Economy of touring bikes?

[CRM]

I'm looking at going from my current sports/tourer (VRF800) to something more just tourer (and cheaper) and wondering what I can expect in terms of economy from presumably a less highly strung beast (and probably with higher mileage).

Looking for something around the $4-5000 mark. Longer trips will mostly be one-up but will be times I'm going two-up for shorter trips.

The sort of bikes I'm considering are:
Kawasaki GTR1000: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=321202744
Yamaha FJ1200: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=322495105
Yamaha XJR1200/1300: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=314927846
Yamaha TDM 850: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=324216639
BMW R80: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=323349778
BMW K100RS: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-321712094.htm
BMW F650: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-307678446.htm
BMW R1100GS: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=324060022
Suzuki GXS1200y: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=323902632
Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=324385220
Honda CB1000: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=318547397

I'm not looking for screaming performance, but torque and comfort and reasonable economy (in terms of fuel, tyres, parts, chain and longevity). I prefer the naked bike look to the barn-door fairings but I know there is a trade-off. I also have shorter arms that struggle with the reach on some larger bikes so looking for something that feels reasonably compact (for example my arms got really sore on my Vstrom no matter what I seemed to do).

Any thoughts?

[NiggleC]

I have owned 2 of these bikes on the list - BMW R80G/S and R1100G/S. R80 will get you 45-47mpg which converts to .............some meaningless metric thing. R1100G/S will get you 50-55mpg. This is at legal highway speeds. As for your arms on the VStrom I fitted mine with some motorcross type bars and bar backs. Worked a treat.

[Subike]

IMO
Either of these will give you what you desire.

Yamaha FJ1200: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=322495105
Yamaha XJR1200/1300: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=314927846

They may not be the most ecconomical, but they are probable the most relyable.
Comfortable to tour on,
powerfull enuff to carry everything you need
and a reputable mtr that is known for very high milage.
Hills? , top gear will eat up nearly all you will encounnter.
And still plenty of dress kits for luggage available.

[Shadowjack]

I have two years and 40,000 kms on a '96 TDM850 (same as the red one in the ad)
18-19 kms/l touring gently, one-up.
Easy on chains (due for it's first replacement soon).
On my fourth rear, second front. I replace the rears before they get worn to the point a rock will puncture them.
Have toured on gravel and seal - all good (tyre choice is the crucial factor here - I have a Michelin Anakee2 on the rear, Sirac on the front).
Oil changes every 6,000 kms; tune ups every so often; valves have been shimmed and the service interval on that is 42,000kms!
Has a tendency to use oil between changes (about 750 mls)...they all do that, guv'!
I like it. I may swap it one day for a TDM900. One day...

[CRM]

I have owned 2 of these bikes on the list - BMW R80G/S and R1100G/S. R80 will get you 45-47mpg which converts to .............some meaningless metric thing. R1100G/S will get you 50-55mpg. This is at legal highway speeds. As for your arms on the VStrom I fitted mine with some motorcross type bars and bar backs. Worked a treat.

So the 1100GS is more economical than the R80? I wouldn't mind an 1100 but just concerned with the cost of repairs - the one listed says the clutch was replaced and it cost $3500! I guess I just haven't had much to do with BMW's - they're another world I don't really get. They seem to be good for fuel usage and they seem to run very high mileage if looked after but when they do cost it's major. Would that be a fair summary?

This is also another possibility - seems to be good value for a fairly modern beemer. BMW R850R 1997 - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=324758305

Thanks for the feedback.

[CRM]

IMO
Either of these will give you what you desire.

Yamaha FJ1200: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=322495105
Yamaha XJR1200/1300: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=314927846

They may not be the most ecconomical, but they are probable the most relyable.
Comfortable to tour on,
powerfull enuff to carry everything you need
and a reputable mtr that is known for very high milage.
Hills? , top gear will eat up nearly all you will encounnter.
And still plenty of dress kits for luggage available.

Yeah I really like the idea of the XJR's in particular as the FJ's are larger and seem to require a longer reach plus they look a little dated. From research they get about 38mpg or 6.2 litres/100km which is about similar to my VFR. But I suspect they are more sensitive to riding style.

There's a 95 XJR1200 listed today for $3300 that seems a good buy: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=324758292

Thanks for the feedback.

[CRM]

I have two years and 40,000 kms on a '96 TDM850 (same as the red one in the ad)
18-19 kms/l touring gently, one-up.
Easy on chains (due for it's first replacement soon).
On my fourth rear, second front. I replace the rears before they get worn to the point a rock will puncture them.
Have toured on gravel and seal - all good (tyre choice is the crucial factor here - I have a Michelin Anakee2 on the rear, Sirac on the front).
Oil changes every 6,000 kms; tune ups every so often; valves have been shimmed and the service interval on that is 42,000kms!
Has a tendency to use oil between changes (about 750 mls)...they all do that, guv'!
I like it. I may swap it one day for a TDM900. One day...

I've ridden a TDM and like them a lot but hard to find one in good condition that's not too expensive - not that many around. I've heard that the fuel consumption can go up a lot as they get older and the answer is new emulsion tubes? That puts me off getting an older one like the one listed.

Thanks for the feedback.

[AllanB]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-313775781.htm


Get some higher bars from F1 Engineering and you'll be set for the open road. Big grunty engine that will go forever. Loved mine, but I kept finding myself well over the legal limit on the open road ........... :innocent:

[Shadowjack]

I've heard that the fuel consumption can go up a lot as they get older and the answer is new emulsion tubes?

Yep, true - this other idiosyncrasy is a function of kms travelled - I watched the fuel consumption increase, did the emulsion tubes (replaced with aftermarket jobbies from Factory Pro, via Triple Zee Cycles in Auckland), had the carbs cleaned out and tuned, etc, etc, and have now returned to normal fuel usage and startlingly :yes: improved performance.

[ynot slow]

The bandit,comfy,effortless torque,about 18km/ltr,15000 out of tyres,and can go,seat can be in need of attention.

[BMWST?]

FI bikes are more economical than carbbed bikes in general.The BMW 850 would prolly be a good buy.PArts can be expensive but if you can do your own oilchanges and valve clearances they are easy to work on.K100RS are economical but have a longish reach to very narrow bars.K75 could be nice if you can find one.Lots of BMW will be already set up with luggage.
The F650 are VERY economical on gas

[CRM]

FI bikes are more economical than carbbed bikes in general.The BMW 850 would prolly be a good buy.PArts can be expensive but if you can do your own oilchanges and valve clearances they are easy to work on.K100RS are economical but have a longish reach to very narrow bars.K75 could be nice if you can find one.Lots of BMW will be already set up with luggage.
The F650 are VERY economical on gas

What are the F650's like two-up? There's an 05 ex-rental here for $5000 that looks like it might be a good buy http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-324568570.htm

[xgnr]

Hi

I am biased (what a surprise) but from personal experience, a BMW K75 or a BMW R1150 RS or R1100 are great touring bikes and economical as well.

They generally come with the hard cases (make sure they included) and both do 20-22 Km/l (or around 60 odd Mile Per Gallon) pretty consistently regardless of how you rode them.

Cheers

Stu

[wingnutt]

I'm looking at going from my current sports/tourer (VRF800) to something more just tourer (and cheaper) and wondering what I can expect in terms of economy from presumably a less highly strung beast (and probably with higher mileage).

Looking for something around the $4-5000 mark. Longer trips will mostly be one-up but will be times I'm going two-up for shorter trips.

The sort of bikes I'm considering are:
Kawasaki GTR1000: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=321202744
Yamaha FJ1200: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=322495105
Yamaha XJR1200/1300: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=314927846
Yamaha TDM 850: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=324216639
BMW R80: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=323349778
BMW K100RS: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-321712094.htm
BMW F650: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dual-purpose/auction-307678446.htm
BMW R1100GS: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=324060022
Suzuki GXS1200y: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=323902632
Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=324385220
Honda CB1000: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=318547397

I'm not looking for screaming performance, but torque and comfort and reasonable economy (in terms of fuel, tyres, parts, chain and longevity). I prefer the naked bike look to the barn-door fairings but I know there is a trade-off. I also have shorter arms that struggle with the reach on some larger bikes so looking for something that feels reasonably compact (for example my arms got really sore on my Vstrom no matter what I seemed to do).

Any thoughts?

the goldwing is a great tourer made for the job, my 1200 gives about 58mph, I believe the fuel injected 1800 do about the same. they have huge torgue and the shaft drive delivers it smoothly.

full fairing but I have never found this a problem, makes for pretty tireless long distance riding a breeze.

good luck with your choice.

[FJRider]

Yeah I really like the idea of the XJR's in particular as the FJ's are larger and seem to require a longer reach plus they look a little dated. From research they get about 38mpg or 6.2 litres/100km which is about similar to my VFR. But I suspect they are more sensitive to riding style.

As an FJ owner/rider :innocent: .... and altitude impaired (short):yes: .... I have NO issues with the distance of reach to the bars :no: ... short arms (deep pockets) :shutup:

Fuel consumption depends ENTIRELY on your right hand position / use :violin: ... but I have found that 120 km/hr is most economical speed wise :sunny:..... FEW cops will concur :whocares: .... or allow .. :angry:

[CRM]

Thanks for all the feedback. I guess it will come down to what is the best deal in the right place at the right time when I sell my VFR or find someone who wants to swap something for my VFR800. I love the VFR but my hands and wrists get a bit sore (maybe it's just my age) so wanting something better for comfort and something my wife is happy on the back of.

We went up to Mangonui on Saturday (300km) and she wasn't that comfortable on the seat for that distance - she likes the old-school flat seats like Bonneville style rather than being up higher. I notice that the older Concours and FJ's have fairly flat seats too. Possibly a more modern bike with a Corban seat might be the ticket.

[grbaker]

F650GS two up is fine... that little 650 single ain't fast but it dosn't give a crap what load ye put on the bike. It has a stiff / torquy throttle which required twice the amount of pressure to hold open... this can be adjusted if required (Richards in Johnsinvill, Wlg knows the trick). Easy reach to bars for anyone.

As for economy: (10,000km Oz trip)
F650GS gets really good milage out of a tank (17l) - 300 to 400km (maybe more) but less if you push it past 110kpm (which is legal in Oz :violin:). This bike is frugal on gas even with 40+kgs of panniers and pack on the back it maintain a high fuel economy. Not fast on the pickup when over taking tho.

The DL650 I rode (V-Twin with 22l tank) got better range than the F650 on harder rider (110+) but slightly less on 90-100kph rides. Some panniers etc was carried on this bike and two is no problem either. A little faster when over taking but not that much more than the F650GS... heavy bike for a 650.

Other riding.
My GS1200SS (similar to a Bandit 1200) gets about 310kpm before reserve (20l tank tho) and my Guzzi Belagio (I know you didn't ask, but you meant to) gets about 360+ on a tank (18l).
1990 GSX750FL would get about 280k before reserve... but the screaming motor was hard to keep below legal thus ate its food too quickly. Quite a reach to the bars too.

As for comfort, the Guzzi Belagio is the only bike I have ridden near-non-stop for 5 hours (abit gas & food) and not had a sore anything.
Other bikes I've ridden for 5+ hours ...
DL650 Vstrom - sore bum
F650GS - sore bum
GS1200SS - Sore arse, lower back (f I'm old)
GSX750FL - Same as above.
SV650S - Where didn't it hurt. As stock as great bike for the twisties/commute but not a tourer.

All my Suzukis have been 99% fault free with only normal maintence (chain, tyres, oil etc)... The Wifes BMW F650GS has been good too.

One last thing - Ecourage wife to ride her own.. twice the fun.

[CRM]

Hi

I am biased (what a surprise) but from personal experience, a BMW K75 or a BMW R1150 RS or R1100 are great touring bikes and economical as well.

They generally come with the hard cases (make sure they included) and both do 20-22 Km/l (or around 60 odd Mile Per Gallon) pretty consistently regardless of how you rode them.

Cheers

Stu

I had a ride on a 94 R1100R yesterday. Loved the engine. Just what I'm looking for torque-wise. Style takes a bit of adjusting to but seems really comfortable. Actually feels really light but I assume this is just an illusion from the low centre of gravity. I also rode a Bonneville and an XJR1300 but the Beemer was the one with the feel I'm wanting. The Bonny looks and sounds cool but just seemed a little small and a bit of a toy bike. The XJR was comfortable and torquey but seemed rather busy - I guess thats just an in-line 4 thing. I loved the casual but torquey feel of the R1100R.

So I'm definitely thinking BMW. Still to ride a 1200 Bandit or Concours but I suspect I'm hooked :innocent:.

[O2R]

I love the VFR but my hands and wrists get a bit sore (maybe it's just my age) so wanting something better for comfort and something my wife is happy on the back of.

Ok, its not in the budget I know, but when it's time to trade, concider trading the VFR800 on a Honda ST1300 90Deg VFour (I did).
Ride all day long, big comphy rear seat (wife happy), and still the VFour we V4 owners love, and over 500km range (5.4/100kms).

[CRM]

Ok, its not in the budget I know, but when it's time to trade, concider trading the VFR800 on a Honda ST1300 90Deg VFour (I did).
Ride all day long, big comphy rear seat (wife happy), and still the VFour we V4 owners love, and over 500km range (5.4/100kms).

Yeah I had a sit on a new one the other day in Auckland. There are a couple of ST1100's on TM at the moment - higher mileage 1990 ones but both seem to be well looked after. I assume like most tourers high mileage isn't a problem if they have been serviced properly. This one for $5500 at 105k http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=318234946
and this one for $4500 buy now at 125k http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=325208873
I've already asked is if he wants to do a trade with mine but not keen :angry:.

[O2R]

I assume like most tourers high mileage isn't a problem if they have been serviced properly.

Honda's VFour's are good for 300k, and are very robust even if not serviced well.
These engines are almost never under stress, cruizing at 110, two up and loaded, its only 3400 rpm.

[Highlander]

I had a ride on a 94 R1100R yesterday. Loved the engine. Just what I'm looking for torque-wise. Style takes a bit of adjusting to but seems really comfortable. Actually feels really light but I assume this is just an illusion from the low centre of gravity. I also rode a Bonneville and an XJR1300 but the Beemer was the one with the feel I'm wanting. The Bonny looks and sounds cool but just seemed a little small and a bit of a toy bike. The XJR was comfortable and torquey but seemed rather busy - I guess thats just an in-line 4 thing. I loved the casual but torquey feel of the R1100R.

So I'm definitely thinking BMW. Still to ride a 1200 Bandit or Concours but I suspect I'm hooked :innocent:.


When I was looking for a new(er) bike I tested (among others) the VFR 800 and quite liked it. Then I saw the BMW R1100s advertised. I looked up the specs, it fitted all the criteria I had said I was looking for, so I had to give it a ride purely to rule it out. 1/2 hour with it and I had taken the bait but wanted to do a longer ride. Second ride was 2 1/2 hrs with my wife on the back. I was sold by half way through. A year on I'm loving it. Have done a couple of trips with Pillion and 300km sittings doesn't seem to bother them at all.
My only complaint is that under all tha fairing they only put a 17 l tank. 230km from full to fuel warning light (no fuel gauge, no reserve, just the light that apparently comes on with 4 litres left in the tank).

[Corse1]

Biased but the ST2 would do for great fuel economy and pleasure/reliability.

Oh forgot about the cambelts and 10k valve checks.
Most Ducati owners find that after the initial 10k valve check that they have very little further adjustments necessary if they are not racing the dang thing!!!! I'd leave them for 20k km's at least of touring after the first check.

Cambelts are quite cheap for the ST2 and easy to change yourself.

Motors will go forever.............................
Everything else is normal maintenance and you get that great V twin character that the SV's or VTR's can't provide.

Get a 2003 model with original hard bags and you won't look back:yes:

[Corse1]

Forgot to mention I get 5L/ 100km regularly on the 4s which should be a little more thirsty than the 2 valve and that seems to be a stable thirst no matter how I ride:yes:

I had 384 kms out of 18.8 litres 1 time and that was various types of riding equating to 4.9litres per 100km's!!

Lucky it has a 21 litre tank...........another reason for sport touring.

[CRM]

The thing with the ST2/ST4 is that I don't think the position is too much different for me than my VFR - plus I'm really favouring the shaft drive option which cuts it down to a R1100 BMW or an ST1100 Honda for what I'm wanting which is travelling long distances in comfort, style and relative economy (long service intervals and low-stress engines capable of high mileage). Also don't want huge size like Gold-wing etc. Any other bikes fit that job-description?

[O2R]

which cuts it down to a R1100 BMW or an ST1100 Honda for what I'm wanting?

Just be aware if you can't service yourself, BMW's are very expencive to maintain, according to a bloke I know who has a K1300 LT. You might want to look into that. :blink:

[CRM]

Just be aware if you can't service yourself, BMW's are very expencive to maintain, according to a bloke I know who has a K1300 LT. You might want to look into that. :blink:

From what I've heard and read the R series (oilhead twins) are pretty reliable and bulletproof. Certainly seem under-stressed :love:

The question is will an older BMW with higher mileage cost less to run and be more reliable than a 10 year newer Japper (1200 Bandit say) for the same cost?

[Gibbo89]

From what I've heard and read the R series (oilhead twins) are pretty reliable and bulletproof. Certainly seem under-stressed :love:

The question is will an older BMW with higher mileage cost less to run and be more reliable than a 10 year newer Japper (1200 Bandit say) for the same cost?

Ask Maxf, he has a 96 (i think) bmw k1100 of some description. If memory serves me right, his bike has done 200,000 k's and he does all the servicing etc himself. He might be able to give some opinions on this.

[O2R]

From what I've heard and read the R series (oilhead twins) are pretty reliable and bulletproof. Certainly seem under-stressed :love:


I wasn't meaning to imply that BMW's are unreliable in any way, just that you might want to inquire the costs of parts to service. :shit:
These days, you would be hard pressed to find an unreliable bike.

[scumdog]

From research they get about 38mpg or 6.2 litres/100km which is about similar to my VFR. But I suspect they are more sensitive to riding style.
Thanks for the feedback.


Shoot! My 1450cc H-D gets 55mpg when cruising on trips so 38mpg is comparatively thirsty:shit:

[O2R]

Shoot! My 1450cc H-D gets 55mpg when cruising on trips so 38mpg is comparatively thirsty:shit:

Wow thats pretty good isn't it? Always thought the H-D's were thirsty :blink: Thats a real economical H-D isn't it ?

My V4 cruising does 5.3/5.5 Liters/100kms so thats 53/51 MPG (Imperial Gallon-UK), or 44.38/42.70 (US Gal).

[scumdog]

Wow thats pretty good isn't it? Always thought the H-D's were thirsty :blink: Thats a real economical H-D isn't it ?

My V4 cruising does 5.3/5.5 Liters/100kms so thats 53/51 MPG (Imperial Gallon-UK), or 44.38/42.70 (US Gal).

Can't speak for injected late model ones but both my 1450 and wifes 1200 H-Ds will get 55mpg regularly - and more on flat easy trips like Canterbury.

My 1450 will still get 50+mpg two-up and with gear on board.

[O2R]

My 1450 will still get 50+mpg two-up and with gear on board.

We are always two-up also.
For me, range is more important than economy anyway. Had a C90, at 190 kms, your looking desperately for a service station.....:blink: that was a Nightmare!

[scumdog]

We are always two-up also.
For me, range is more important than economy anyway. Had a C90, at 190 kms, your looking desperately for a service station.....:blink: that was a Nightmare!

Hmm, at a pinch I can get 300km out of my Superglide T-Sport but normajeane can only get 200km out of her Sportster S. as it has a smallish tank.

[CRM]

Thanks for the feedback. Still trying to sell my VFR but gives me time to research and ride other bikes. I rode a 1990 K100LT yesterday and didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the R1100R I rode. Seemed to take a bit of winding up. It also seemed to be a bit strange in the handling - not keeping a good line through corners.

So if my bike sold tomorrow and I had $6-7k to spend my current local TM choices would be:
1996 ST1100 124000km with a spare for parts $7000 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=328499828
1990 ST1100 105000 km $5500 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=327759523
1994 R1100RS 90,000km $6995 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=328024417
1989 FJ1200 62,000km $3500 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=328534980
1999 Trophy 900 74000km $6500 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=296301496
2002 ZZR1200 67000km $8000 (ono) http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=294379220
1997 BMW GS 1100 152000km $7900 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=323986066

What would you choose for character, practicality, economy, comfort? :woohoo:

[Highlander]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-322752566.htm

Moved from the CB750 to one of these little over a year ago, absolutely loving it. On my own or two up.

Asked a friend about the Boxer engine longevity and he said you should consider 80,000km to be just about run in. He sold his at 220,000km and wishes he hadn't. Had had no problems what so ever.

[CRM]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-322752566.htm

Moved from the CB750 to one of these little over a year ago, absolutely loving it. On my own or two up.

Asked a friend about the Boxer engine longevity and he said you should consider 80,000km to be just about run in. He sold his at 220,000km and wishes he hadn't. Had had no problems what so ever.

Yeah love those oil-head twins. That's a nice one for a pretty good price. Just doesn't have panniers is the only drawback.

Somebody please buy my VFR (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=321342738) :brick: It's the best deal on TradeMe :violin:

[ynot slow]

My Bandit took 17.2ltr and travelled 315km 2 up with luggage,strongish winds.

[Urano]

lookin' at the bikes you were thinking about, and searching for economy, you missed the bike i'd more likely expected to see. (if this phrase is correct i'll go to buy a lottery ticket.... :D :D :D :D )

bmw f800 s (and/or st)

simple, reliable, relatively cheap, with good second hand value.

and my second suggestion:

aprilia shiver gt.

[FJRider]

Shoot! My 1450cc H-D gets 55mpg when cruising on trips so 38mpg is comparatively thirsty:shit:

but .... it's only running on two cylinders .... :innocent:

[scumdog]

but .... it's only running on two cylinders .... :innocent:


But oh how big they are!:D

[CRM]

lookin' at the bikes you were thinking about, and searching for economy, you missed the bike i'd more likely expected to see. (if this phrase is correct i'll go to buy a lottery ticket.... :D :D :D :D )

bmw f800 s (and/or st)

simple, reliable, relatively cheap, with good second hand value.

and my second suggestion:

aprilia shiver gt.

Both outside of budget unfortunately - and also pretty similar to my VFR in style.

[nseagoon]

I run a 1988 K100 RT and as a daily runner it gives me just on 6L per 100km.
when cruising I've gotten it down to 5L using 91 octane and 4.9L on 98 octane.
I've had no issues and it can easily be thrown around corners and handles like a dream in full comfort. and from 30kph up you only need 5th gear.
I've been everywhere on it and it's now just tipped 110,000km on the clock....
just watch for tranny oil spills at turn offs....

[CRM]

Just done 5000km to Invercargill and back over the last two weeks on the VFR. Fuel usage was actually better than I thought it would be. Generally It would start flashing around the 300km mark which would generally take about 17.5 litres. Thats about 5.8 l/100km. Sometimes it would be as low as 5l/100km. Funny thing was sometimes when I was caning it (Nelson-Picton running late for the ferry) it actually still did quite good figures.