More mpg! Moooore! - SV650.org

14-11-06, 05:13 PM

I'm considering going up in front and/or down in the back--but it seems nobody's ever considered doing that before, judging from a quick search of previous threads on sprocket changes. The rationale is that it's the safest way to improve highway fuel consumption: I've seen suggestions to remove the mirrors for aerodynamic improvement but I like seeing behind me. I took a 700 mile ride in a full tuck for $5 savings in gas but my neck is still sore, and that was a coupla weeks ago.

So gearing seems like the way to go. But I'm not really cut out to be a pioneer in mechanical modifications, I can barely handle an oil change by myself. Has anyone done this before? Care to share any wisdom gained, if so?

Viney · 14-11-06, 05:15 PM

Fuel consumption is all about being smooth with the throttle. Sticking to around 55mph, light throttle, and gentle riding.

Gearing may help, just pop one up on the front.

How much do you want to get from the tank anyway?

14-11-06, 05:26 PM

Haha, 55.

I know that's the most effective way to improve the ol' mpg, especially on a motorcycle, but speed limits here are 70mph, and highway cruising speed is 80 and up.

I'll take 300 miles a tank if I can get it without sacrificing too much torque to zip around #$*%heads on the highway and get in front of Corvettes pulling away from stoplights. I mean, when I'm just riding around town I usually shift before the torque peak, so I could go up a few notches and just shift later without sacrificing much.

14-11-06, 05:51 PM

it won't help your mpg unfortunately. 6th gear is like on overdrive anyway. The engines rpm doesn't reflect the fuel going in to the engine, the throttle position does this. An engine can run in 5th at 6000rpm and use less fuel than 6th at 2000rpm. This is when the engines close to maximum efficieny. Besides $$$$? if your in the states i'ved no idea why your wondering about economy!

14-11-06, 06:01 PM

I bet if you had to pay just over $7 a gallon (UK price) you would drive very efficiently!

14-11-06, 06:14 PM

Yes, but the UK is so tiny everything's right around the block anyway. Consider relative sizes and the total lack of mass transportation, and you're right back to needing more efficiency.

So, if lower engine rpms don't necessarily translate into better fuel economy, how do I find out whether they will or not? I've heard a rule of thumb that the lowest rpm without the engine seeming to struggle is best, but that's a pretty imprecise guide.

For the record, I do attempt to ride within 2 sec. behind a large truck on the highway when traffic allows, since drag is the worst enemy of fuel economy at constant speeds.

14-11-06, 07:54 PM

small things can give you better economy
1 carbs/throtle bodies balanced
2 spark plug gaps / condition
3 clean air filter
4 good quility oil
5 proper tyre presures
6 clean brake calipers

ect ect all make a diff

oh and the easyest way most peeps like me could get better economy DIET lol

14-11-06, 08:29 PM

yeah i used to live in oz, and i know what you mean about distances! explaining to people i would wake up at 5, and drive for 3 hours to get to work no one believes me! hehe. theres alot to consider when judging economy. The engine works most efficiently at about half its rpm (thats not scientific- it just happens to be!). The throttle is the direct control of how much fuel is going in the engine. As an experiment try holding the throttle still during changing gear to see if you increase or decrease in speed. A decrease in speed would suggest the first gear being optimum. Being in 6th and stressing the engine will use lots of fuel without sounding 'stressed' as a car would becasue of the bikes much higher power/weight ratio. a double bubble screen may increase the drag of the bike, but overall decreases the drag because of the improved aerdynamics around the rider. a good screen will require 30hp at 80mph!! Just remember drags a function of velocity squared, so each extra mph requires alot more power.

Biker Biggles · 14-11-06, 08:51 PM

Going up one tooth on the front will give you better economy,as will a double bubble screen.A small rucksack and tank bag also help the airflow and smooth clothing like leathers are good,but the most advantage will come from your riding style.As said,smooth input and forward vision are needed,with gradual throttle opening and avoiding braking by slowing down well in advance of hazards.Keep your tyres pumped up to top pressures and the chain well oiled and adjusted.

None of the above is that much fun though.

14-11-06, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

6th gear is like on overdrive anyway.

Whats the difference between an overdrive and a real gear. Always wondered.

14-11-06, 05:13 PM	#1
khafra Guest Posts: n/a	More mpg! Moooore! I'm considering going up in front and/or down in the back--but it seems nobody's ever considered doing that before, judging from a quick search of previous threads on sprocket changes. The rationale is that it's the safest way to improve highway fuel consumption: I've seen suggestions to remove the mirrors for aerodynamic improvement but I like seeing behind me. I took a 700 mile ride in a full tuck for $5 savings in gas but my neck is still sore, and that was a coupla weeks ago. So gearing seems like the way to go. But I'm not really cut out to be a pioneer in mechanical modifications, I can barely handle an oil change by myself. Has anyone done this before? Care to share any wisdom gained, if so?

14-11-06, 08:51 PM	#9
Biker Biggles Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Barnet Herts Posts: 5,071	Going up one tooth on the front will give you better economy,as will a double bubble screen.A small rucksack and tank bag also help the airflow and smooth clothing like leathers are good,but the most advantage will come from your riding style.As said,smooth input and forward vision are needed,with gradual throttle opening and avoiding braking by slowing down well in advance of hazards.Keep your tyres pumped up to top pressures and the chain well oiled and adjusted. None of the above is that much fun though. __________________ On a clear day we stand there and look further than the ordinary eye can see.

14-11-06, 05:15 PM	#2
Viney Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: In the shadows to the left Posts: 7,700	Fuel consumption is all about being smooth with the throttle. Sticking to around 55mph, light throttle, and gentle riding. Gearing may help, just pop one up on the front. How much do you want to get from the tank anyway?

14-11-06, 05:26 PM	#3
khafra Guest Posts: n/a	Haha, 55. I know that's the most effective way to improve the ol' mpg, especially on a motorcycle, but speed limits here are 70mph, and highway cruising speed is 80 and up. I'll take 300 miles a tank if I can get it without sacrificing too much torque to zip around #$*%heads on the highway and get in front of Corvettes pulling away from stoplights. I mean, when I'm just riding around town I usually shift before the torque peak, so I could go up a few notches and just shift later without sacrificing much.

14-11-06, 05:51 PM	#4
gettin2dizzy Guest Posts: n/a	it won't help your mpg unfortunately. 6th gear is like on overdrive anyway. The engines rpm doesn't reflect the fuel going in to the engine, the throttle position does this. An engine can run in 5th at 6000rpm and use less fuel than 6th at 2000rpm. This is when the engines close to maximum efficieny. Besides $$$$? if your in the states i'ved no idea why your wondering about economy!

14-11-06, 06:01 PM	#5
comunik Guest Posts: n/a	I bet if you had to pay just over $7 a gallon (UK price) you would drive very efficiently!

14-11-06, 06:14 PM	#6
khafra Guest Posts: n/a	Yes, but the UK is so tiny everything's right around the block anyway. Consider relative sizes and the total lack of mass transportation, and you're right back to needing more efficiency. So, if lower engine rpms don't necessarily translate into better fuel economy, how do I find out whether they will or not? I've heard a rule of thumb that the lowest rpm without the engine seeming to struggle is best, but that's a pretty imprecise guide. For the record, I do attempt to ride within 2 sec. behind a large truck on the highway when traffic allows, since drag is the worst enemy of fuel economy at constant speeds.

14-11-06, 07:54 PM	#7
Apophes Guest Posts: n/a	small things can give you better economy 1 carbs/throtle bodies balanced 2 spark plug gaps / condition 3 clean air filter 4 good quility oil 5 proper tyre presures 6 clean brake calipers ect ect all make a diff oh and the easyest way most peeps like me could get better economy DIET lol

14-11-06, 08:29 PM	#8
gettin2dizzy Guest Posts: n/a	yeah i used to live in oz, and i know what you mean about distances! explaining to people i would wake up at 5, and drive for 3 hours to get to work no one believes me! hehe. theres alot to consider when judging economy. The engine works most efficiently at about half its rpm (thats not scientific- it just happens to be!). The throttle is the direct control of how much fuel is going in the engine. As an experiment try holding the throttle still during changing gear to see if you increase or decrease in speed. A decrease in speed would suggest the first gear being optimum. Being in 6th and stressing the engine will use lots of fuel without sounding 'stressed' as a car would becasue of the bikes much higher power/weight ratio. a double bubble screen may increase the drag of the bike, but overall decreases the drag because of the improved aerdynamics around the rider. a good screen will require 30hp at 80mph!! Just remember drags a function of velocity squared, so each extra mph requires alot more power.