Most economical motorway speed?

What's the best speed for range when riding on the MW? It would be handy to know next time the light comes on and it says 21 miles to services...

Thanks!

It's supposed to be somewhere around 55mph. At least that's one of the reasons given for not increasing speed limits.

Yeah I heard that about cars, but wondered if it was the same for bikes.

john, why dont you go find out and post it up for us all to know?

Because I ain't got time freaky foot boy.

I thought someone might know. Obviously not you though!

I've been told that you should keep the engine around peak torque on motorways for maximum efficiency. I'm not sure if it's true, but it was told to me by someone who's been riding since the 60's and repairs (& restores) bikes for a living.

I think that the 55mph figure that's often quoted is for cars has to do with air-resistance. Since bikes are more aerodynamic than cars, it might well be different for us. Similarly I'd expect faired bikes to be more fuel-efficient on motorways than nakeds.

I found the best way to keep the bike economical is not looking at the speed but at your revs, try to keep them below 6k (7k can be ok), but above 4k. As then the engine is struggling to much as wastin fuel. I found doing this could at between 20-30 miles to a tank, another trick was to lay down as this would add between 10-20 miles on a tank. And I know this well as I did 130 miles a day on my cury S.
Remeber gunning it at the lights and bag gear selection will waste fuel, keep looking ahead and plan your stops, starts and gear changes. Then you to will get 60mpg plus.

Originally Posted by wyrdness

bikes are more aerodynamic than cars

Not true.

Originally Posted by wyrdness

I think that the 55mph figure that's often quoted is for cars

Think you'll find its 62mph that is quoted as optimum for cars... Like Grinch says, keep the revs low & you'll get better returns on your fuel...

But...

Where's the fun in that?

Originally Posted by Carsick

Not true.

Really? I'd have thought that a faired bike with the rider tucked in would be. Though it's probable that modern wind-tunnel designed cars might be very aerodynamically efficient.