There is a term called elasticity of demand. That defines the rigidity of peoples habits during varying conditions. In the short-run gasoline/oil demand is quite inelastic as people cannot change their habits quickly, but over and in the long run, they will change their habits in terms of type of car, length of commute etc. This has been true as gasoline demand is lower this last quarter than the same quarter the last few years. Higher prices in the short run can be good as people not only look to be efficient, but more exploration, infrastructure building will take place. That will lead to lower demand, especially as India ad China remove their subsidies and their consumers feel the pain of higher prices and change their habits. Most of what is happening will ultimately be very good for the economy and the future prices of energy and continued exploration. The worst thing we can do now is tax profits of energy companies which will reduce the amount of exploration and will stifly future supply. Technology, exploration, currency stabilization and market forces (speculatros) will eventually create much lower or a long term stagnation in energy for all. Cheers!
I wouldn't mind having one of those if they would tone down the looks a bit, put a bigger rear tire on, and bumped up the displacement a bit. They have improved the looks a lot since they initially introduced the 250 -- the new ones are definitely the coolest 250 ever made.
It totally changed it for me. I never used to think about driving everywhere, but I do now. I got my bike fixed so I can run short errands or pick up food that way. I walk as much as I can. Fortunately, I don't have to drive to work. I've also found myself telling people who want me to hang out with them way outside the loop, "Why don't you drive into town?" I still go on occasion, but not as much. This past week, I had to drive to a rehearsal out on 1960, a gig in Atascosida, a business meeting in Clear Lake and another gig in Kingwood. On top of that, I drove out to Spring to hang out with some friends one night. I spent well over $100 in gas THIS WEEK! Screw that!
I haven't thought too much about it. I get a reasonable 25-28 mpg in my 15 year old car. It wouldn't really make sense for me to pay ~20k for a new car just for slightly better fuel economy. Especially since I have a couple of motorcycles that get 40-45 mpg or 55-60 mpg. The bad thing is that replacing tires cuts into the fuel savings quite a bit.
I've only paid attention to the new edition of this bike recently. Apparently there are a lot of improvements to it (bigger tires, improved appearance, improved suspension, improved torque). I've heard it still gets 60-70 mpg. $3500 new. Some people at my workplace bought scooters, which cost about the same. I don't think I'd want to take one of these onto the highway with their tiny wheels and light weight, especially with all the wind we've gotten lately. Although I do envy their larger storage capacity and ~100? mpg fuel economy.
The wife and I used to drive around random neighborhoods that we hadn't been through before looking at which homes were for sale and comparing prices. I don't remember the last time we have done this because it waste a lot of gas. Also I got over my biggest vice, sports cars. I traded in my two seater convertible, because it was bad on gas mileage and took premium gas. My last 4 cars have been sports cars and I bit the bullet this time around. I bought a small econo car.
I haven't changed my patterns very much. I do try to stay in a little more than I used to, but other than that things are pretty much the same. This past weekend I got a nice deal at Sears. If you buy $100 worth of Dockers items (excluding shoes), you can send in your receipt along with a form and they will send you a $75 shell gas card. I made 3 separate purchases (it's limit 2 per household), going to have 2 sent to me and another sent to a friend. In the end I spent about $330 on 7 paris of pants I really needed for my new job, a couple of shirts and some undershirts. After I receive the gas cards, that will make it $105 spent. Not too bad for all of that. Pugs
Nice to see gas prices aren't changing peoples movie-going habits. The top two movies at the box office alone grossed $100 million. I can't afford a gallon of gasoline but I can afford to see Kung Fu Panda beat up on Adam Sandler.
I've never ever been a motorcycle guy before. I'm seriously considering taking lessons and getting one now. I don't have far to drive to work and play. If I could go weeks w/o filling up my suv (mitsubishi endeavor - get 17-20 mpg), that would be huge. I'd just like a simple cruiser.
Yeah, I would definitely go with the 250 over a scooter -- though I did see a guy up on the freeway on giant scooter the other day that looked like a Honda Goldwing. It probably cost 10 grand though.
Another benefit to riding a motorcycle: you can take the HOV lanes, by yourself. No passengers necessary. I used to commute ~80 miles a day round-trip from Spring to downtown Houston, and it was so nice to bypass rush-hour traffic, plus it was a lot safer because you don't have to mess with too many other cars. Parking is a lot easier too. I parked on the sidewalk, and didn't have to pay for monthly parking.
I was looking at something like this since it's apparently a great starter bike. Anyone know of any others that would fit this description (not too big or fast)? 2005 Honda Rebel
I rode one of those when I did my MSF course. I think you'd outgrow it almost instantly. A nice step up without spending a fortune is the Suzuki S40. It's a 650 single cylinder that can get on the freeway but efficient and not at all intimidating.
Honda Rebel is not bad. I would also recommend a Yamaha V-Star 250. It is an excellent beginner bike for just $3500 http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/589/0/home.aspx During the MSF class I rode a Suzuki GZ250 which is another beginner bike for around $3200 but I would not recommend that. It was too flimsy, a lot of them had starter problems, etc...but if you want to check it out it is here: http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GZ250K8
I feel the other 250's (including the Honda Rebel) are too underpowered for highway driving. The Ninja 250 is the only 250 (that I'm aware of) that has enough power for highway cruising. A 500cc bike like Suzuki GS500 (buy a used one without the fairings), Ninja 500, or Vulcan 500 are faster, but still not that bad.
oh definitely...i tend to go over 70 when it's clear on the freeways so i've been trying to stay below 70 lately and not accelerate so fast when the light is go. i pay attention to my mpg on the dashboard and see if i'm wasting gas.
I plan trips more now....grocery store > drycleaner > post office all in one trip rather than here and there. Drive slower, go easier on the gas and brake pedals. By the way, I saw my second smart car in two weeks here in Houston. First one was on the feeder road for 59 in Greenway Plaza...second was in the parking lot at my gym this morning. G-d help the poor soul driving one who gets hit by a freaking Hummer.
