Motorcycle mileage

[The Toecutter]

I'd love to wear full leathers, but the wife thinks I'd attract Village Peephole types.

Not to worry, you'd be more likely to attract Mad Max types.

[Sludgy]

I've been thinking of trading in my XR650L on a bike that gets better mileage. The Feb 06 issue of Cycle World gives some real-world testing:

Honda Rebel 250 twin (mini cruiser) 78 mpg
Suzuki DR200 single (dirt bike) 68
Kawasaki Ninja 250 twin (sport bike) 74
Yamaha TW 200 single (dirt bike) 79
Buell Blast 500 single (sport bike) 71

Not tested, but published on Suzuki site:

Suzuki GZ 250 cc single (standard bike) 82

I like the styling of the Blast, but the Suzuki gets better mileage. The Ninja gets slightly less mileage, but goes 100 mph.

On the other hand, I could just buy a comfy Corbin seat and a bigger tank for the XR650L.

What are your Gassavers thoughts?

[Frink]

My Kawasaki Zephyr 750 gets about 53mpg normally and sounds lovely doing so. Mind you, I never really rode the bike trying for economy... too much fun to be had.
I have also commuted a few times with my 92 Honda XR250L and the best I saw was about 78mpg.
I no longer commute on my 250 because I felt like I was over stressing the motor cruising at 90 or 100km/h when it tops out at about 120km/h.
I say just enjoy the bike, chances are if you go down to a 250 or so you'll end up missing the grunt of the 650.
BTW:To be on the safe side, I'd go back to the recommended tire pressures on the bike.

[red91sit]

My old bike bothers me, for being so small, and light (400cc, 400lbs), it gets horrible gas mileage! only 30-40 mph. I'm thinking something is wrong in the 30 year old carbs. Power is still good, 100 mph in tight pants, and t-shirt, 95 in a sweathshirt, 95 in a coat too, but takes longer to get there, probobly had more power from the cold air too.

I've always been a fan of good aerodynamics, top speed seems to me to be an easier way to measure improvement or not in aerodynamics.

[JanGeo]

Here's what you have to do to get better mileage . . .

http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/gro...cooters/photos
http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/gro...oters/messages

[Sludgy]

Harley Davidson is installing fuel injection on all of its 2007V twins, including the entry-level 883 Sprortsters. I'm not sure whether this is closed loop EFI, or even multiport EFI.

EFI is so mundane on cars as to ridiculous to even think of a carbureted car these days. But none of the Japanese motorcycle manfacturers use it.

I wish I could get an EFI kit for my XR650L. I'm sure it could be tuned for better mileage than the carb provides.

[MetroMPG]

Do you know if 4-stroke bikes have to meet any emission requirements?

[JanGeo]

I have a 1986 V twin Morini K2 350cc 100mph top speed 80-85mpg and I don't even ride it.

[red91sit]

Originally Posted by Sludgy

Harley Davidson is installing fuel injection on all of its 2007V twins, including the entry-level 883 Sprortsters. I'm not sure whether this is closed loop EFI, or even multiport EFI.

EFI is so mundane on cars as to ridiculous to even think of a carbureted car these days. But none of the Japanese motorcycle manfacturers use it.

I wish I could get an EFI kit for my XR650L. I'm sure it could be tuned for better mileage than the carb provides.

Actually, there are quite a few fuel injected motorcycle out there. Most Honda's are, there are a few Suzuki's that are, Kawasaki Ninja's are, if you want one, they're definetly out there for you.

[Sludgy]

Originally Posted by red91sit

Actually, there are quite a few fuel injected motorcycle out there. Most Honda's are, there are a few Suzuki's that are, Kawasaki Ninja's are, if you want one, they're definetly out there for you.

Yah, I know, the crotch rockets have FI. But what about dirt bikes and other thumpers??? Why isn't FI used across the board?