On my first full tank on a new 08/S40 it ran 72 mpg.  That's a Canadian Imperial Gallon (4.546 liters).  Mixed riding but mostly cruising secondary roads up to 90 kph (55mph) at 60 to 70 degrees F.  Fuel, 10% ethanol enhanced 89 octane Sunoco.  I weigh in at 170  lbs.  Following Suzi's breaking-in guidelines. So that's 25 km per liter or 15 miles per liter.

I have noticed that when you think you filled it to the top, it will take quite a bit more if you wait a few seconds to let the gas go down. Since our tank is so small even 2/10 of a gallon more makes a sizable difference if you measure gas mileage. If you keep track and record it over, let's say 5 fillups or more, you get a much more accurate number since it will average out. This might explain the wide range of reported mileage and off course there are a lot of other factors like weight, state of tune, cruising speed, riding style etc.  Me, I seem to average 45-48 with a fairly aggressive riding style. But I'm willing to pay for this extra fun

I get about 40+ mpg, but I am in stop and go city traffic and do short run errands, with saddlebags, a big windscreen, and usually loaded with work stuff or heavy groceries in the bags.

skatnbnc wrote on 06/02/08 at 07:03:55:


This reminds me of a question I've been meaning to ask...

I've seen mention here of windshields affecting performance.  My dealer said that a screen on Kay's GZ250 might slow her down.  Doesn't the windshield deflect air that would just hang up on the rider's jacket, helmet, etc. anyway?  Surely  that air is going to drag on the bike somewhere as it goes past?  So without factoring comfort into it, what are the positives and negatives of using a windshield?

Now we're talking some of my language about aerodynamic drag.

Think of the flat plate surface you're presenting to the oncoming airflow - the actual number of vertically oriented square inches.

The reason any streamlining works to reduce drag is that it reduces this flat plate area.  Theoretically, a pie pan of 100 sq. " presents no more drag than a streamlined device of the same flate plate area.

But since streamlining allows far more surface area to present a lesser flat plate area, you get a benefit.

Windshields do that - reduce the flat plate area.

Clear as mud?

Well, Kay is a "perfect 36. twelve, twelve, twelve," as they say.  So maybe she does present less surface area than a windshield.  But for anyone else, take off the shield and the air will collide with the rider, right?  So there shouldn't be too much additional drag with the windshield?

I probably better stop trying to understand this for today.  Just came out of surgery and me thinks the pills I'm taking may be clogging up the old brain pan.

On a bad day, I would get 98 miles to a tank. (before having to hit my reserve)  The best I ever got was 141miles. It all depends on how and where you ride.

musicdorian wrote on 06/01/08 at 22:34:00:


hi, sorry for the OT question, but could you elaborate on differences between virago 250 and s40 (particularly in the 'smile' department). I'm looking for the bike for my wife and would like to know how more tame s40 is.

thks,

K