Guys

I just completed my MSF course though I am not really a newbie rider

Now I am looking for a small bike ( all used ) and here are few options I am considering:

Rebel 250

Savage 650  

Virago 250

I found a used savage 650 2002 model with 3k miles for $2200 in san diego

The gas mileage owner says is ~45mpg which is not impressive I think so

Also, the bike is loud otherwise in good condition with small rust on chrome.

Is there any way to increase the gas mileage of LS650 ?

Rebel 250 gets almost 70mpg though it is little bit slow.

Thanks

DD

My first bike was a Honda Rebel 250. Still have it and plan on passing it on to my son when he turns 16 in a year and a half. Great commuter bike and got 72 mpg. But don't expect this bike to keep up with highway speeds for very long. As I was told, you'll outgrow it too quickly. I'm glad that I had the Rebel to learn how to ride and learn the rules of the road on, and if I had it to do all over again, I would do the same. Keep in mind that I'm very petite. 5 foot 4 inches and 115 lbs. So really, depending on your size, experience, and cash, the Savage would probably be your best bet. The Savage will get anywhere between 45 and 55 mpg depending on exhaust, air filter and jetting.

Thats a great price for an 02 with short miles.
get the savage, you won't regret it.

Bought my Suzuki earlier in summer. Been riding for almost 40 years. Until 20 years ago never drove a car (long story) so though I don't know a millionth about Suzukis as others on this site, I have a lot of riding experience (including a few years on a SR250 - like a single cylinder Rebel from Yamaha - & the same time on its big sister, the SR500 single).

Agree it is about what you want bike for. Rebel would not be good for long distance, but wonder if LS650 is (OK, I know some of you do long trips, but I'm old & soft now to do same on a single). I know my wife would not want to go on back seat other than around town!!

My wife did the course recently on a 250 Enduro (I recommended one rather than the quasi-cruisers they also had available due to ease of turning circle on the former). However, though she, like me, is around 5' 9" & 150 lbs, she prefers the lower seat of the Suzuki.

I really would get the Suzuki (I'm not biased!) - a used one of that vintage for that price seems reasonable. You get more power; the tractability of the single is great; it zooms through the corners; you have the advantage of this great site for resources (I'd also buy a Clymers manual, even if you hardly do any work on your bike).

Brakes/stock tires/headlight aren't great (I'm about to replace all) but expect they are no better on the Rebel. I know the LS650 has some foibles (leaking seal, anybody? I have one if nobody has one!) but suspect the Rebel has too (like a tiny gas tank!) & other mecvhanical clitches.


So, from one (Suzuki) neophyte to another (possible) one - make yours a single!

Stay safe riding...

The Honda cruisers are great bikes but the Rebel is really too small for any kind of highway travel. I would go for at least a VLX 600.

The Savage 650 is a terrific starter bike. It's low to the ground and very menuverable. Gas mileage should be at least 50 mpg. On the bike you're considering it sounds like someone goofed up on rejetting it. It's very inexpensive and pretty easy to fix. I imagine it's related to the white spacer and the previous owner probably removed it entirely instead of putting a 1/2 or 2/3s spacer in. If the bike's too loud you can get a second hand Harley muffler cheap which will quiet it down.

If you're not prepared to turn wrenches, this may not be a good candidate for you. You can find a reasonably priced stock LS650 if you keep looking around.

Some stop & go driving with highway at 55 to 65 mph, nearly allways 58 and some 60 mpg.Different routes. Love it!!  Rawhide,  01  with 10000 miles

deepakd wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:07:

I'm also not a new rider, having started on a Honda 50 in 1964.  Had a DT175 from 1974 thru 1987 when I stopped riding.  When I restarted two years ago I was, like you, looking at the 250's.  I like the light weight, and for city use with an occasional jump on the freeway a 250 is sufficient.  A 400 would be better, but try to find a Suzuki 400 Tempter outside of Japan.

Anyhow, looked at and sat on the:
Honda 250 Rebel -- the side covers poke my thighs when stopped.
Yamaha 250 Virago -- pretty.  Very tempting.
Suzuki GZ250 Marauder -- the little thumper, cheaper than the V-twin Yamaha, has the fat front tire.  Was all set to buy one when....

I noticed the specs on the Savage.  Physically the same dimensions as the 250's, the torque of the 650, only 50 pounds heavier.  Found one and sat on it and it was SO much more fitted to me than any of the 250s.  At that point it was simply a matter of finding one for sale at a place and price I was willing to meet.

Before I sat on one I the Rebel was top of my list.  After I sat on one it was scratched.  Comfort is paramount.  If you are not comfortable on the bike you cannot meld with it and become one.

If you can take the folded leg position, the Ninja 250 is supposed to be a great little bike -- with enough HP to easily handle highway speed.  (a few Ninja 250's have been certified SS1000.)

deepakd wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:07:


IMHO, your better off getting the savage. The reason that the 250's are cheap is because there is little demand for them. If your reason for riding is commuting the savage is a better choice since maintaining it will be a factor in operation. The mileage of the PO is rather irrelevant. I commute with my bike and get 60mpg almost all the time. 45 MPG on a commuter savage sounds like someone is racing to work and racing to get home. The rebel may get better mileage but all the running systems are lighter and need to be replaced sooner. That means brakes and tranny and clutch. The big picture of years of commuting says the savage is a better choice as it will require fewer parts and the sub systems in the bike are beefier and will last longer. Just my $.02.