Poor fuel consumption :(

[the Ferret]

Usually gets better and better and then levels out around the 2000 mile mark in my experience.

[sanoke_imp]

In the summer, running a smaller windshield, I consistently get 62-65 mpg riding back roads at about 50-60 mph. Can easily get 200 miles on a tank of gas. In the winter, running a bigger windshield the mileage drops to 55-60 mpg. When my bike was new, the mileage wasn't anywhere near as good. It took a good 20,000 miles before the mileage got to where it is now.

[Guth_imp]

In general there are too many variables at play to compare gas mileage figures with others. For MPG values, I generally vary from mid 30's (riding solely in the city, mostly on surface streets) to mid 50's (when mostly out on the open road).

Other variables include our riding habits. I saw the ferret mention that he sometimes is in 6th gear by 45mph. I thought about that on my ride home from work the other day when I realized that I hadn't even shifted out of 3rd gear at that speed. There is no way that I'm going to get the mpg prize around here, lol.

[the Ferret]

Guth to be clear I don't generally shift into 6 th that low but if I find my self in 6 th and happen to slow down to 45 I don't feel the need to downshift.The bike has enough torque to just accelerate from there. I generally upshift about 3200 rpms and actually find that each gear falls into the speed range starting with that number ie: when I shift to second I am doing 20 mph, 3 rd gear 30 mph, 4 th gear 40 mph and 5 th gear 50 mph. Once I get over 55 I will probably go ahead and shift to 6 th.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Ferret, at the rally I didn't ride directly behind you that I recall but others have said that you ride smoothly. Smoothly, not slowly, sort of at what is known as " the pace". That must do wonders for fuel economy. I tend to like the RPMs up and gun the bike through corners. I'm certain that doesn't get me along a road like the BRP or Dragon any quicker than you, maybe even slower overall, but it sure makes my long term average fuel consumption higher than yours.

Cheers mate.

[redbirds_imp]

Following directly behind ferret on the Cherohala Parkway, I was impressed with his quick, smooth pace and set my pace to match his. I feel like I learned something that afternoon.

Like ferret, I also seldom shift down from 5th in traffic until my speed drops below 45 mph, relying on the CB's great torque spread. My fuel consumption is rarely below 50 mpg.

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Carbon footprint of a Yeti. That's me. Mea culpa.

Cheers

[Cormanus]

I was followed along the Cherohala Skyway by the Ferret. It was quite frightening. He stuck there like chewing gum. I'm pretty sure he wasn't trying.

[lemontree_imp]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Good to hear some variances to compare.

However, I think it would be useful to find what type of roads you are riding on. My friend told me that American fuel consumption is usually overflated in comparison to stop-and-go city traffic in Sydney, Australia. I'm assuming a majority of American riders here ride through wide open highways and backroads?

The type of riding I do are congested traffic and rarely go over 50mph. I also use short bursts of throttle to quickly accelerate ahead of traffic.. I usually get around 38mpg (about 6.2L per 100km). Does that sound reasonable?

[kennyw]

I think it just depends on the type of riding you do. I commute in a mix of highway and city traffic. I've been getting 47-50 consistently. The more city traffic I deal with, the more my mileage drops. The one long highway only trip I took I was getting 55 mpg (us gallon).