More ridiculous mpg figures (AL7)

[Seeker]

196 miles for 10.39 litres (2.285 gal) = 85.3 mpg.

Over the last 4 tankfuls, the worst mpg I've had has been 82 mpg.

I think it's my shiny exhaust...

https://preview.ibb.co/bZiB28/DSCN0083.jpg

I tried polishing the rear header but eventually admitted defeat it was too much trouble.

16000 miles in just over 2 years, no regrets.

Normally when I change a bike I go for something different from what I currently own but if I decide to change this one, I'd probably buy another.

[R1ffR4ff]

Brilliant :)

My Curvy seems to be getting better as well.Might be,"Summer Fuel).I recently got over 164 miles before my low fuel light came on,which for my,"Old Girl" ain't too shoddy IMHO :)


There are some old 125cc Motorcycles that don't get these figures :O

[Craig380]

85mpg is excellent. I bet that front mudflap costs you 5mpg in air resistance, mind ;):D

[R1ffR4ff]

There are guys on Motorcycle forums making their own parts using 3D printing now.How about using your Stock guard as starting template and extending it in CAD and then get one printed and painted?

[Craig380]

I don't see why we can't have front mudguards like this H1 (pic courtesy of classicbikes), it doesn't have to be chrome but it's stylish (imho) and does a better job than the current SV 'guard. Then I wouldn't have to mess with such big mudflaps.


The Kawa triples are such good-looking bikes .... but you'll never get 85mpg out of them :-D

[Craig380]

H1 prices have followed the H2 into the stratosphere (for a good one). Still one of my dream bikes even if totally impractical and antisocial.

Back in the early 2000s, when we still used to get milk delivered, I was tinkering with my 380 in the garage when our milkman turned up. He mentioned he had a Kettle, and we got chatting about bikes. He added that he also had a H2 that he was thinking of selling, and was I interested?

A few days later I went to see it, it was one of the very earliest H2 models with the short swingarm, painted front mudguard and the original (more aggressive) engine porting. Totally original and unrestored, it had been imported from Italy so although the paint and chrome was a bit faded it was untouched by salt.

He let me have a test ride and bloody hell, it was incredible. What a racket it made, too. He wanted £2,000 for it, I offered £1,700 but he was firm on price so I left it. He sold it a week later. Why I didn't bite his hand off, I don't know. What was I thinking??? :smt088

[Red Herring]

196 miles for 10.39 litres (2.285 gal) = 85.3 mpg.

Over the last 4 tankfuls, the worst mpg I've had has been 82 mpg.



You're clearly not enjoying yourself enough...... I pretty much only ride my SV recreationally and I'm lucky if I get 82 miles out of a tankful! :eek:

[Bibio]

i can understand the fascination in achieving good MPG figures if your commuting every day and you must be congratulated on such good figures.

i'm with RH though and the bike is just for pleasure. while i keep an eye on my fuel consumption it's for different reasons and not to see how much i can squeeze out.

[Talking Heads]

The difference between 85 mpg and 65mpg...?


If fuel costs £1.20 and you do the North Coast 500 its £8.62


I've had fuel consumption in the 80s on my AL7 but you have to ride it real slow, so slow that a chinese 125 could easily pass you.
I'm happy to pay a little extra...

[Red ones]

I'll average 60 mpg on an Sk8. That's mainly motorway riding at slot 80-85 (I suspect the Speedo over registers by 10% as that's what the GPS says)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180626/9eb71ad65303cf6eaef26f196767b95a.png

The 80 mpg spike was an 84 mile journey and I refuelled because I didn't want to stop again in a further 150 miles. A small splash like that and the fill level at the pump can make a big difference.

[Talking Heads]

I just ride the speed limits.

(and I'll keep the results to myself in future). :rolleyes:


I ride to the speed limits too...
Most of the time I'm on open roads, spend very little time below 65mph and I still get high 60s to low 70s on the mpg.


Any further information you have on achieving your excellent economy figures would be most welcome and interesting.

Who needs a Honda NC...?

Keep trying to achieve that 90mpg mark, I'm rooting for you and definitely keen to hear how you get on.
I reckon I could maybe do 90mpg average on a single trip but doubt I would have the patience to keep it up for a tankful.
(that would be circa 270 miles at circa 40mph, therefore a long time)

[R1ffR4ff]

Fuel companies change their blends for Summer/Winter.It affects MPG :(

[Biker Biggles]

I would add to that-------ride at the speed where the bike is comfortable to keep in top gear without labouring. Normally about 50-55 mph
Avoid braking. Anticipate needing to slow down and let the bike lose speed naturally. Braking generates heat which is wasting fuel you have just used to accelerate and then maintain a speed. Chain tension and lube.

[R1ffR4ff]

I would add to that-------ride at the speed where the bike is comfortable to keep in top gear without labouring. Normally about 50-55 mph
Avoid braking. Anticipate needing to slow down and let the bike lose speed naturally. Braking generates heat which is wasting fuel you have just used to accelerate and then maintain a speed. Chain tension and lube.

Great advice.It took me a while to get used to keeping the Revs up in the gears coming from more,"Thumper" revs on my old Hondas.The SVs don't seem to be as efficient running below say 3,500 rpm to me.

And I'm still in love with the mega,"Engine Braking" especially coming into sweeping bends :thumbsup:

[Talking Heads]

So:
1) I'm not in a hurry and ride the speed limits (mostly)
2) I weigh 135 lbs (no gear) or maybe 160 lbs with gear
3) I'm 5'6, shortish torso. Puig screen and DL650 handguards
4) Lincolnshire is flat (mostly) ;)

Plus - we have very little traffic here - we get a few caravans in the Summer but I avoid rush hour (such that it is) and so don't suffer stop/go riding and can maintain a constant speed. My shortest journeys are between 25 miles and 60 miles.


Aha, a lightweight shortarse! :D


Most of 6 foot me weighs 135lbs too...


Aberdeenshire definitely isn't flat.


Even so I can still get over 80mpg at will. ;)

[punyXpress]

Back in the day, 250 2stroke scooter:
One run, Llangollen to Surrey escorting another scoot who had bent forks: 130 miles & couldn't get a gallon ( remember them ? ) in
Another run, 26 rapid miles & couldn't get 2 gallons in !
Thirteen mpg - not many will have a 'best' that is ten times the worst
It's as well it was less than half a crown per gallon :)

[Bibio]

Aha, a lightweight shortarse! :D


still taller than me but weighs less at my tubby 160lb without gear.

[Talking Heads]

I'll keep attempting to get the SV to the magic 90 mpg figure...I suspect it will be like exceeding 100 mph on my R5; not possible, but I'll enjoy trying (and I'll keep the results to myself in future). :rolleyes:


Its very definitely do-able, managed to get 92.9 this afternoon but only on a short trip of less than 10 miles.