SOT (But vehicle related): Motorcycle Suggestions, Not quite the fuel economy I want from my 914 Options

[Brando]

We all know fuel prices are going to orbit and don't intend to re-enter for a very long time. Fuel costs for commuting are starting to give me pangs for a more fuel efficient mode of transportation.

Right now, with 195/60/15 rear tires I get roughly 32MPG all highway, 28-30 hybrid city/highway. Well-tuned 1.8 injection. I remember with taller 195/65/15 tires I was getting 35-37mpg highway, 30-34mpg city/highway. Unfortunately, that isn't enough.

I've b een looking at motorcycles, and not counting single-cylinder engine motorcycles, I've been looking at a a Suzuki SV 650. Not the S with the faring, but the naked version. Appearantly the 1999-2003 model gets 45-55mpg, later versions getting about 40-50. It's a pretty light bike, 650cc engine (i'm a light guy at 150#) with adequate torque/hp for me and a passenger.

What's making this appealing to me is the market value on early SV650's... $800-$3000 varying in mileage and condition.

Wikipedia Link

I'm looking for suggestions from members who own or have owned motorcycles in the past as to a fairly new, reliable (read: not harley) and mild displacement motorcycle that isn't going to rape me on insurance and will get pretty decent mileage. My affordability is probably not more than $2000, since it will take me at least 2-4 months (after getting more income) to save for one. And then there's gear, insurance, licensing, etc. I'm only considering the cost of the motorcycle at this time.

I figure with the wide array of characters we have here, I'll get a few good responses...

Thanks!