Riding economically
 

Usually I cruise at 50 mph in 6th gear, however sometimes I drop down to as low as 40 mph in 6th gear, usually when I'm trying to preserve fuel. The engine sounds as though it's struggling a bit, and obviously acceleration is really slow, but would cruising like this actually save fuel?

Re: Riding economically
 

Possibly, but you'll die of boredom before you find out.

Re: Riding economically
 

Youre engine is most efficient at peak torque however obviously at high revs in 6th youll be doing some and wind resistance becomes a factor, optimum fuel efficiency is usually just below where wind resistance really becomes a factor. About 60mph (4500rpms in 6th on a pointy s) is where youll prob get best fuel economy. personally id rather spend an extra 3 pound a tank and do 90 on the m-way and get there a 3rd quicker :) hth

Re: Riding economically
 

I tend to cruise at 50mph in 5th, 6th sounds like it's not very happy below 60mph. I get quite good MPG too (had 64MPG last time I measured).

30mph in 3rd is 4,000rpm, 40mph in 4th is 4,000rpm, 50mph in 5th is 4,000rpm.

Re: Riding economically
 

40mph is about the lowest that my 6th will pull (on the flat), generally 3000rpm is the usable lower limit, off load 2500rpm is possible if very smooth with the throttle. 50mph in 6th is a lot happier cursing speed for my bike but 60 is better for me!

Re: Riding economically
 

Making an engine slog doesn't help economy .
Your better keeping it smoth .what you save in petrol your loose in chains ,sproket and crush drives.
Get a fairiing.tuck in at 60mpg .

Re: Riding economically
 

Im only a student so fuel economy is a biggie for me..
Yes i know its boring but when i have the cash i can still have fun

I normally just try to keep real smooth throttle movements, with nothing to sudden.
try and keep revs low, but not soo low that i feel i have to open the throttle more to accelerate.
also i try not to use the breaks if i can e.g easing off the throttle well in advance to stop behind an object rather than using breaks.

best MPG i have ever had... 72mpg.
worst MPG i have ever had.. 22 haha - stuck in glos on a hot day in tonnes of traffic.. overheating fan was constantly on

Re: Riding economically
 

Being smooth and not braking unnecessarily. I'm doing lots of small 10mile commutes on mine which the SV doesn't like as much seeing as its all up and down dale. The best economy I got was on the way up to Scotland, 70mpg but then that was a fairly constant speed on the motorway and me bored out my head :rolleyes: I've slipped down to mid50 mpg now atill pretty good and at least I can have fun on my way to work :D

Re: Riding economically
 

its about smoothness and contstant speed really.

going down the m4 at 5am the other week i was erm...going "fast" the whole way and still got 125 till the light which is about standard riding so if your smooth and constant you will get more.

Re: Riding economically
 

*Thick question time* How do you work out your mpg. Do you just fill the tank and ride round until it runs out or is there some science to it?