TheRider
05-22-2008, 05:53 PM
Well, when you're good, you're good. But when you're good and lucky, well, lets just say it can go to your head. My 2005 Yamaha TW200 is getting good mileage using the following techniques:
I was getting mid 80s. 84, 85, 86, 87 mpg. My high this year was 89.27mpg. Not bad but last summer I managed mid 90s all the time. So, this tank I changed my strategy to maximize fuel use.
1. No warmups. If it was running, I was rolling. Previously, I'd let the engine get warmed up a little before I took off. Now, I start it and immediately get underway. Gently of course. I don't like to pull a cold engine.
2. Not idle choking. It was cold enough that I had to use the choke some but I avoided it when possible. When I was ready to roll I would turn on the fuel valve, hit the choke, hit the starter and roll. As soon as I ran it for 30 seconds or so while rolling, I'd turn off the choke. (...its not really a traditional choke, is an "enrichening valve"...)
3. Manually position the bike. No use of power or idling the bike while parking or turning around.
4. Slow down. Most of my commute is 45mph. I usually stay between 40 and 45. This time, I stayed below 40.
Bikers: #4 is the biggie. Bikes are very none aerodynamic. I've seen statistics that say you get 10% less fuel usage on a vehicle for each 5mph you slow down. I'm thinking its more like 15% with a bike because of the drag.
This last tank: 97.78 mpg. Wow. Slow down a little and do a little more thinking before you hit the gas/choke, etc and it makes a big difference!
I even was railroaded a couple times and, if you check my blog at http://pocketchangeexpress.blogspot.com you'll see that one day I did a ton of idling and fooling around because of blocked streets, railroads and traffic. So, I think the elusive 100mpg is within my grasp. Next wednesday, maybe.
-George
I was getting mid 80s. 84, 85, 86, 87 mpg. My high this year was 89.27mpg. Not bad but last summer I managed mid 90s all the time. So, this tank I changed my strategy to maximize fuel use.
1. No warmups. If it was running, I was rolling. Previously, I'd let the engine get warmed up a little before I took off. Now, I start it and immediately get underway. Gently of course. I don't like to pull a cold engine.
2. Not idle choking. It was cold enough that I had to use the choke some but I avoided it when possible. When I was ready to roll I would turn on the fuel valve, hit the choke, hit the starter and roll. As soon as I ran it for 30 seconds or so while rolling, I'd turn off the choke. (...its not really a traditional choke, is an "enrichening valve"...)
3. Manually position the bike. No use of power or idling the bike while parking or turning around.
4. Slow down. Most of my commute is 45mph. I usually stay between 40 and 45. This time, I stayed below 40.
Bikers: #4 is the biggie. Bikes are very none aerodynamic. I've seen statistics that say you get 10% less fuel usage on a vehicle for each 5mph you slow down. I'm thinking its more like 15% with a bike because of the drag.
This last tank: 97.78 mpg. Wow. Slow down a little and do a little more thinking before you hit the gas/choke, etc and it makes a big difference!
I even was railroaded a couple times and, if you check my blog at http://pocketchangeexpress.blogspot.com you'll see that one day I did a ton of idling and fooling around because of blocked streets, railroads and traffic. So, I think the elusive 100mpg is within my grasp. Next wednesday, maybe.
-George