Scooter, or motorcycle.?

OK to set the background here, I am spending $80/week on gas going to work, and college. I am looking at buying a scooter, or motorcycle to help me with my gas bill, but I am unsure of which ones are good dependable brands. I will be putting roughly 60,000 to 80,000 miles on it in the next 3 years, and I need something that will not require to much expensive maintenance.

these are some great answers so far thank you all for the help. As far as the mileage goes I have to make 4 round trips a week to college which is 1hr and 15mns away. No other university is closer, and I am married with child so staying in the dorm is not an option. Almost all the miles would be highway/interstate. Sadly as I get further into the core classes for my major I expect my schedule to get even weirder, and there is a good chance I will end up driving 5 days a week to college so sadly the 60,000 to 80,000 miles in 3 years is pretty accurate.

All Jap. Bikes are dependable.
Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki or Kawasaki.
Your talking about a lot of miles in 3 yrs are you sure you haven't over estimated?
With that kind of milage I have no other option than to assume that there will be considerable highway milage.
With this in mind I would recomend no less than 750 cc's.
You can expect a bike of this caliber with proper maintenance to be a solid performer for around 30-35,000 miles before requiring major overhauls.

i would get a heavy bike just for your own protection better mileage

honda , or suzuki , scooter or small motorbike

Since you will be driving that much, if you do can get by with using a backpack or saddle bags, I would suggest a Harley 883 (cost around $7,900 - gets about 55 mpg) that comes standard with a 24 month warranty unlimited mileage that can be extended to five years unlimited mileage. At the end of four or five years, Harleys (and do some research because I do know) retain more value that just about any motorcycle! First, though, if you have never owned or driven a motorcycle, take a BRC (Basic Rider Course - it will also save you a lot of money on insurance). Maintenance is not expensive on an 883 or 1200 Sportster (the 1200 is recommended if you are a person who weights over 175 pounds (my personal opinion).

motorcycle most scooters are not alowed on the main highways b/c they dont go fast enough to meet the speed limit.

Honda Goldwing

Vespa Granturismo will take you on the highway at up to 80mph. Cost of insurance should be lower too than if you get a m/c.

I have a 2002 Vespa ET4 which is 150cc and it gets up to 64mph and i've taken it on the highway. Insurance cost me $140 for the whole year.

With a powerful 250cc, four-stroke, four-valve engine, the GTS has the largest displacement in the Vespa range. Advanced technology, including a liquid-cooled engine and electronic injection system with three-way catalytic converter, allows for reduced emissions and fuel consumption as well as progressive acceleration and responsive handling. Redesigned machinery, such as the exhaust, cylinder and piston, provide a smoother and quieter ride that suits the stylishly racy GTS without affecting performance.

Like every other Vespa, the GTS has the trademark single shell steel structure which provides rigidity for optimal comfort and strength to control road vibration. The frame is supported with excellent parts including 12" wheels, dual-disc braking system, a front suspension with hydraulic shock absorber, and an adjustable rear suspension that provides ideal support and riding comfort for driver and passenger alike.

Who does it? Individuals and families who want to set the trend to reduce oil consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and experience freedom and fun on an Italian style icon.

How do I do it? Simple. Get on any of the most technologically advanced, eco-friendly motor scooters and just "twist n' go" to get 70 miles per gallon and go 40 - 100 miles per hour, depending on the model.

Why should I do that? If Americans were to switch just 10% of their total mileage to scooters, they would consume 14 - 18 million gallons less fuel per day and carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 324 million pounds per day as well. (Source ICR survey, May 2006)

On a personal level, they could also reduce fuel consumption by approximately 58%, carbon dioxide emissions by 80%, and significantly reduce traffic congestion

scooters r an easier way out. the gas milage may differ, from that of a motorcycle, but your maintenance costs will surely be lower than any motorcycle out there.

They do make some pretty big scooters these days, but your best bet would be a motorcycle. If you have not ever rode before, by all means, take a safety course first, and see if it is for you. Save you a big headache later. I have a 2005 Yamaha VStar 650 and I love it. It sits low and looks good. I have been on the freeway going 70-75, but when it get upwards to that, it tends to vibrate. Try to get a bike with a good warranty and that will take the worry off maintaining it. The only thing you have to worry about is everyone in cars!! ARRGGHH.