Inexpensive used motorcycle/scooter advice?

Hi everyone,

I am looking to purchase (first-time) a used motorcycle or scooter. My ceiling is about 2,300 (but a less would of course be preferable). I am interested primarily in something that will be *reliable*, not drain me financially with repairs, and hopefully achieve fairly high mileage. I am 6ft, 187. I would ideally like to be able to use said bike on the freeways (trips or some length would be ideal, however, I am aware that with a scooter or weaker bike that's not feasible)...I'm interested in both freeway and non-freeway capable bikes/scooters. I'm not necessarily after a rocket, just something good, solid, and reliable. Any models come to mind? I also have a few questions below...

1. How many miles does a motorcycle usually go? (Less than a car I presume, do to high rpms). What mileage would you look for in a used bike?

2. Air cooled versus water...any appriciable difference?

3. In re: to scooters (many of which I know are not freeway legal)...how many miles can one get out of a dinky little Honda Elite...or a more powerful Honda Helix/Reflex?

Thanks!
Tony

i have had a few bikes in my time ,starting with a new 1975 125 honda,a 69 triumph 500,a 1978 550 honda ,a 1980 900 honda custom,and now a 1978 750 honda........the triumph was not dependable for day to day,but the hondas were....none were water cooled but i live in canada and don't have l.a. heat and traffic........you should have a decent size bike for the highway.being underpowered or too light will get you blown around in the wind or swamped by the wash from a transport.....if you can the ideal would be to take a course,get used to the bike under good conditions stay out of the rain for a while and watch the oil slicks at the stops....my whole course consisted of having the owner of the bike shop run beside me while i shifted gears and went into traffic...ahh those were the days oh yeah ..watch the car drivers ,you will be amazed at how you are invisible to them,

Tips, techniques, safety

http://www.msgroup.org/TIPS.ASP