Gas mileage, fuel, mpg, what should I get? Speed, RPM.

[wayne]

For reference and comparison. I've seen posts from guys here and FB talking about figures less than 30 mpUSg in average use. This is not right. You've got an issue if your regular riding is burning that much gas. As far as hammering it goes, I've never done a test but on one run with two RE5's and a Z900, continuously flogged between 5 and 7000 rpm on a very tight and twisty route, the difference between the RE's and the Z fuel use was 4% (ie not much).

The first column was an "economy run" purely to see how far it would go. It was ridden at posted limits which were mostly 80 and 100kph country roads, no traffic. The throttle was handled with kid gloves to maximise mileage.

The second run was straight down the expressway, no traffic and no attempt to be economical. Posted speed limit of 110 kph so I was indicating 115 to 120 most of the time due speedo error.

Bike has stock carb and jets, 91 non ethanol fuel, but I'm carrying full fairing and bags. Don't know if that makes a difference but if anything, a naked should do better.

Bike was ridden 'til it ran out. Be warned re the distances on reserve. I've seen RE5 fuel sensors with different heights which may be linked to different reserves across the production run. My reserve, I suspect, is the larger one at 4.5 litres (1 Imp gallon).

[HGH 770N]

Nice graphic description Wayne.
Mpg I have found over the years varies depends on how much you activate that accelerator diaphragm .
Back street riding I would get only 95-100 miles from full to reserve kicks in.
Main road/motor way ride would return 120 miles before reserve.
I know Dave C (ROC) has recovered his Mpg and oil usage on many gurneys from the Uk to Germany with good results from his SU carb conversion.
Maybe he will share info?
Best
Rog

[timpa136]

Largely agree. I would say within 10% of the 75 and 76 goldwings comparing on a group ride.

When commuting 85 mi. I averaged above 34 USMPG all the time that did include splitting traffic at slower speeds fully fared and heavy luggage.

Tim

[wayne]

Glad your figures are similar gents. I've got a similar post on FB. Stuart and others have come up to say they get very similar. But a case in point, another fellow has said that if you throw in a fairing and bags and two up, he does 23-24 mpUSg at the same speed (I'm assuming US, he doesn't specify).

I've pointed out that my figures are with fairing and bags and from my experience, two up doesn't account for much, something like 5 to 10% extra. So with consumption down more than 25% for the same setup and speed, it makes you wonder what's going on.

Publishing these figures will give people a rule of thumb to see if their bike's in the ballpark and to investigate if it's not.

[timpa136]

AS Rog states above the accelerator pump can have a big effect. Slightly related to attaining best gas mileage is a steady hand.

I love my "twist Assist" brand neutral spring throttle control. Eases warm up and makes consistent speeds easy.

Tim

[don07tncav]

Curious what gear and RPM you gents run at 55 mph.

[timpa136]

May 16, 2020 18:36:18 GMT -5 don07tncav said:

Curious what gear and RPM you gents run at 55 mph.

I'll Start, I usually adhere to 5th gear @ 50 US MPH unless a degree of hill 4th  & 3rd , it must be a climb.

Stock gearing and tire size is very close to 55MPH @3500.

On my hi miler, bike, I ran a 42 rear tooth sprocket for many miles which may have affected gas mileage.

Others, please chime in.

We have had 10% Ethanol for years affecting MPG.

Tim

[wayne]

May 16, 2020 18:36:18 GMT -5 don07tncav said:

Curious what gear and RPM you gents run at 55 mph.

Top gear, around 3300 rpm to give 55 mph indicated (~ 52/53 GPS). Stock gearing like Tim but with Lasertech tyres which are a little higher profile than many. That would account for some of the difference.

At that speed shouldn't need to change down from 5th when touring solo.