ive just been wondering whast chaeper to run a bike or a car? im just saying on avergae is a motorbike cheaper to run than a car. i was thinking bcause its smaller it might not need too much fuel but i dunno. in a couple of years im gonna styart driving so im wondering what i should save for? a motor bike or a car.

I've heard that some motorbikes can get as high as 100 miles per gallon. Considering also that motorbikes (and scooters) excell in at least two areas which DRASTICALLY effect efficiency: General Vehicle Weight and Engine Size.
A two cylinder engine moving 600 pounds of motorbike is ALWAYS going to be more efficient than a four cylinder engine moving 1800 pounds of car.

But if you're getting a car, there are some things to watch for:
The displacement of the engine determines it's highest possible efficiency.
A 5-litre engine, regardless of configuration (V8, V6), will NEVER get above 25 miles per gallon (in actuality, even if it's rated for higher). Trust me, the availible horsepower is TOTALLY not worth it, it is a waste and a liability unless you are driving a race car.
Most older 4-cylinder engines are small enough to push 30 MPG. Once again, the displacement and vehicle weight determine this.
Running air-conditioning on a large engine will not make a significant impact in the fuel efficiency, but on a smaller engine, it can.
Flooring the engine when the light turns green is a sure-fire way to get terrible efficiency and blow-out expensive parts real fast.
On older cars, driving above 65 MPH will cause the efficiency to plummet. At 55, if you get 28 MPG, at 75 you will get 10 MPG. I know this from personal experience. The less gas that goes into the engine, the more efficiently it runs. And maintaining a speed of 75 takes more gas than maintaining a speed of 55.
Aerodynamics have negligible effect on efficiency in most circumstances.
Tire pressure can alter efficiency by a margin of 5-10 MPG. Keep tires at their rated pressure.
And finally, something that you would be surprized how many people forget: Oil.
Keep the right amount of oil in the engine, not too much, not too little. Make sure it's in the 'safe' region on the dipstick and check it regularly. Low oil will drop an engine's efficiency by 50% or more depending on the engine. And most engines will DIE if they run out of oil and run for too long without it. You know all those abandonned cars in the shoulders on highways? A good portion of those are from people who never checked their oil and their cars literally burned themselves out. Or if it's a newer car, they put in too much and the gaskets exploded. Overfilling oil will seriously damage newer cars too.




So yeah, if you're looking at cost, bikes are way cheaper to maintain just from looking at the technical aspects of it. Although I'm not sure how much insurance or registration is on bikes.

Motorbikes are cheaper but getting the lisence to ride on highways is pretty hard and if you go to a training school it costs alot.

If you can afford it, go for the Tesla Roadster http://www.teslamotors.com/index.php?js_enabled=1 :lol:

Mazda is working on a car almost as cool as the Tesla car that they plan to sell for $25,000-30,000. I dont think it would go from 0-60 in 4 second but any working electric car is a good investment.

Also if you get a car with a diesel engine you can get one of these kits http://www.diesel-therm.com/veggie-kit.htm Believe it or not but they actually work. My neighbor has one and he runs it on oil he gets from a chinese resterant down the street. Oh I think US emission laws wont allow you to use this in some places.

If you want to get a bike, keep in mind the area you live in. If you live in an area that commonly gets lots of rain and/or snow, the benefits of a bike gas-wise may not outweight the severe disadvantages of its natural weather limitations.

thnx guys for all the info. im living a bit west of sydney (australia) and not too much rain here (never mind snow :D ) the tesla car might b a bit too expensive (no price listed but im preety sure its not gonna go under $40,000 because youll save fuel over time and therefore even out) im mostly only concerened about fuel costs and thats alrdy answered (thnx Hdorriker). my main reason for going for a bike at the begining was because here in australia (and proboaly the US as well) for L platers u dont have to have a licened adult with u ( with L's for cars u HAVE to have a adult passeneger with u) oh and btw im not one of those crazy do-burnouts-until-my-tires-have-no-more-rubber-on-them guys. im probobly gonna get a good condition second hand bike . thnx guys for all the info :D :D :D :D

Motorcycles will always outlast and outrun based on fuel efficiency, but they are useless in the rain, and other bad weather, and the season of winter.

Bikes are also cheaper to repair.

Cars just provide more power and versatility than bikes.

Price wise, Bikes are a 3rd of a car in price and weight.

Personally, I would rather suggest a car if you are in an area of alternating climates, however, they can be a life saver when funds are low, as the insurance and gas are dramatically cheaper.

A bike is nice to have but I wouldn't soley rely on one for everything. If you had the funds, get a cheap car and a nice bike. Its the best solution.