PA, pay $10. You'll get a learner's permit, which you can renew, annually, indefinitely I believe. To get the full license, which allows you to carry a passenger, you'll have to pass a driving test. Or you can take a motorcycle safety course.

How much gas does it hold? Mine has just over a 1 gallon tank. That means that filling it up costs less than lunch. Filling up my car costs more than lunch for week.

Do you ride it in the travel lane, or on the shoulder? Right in the travel lane, just like a motorcycle.