Which Motorcycle Gets the Best Gas Mileage?

There are a lot of great motorcycles on the market that offer great gas mileage. The key is to get something that fits your body, riding style, and budget. If you're shopping based solely on fuel economy, you'll definitely want to check out the Honda Shadow VLX.

When I decided to purchase a motorcycle a few years ago, I looked at several bikes before I bought my 2005 Honda Shadow VLX Deluxe. The VLX is a great bike for anyone, including beginners. With today's economy, the VLX is also a great help to your budget. Perhaps one of the best aspects of the VLX is the low price tag. I purchased my bike brand-new for around $5700. While the VLX is no longer in production, ending its run in 2007, you can pick up a used, excellent condition VLX for a couple grand. My VLX's 600cc engine consistently got over 55 miles per gallon, on a stock engine with no modifications. The low price tag, and the great gas mileage helped me to stretch my budget further every month.

The VLX also has a lot of other great things going for it, in addition to its great gas mileage. The VLX has a low center of gravity, and stock weight is about 575 pounds. This allows for easier handling, and in the unfortunate event that the bike goes down, it allows for easy lifting. The VLX's 600 cc engine has all the power anyone needs. The VLX can also do 90 miles per hour easily, and stay in the middle of the pack with all the bigger bikes that don't get such great gas mileage.

The VLX is fairly stylish, having been designed to look like a Harley. If the stock look isn't for you, don't worry - you can do a lot to this bike with just a little time and money. For less than $500, I've been able to add a Memphis Shades windshield, MC Enterprises engine guards, a Hondaline sissybar and luggage rack, and Willie & Max saddlebags to my bike. I've completely transformed the look of my bike, and not affected its fuel economy at all.

Also, with just a few easy modifications, you can raise this bike a few inches for taller riders, or lower it for those who are shorter. This ensures a good fit for any budget-conscious owner.

And, if the stock pipes aren't cutting it for you, consider drilling out the baffles. This fix is completely free, as long as you can do the work yourself, and creates a deepier, throatier exhaust sound. Or, consider a set of Vance & Hines pipes to further enhance the sound of your bike. This modification will also increase your fuel economy by a few miles per gallon, so it's definitely worth checking into.

Happy riding!