Economical Driving

It seems like I only get about 130-135 miles on a full tank before the fuel light comes on, this is on my normal commute which is about 12ish miles each way. That costs me about £11 per week.

I don't drive mental, but I do enjoy flicking my wrist back at every opportunity. Especially to hear the growl of the engine....

I decided to try and squeeze a few extra miles out after filling up last time,as I used to get about 160ish out of a tank when I first started driving the bike (November 2006) when it was almost constantly raining.

Anyway after 12 miles of what I thought was economical driving I was bored rigid and virtually driving like a car.

So my question is this:

Is there any way of driving economically withour falling asleep on the bike? or is economy simply not what my bike was invented for?

I guess if I really wanted economy I'd have a 125 or a Ford Ka

You've answered your own question, you could replace your air filter, my mpg went up a little.

If you want economy, buy a car

But no, seriously, get her running a little lean (as said, air filter, high flow - or aftermarket exhaust etc). Lean out the mix, you'll go further for your juice.

I've also found that it's not the speed/rpm that counts, it's the variance. For example, I usually get about the same as you fuel wise, 120ish to the flashing light, maybe 140-150 between petrol pumps. Not that long ago, I went to London (back in Jan), and coming from N. Wales, it's a fair trek. I decided that I'd take it steady & sensible. So on the motorways & dual carriageways, I sat there in top gear & never went above 75mph. I also had some music on so I didn't bore myself to tears. I was happily riding along thinking "this can't be right, I must be riding on fumes!" by the time I got to the 180mile mark. Around 190miles I pulled over at a services. £9 later (at service station prices!) the tank was full. Usually she holds a good £12. WHAT THE?!?!?!

Slow & steady (and lean) wins the race

Just don't go too lean, please!

What air-filter would you suggest and are they easy to fit?

I am still a total novice, although a firend of mine has offered to help show me some basics when the weather is better

Would a replacement one effect my insurance?

Listening to music, is that safe?

Originally Posted by krhall

What air-filter would you suggest and are they easy to fit?

K&N. Direct replacement. Since your avatar shows a pointy, it'll be a flat square-ish shape. When it arrives, 2 allen bolts at the front of your tank. Side pods off, main seat off, get the funny metal bar out from under yout pillion seat. The hoop goes over the nut on the yokes, the other end through the hole from one of the bolts at the front of the tank. Now your tank is up

That black box is your airbox. 8 screws in total (IIRC), unscrew them as much as you can, there's a plastic tab on each stopping it coming out. Take the top cover off. Usually the air filter sticks to my top cover, so seperate the two.

Whilst you've got the airbox top cover off, remove the snorkel (might as well, and it sounds great!). Put the K&N on the airbox (material fins should point up), then put the cover back on the airbox, and put the tank down. Put your seats & sidepods back on. Job done.

Should take all of 20mins if you're taking your time.

Originally Posted by krhall

I am still a total novice, although a firend of mine has offered to help show me some basics when the weather is better

Would a replacement one effect my insurance?

No effect on insurance.

Originally Posted by krhall

Listening to music, is that safe?

Double edged sword. Sometimes when I listen to music, I ride like a ta@. Most of the time these days I'll ride with an audio book. Something non emotive that stops me being bored. Just be aware that you won't be able to hear as much on the road, and you'll be learning by osmosis in no time

That's absolutely right. Variance drinks petrol. Every time you brake, you're converting kinetic (motion) energy to heat energy in the discs and pads, which is then dissipated by the wind. It cost you money to get that kinetic energy. Also, building kinetic energy fast (hard accelleration) takes lots of energy. Think of riding a bicycle. If you cruise along your legs feel fine. Now stand up and give it some welly, then brake hard, and pedal again. Change up a gear, stand and pedal hard, keep going like this. In minutes your legs feel like they're on fire. So, the best way to save fuel is to ride smoothly, and not to accellerate or brake harshly. It'll save your chain, sprockets, tyres and fuel. It's not as much fun though, so it's up to you. MotoGP bikes use 21 litres in half an hour.
Jon.

Oh yea, and northy's rough guide to seeing if you're too lean (from what I remember of it):

4th gear, 3k rpm, hold the revs steady. Get comfy. Good look around you to make sure no-one is there that'll get upset in a second.

Crack the throttle open wide (4th gear, that front wheel aint going nowhere!), if she coughs, splutters & dies (or just coughs too much), you're too lean.

Don't ride the bike too lean, you'll only end up damaging something.

Macho Grassy Bottom to Northy for the above procedure, and many apologies if I got it wrong anywhere

If you really want to improve your fuel economy forget all of the above and try smooth riding. By this I mean reading of the road/traffic better so that you don't have to throttle and brake so much. Remember if you are braking you are removing the forward energy you have produced and thus then need to use the throttle (Fuel) to regain your momentum.
If you want to see this in practice watch an experienced Motorcycle courier, although keeping up with them is nigh on impossible!!!!

Originally Posted by Swiss

If you really want to improve your fuel economy forget all of the above and try smooth riding. By this I mean reading of the road/traffic better so that you don't have to throttle and brake so much. Remember if you are braking you are removing the forward energy you have produced and thus then need to use the throttle (Fuel) to regain your momentum.
If you want to see this in practice watch an experienced Motorcycle courier, although keeping up with them is nigh on impossible!!!!

Swiss, ignore all the above?

Both me & ujoni08 said that variance eats fuel. If you're smooth, you're not varying speed (or RPM) much.

What does the snorkal do?

and

What will removing it do? Any side effects?