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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> 43 MPG, Part Deux !
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Message started by zipidachimp on 09/22/16 at 00:08:16

Title: 43 MPG, Part Deux !
Post by zipidachimp on 09/22/16 at 00:08:16

Today, same trip, 'older' '08 bike, 12,500kms. Basically the same set-up, with one 'big' difference:
this bike has a large rear do-nut, Kenda Challenger 140/90-15. Todays result? 55MPG!!!!!

How to explain the diff? beats me. Both are '08s, newer one with 5500kms.
Insurance goes off the older one on the 27th, I'll try another road with both bikes before then, and try to confirm these results.
cheers! 8-)

Title: Re: 43 MPG, Part Deux !
Post by Dave on 09/22/16 at 03:34:55

The 55 mpg bike is normal....the other one is not. If you are riding both bikes similarly - they should provide similar mileage.

It could be a lot of things:

Have you checked the compression on both bikes?
Have you checked the valve clearances?
Have you checked the float level?
Tire pressure?
Could either of the brakes be dragging on the 43 mpg bike?

Title: Re: 43 MPG, Part Deux !
Post by stewmills on 09/22/16 at 06:34:48

Is the weather noticeably different? Cooler dense air versus hotter loose and humid air?

Are you riding the 43mpg bike after a huge lunch, and the 55mpg bike first thing in the morning before you pack on the extra pounds? :P :P :P

Title: Re: 43 MPG, Part Deux !
Post by zipidachimp on 09/22/16 at 11:51:24

Apart from the tire pressure of 32psi, none of the other checks have been made. I'll do all of them over the winter. Another month here and it will be too cold to ride the newer bike, insurance goes off the older one on 27th. 8-)

Title: Re: 43 MPG, Part Deux !
Post by badwolf on 09/22/16 at 12:20:21

Have you checked the error in your speedos?
They are far from ''certified'' and can vary up or down with cable friction or maybe even the weather.
Mine was 7% optimistic stock, after changing the pulleys and rear tire size it was 22% under against a gps!
You can get free spedo apps for your phone. I taped one to a piece of cardboard and then to the handlebar and clamps to try. Ended up making a solid mount and the stock speedo is now in the attic.

Title: Re: 43 MPG, Part Deux !
Post by zipidachimp on 09/22/16 at 23:50:01

sorry, forgot about possible speedo error! I'll do a comparo this weekend, same trip. 8-)

Title: Re: 43 MPG, Part Deux !
Post by Kris01 on 09/23/16 at 13:45:19

6D7E677E7376747F7E7A67170 wrote:

Apart from the tire pressure of 32psi...

I like to run higher than normal tire pressure. I think my back tire runs around 40 psi and the front is set around 35 (I think). I'm using Pirelli Route 66 tires and I think the max cold pressure is 45. Again, don't quote me on that. I'm not near the bike right now. Higher tire pressure makes the bike a little more predictable in turns and it handles better. It also improves gas mileage quite a bit. There's less rolling resistance with higher pressures. Around 32 psi my bike feels squirmy. You might try airing up a little bit.

Always check the max cold pressure of your tires and don't exceed that number! ;)

Title: Odometer check re: 43mpg
Post by zipidachimp on 09/27/16 at 20:43:46

Same trip, 3 kms difference in 75 kms. Newer bike is stock, 43 mpg. Older bike has 140/90 tire, 55mpg.
Newer bike shows 3 kms longer distance.
Whether any of this relates to mpg, I can't figure it.
Cheers! 8-)

Title: Re: 43 MPG, Part Deux !
Post by Dave on 09/28/16 at 04:17:49

Doesn't look like speedo error is the cause.

If you are really curious...you might try switching carbs!