Maximizing fuel economy

Message

RTR · #11 Post by **RTR** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 3:20 am

Sevulturus wrote:And yes, carry as much gas as you can. Pushing a bike probably takes all the fun out of going for a tour.

+1

Have fun. Post the pics when you get back.

V4underme · #12 Post by **V4underme** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 3:23 am

CNF2002 wrote:I think a bikes aerodynamics have a big impact on your mileage. A windshield will help you gain some mpgs.

A smaller, aerodynamic screen may help, but the big wide screens hurt, imo. They usually are near vertical when mounted, so the bike is pushing a "sail" into the wind. I tossed out an old Memphis Shades screen I had on the Magna and gained 3 mpg during highway cruising.

-Holiday · #13 Post by **-Holiday** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 3:43 am

if i was that worried about saving 2 miles per gallon on the tour for money reasons, I probably couldnt afford to go.

that said, I should be able to report the differences on my cross country trip next month.

jstark47 · #14 Post by **jstark47** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 5:47 am

Nibblet99 wrote:stupid point i know... but if you're touring, you want as much fuel as you can get... Always assume every fuel station is closed, and its unlikely you will know where the nearest alternative is

Agree. You don't want to get caught short. Unless you know the area so well you're 100% sure where the gas stations are and when they're open, I would fill the tank all the way up. It's amazing how some built-up areas where you think there should be gas stations actually have none.

What's your normal range on a full tank?

CNF2002 · #15 Post by **CNF2002** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 5:52 am

And some that have 4, one on each corner, that only have 1-2 cars between them.

V4underme · #16 Post by **V4underme** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 6:40 am

-Holiday wrote:if i was that worried about saving 2 miles per gallon on the tour for money reasons, I probably couldnt afford to go.

that said, I should be able to report the differences on my cross country trip next month.

A valid position. But, as the title of this thread asks, I found that losing the big flat shield helped to maximize fuel economy.

Please do post some results when you return, I would be interested in seeing how it turns out.

< I Fly > · #17 Post by **< I Fly >** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:24 am

Good points.

And as far as saving gas, it's not just about my money.
I don't want to give a cent more than necessary to the kleptocracy!

CNF2002 · #18 Post by **CNF2002** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 8:53 am

< I Fly > wrote:Good points.

And as far as saving gas, it's not just about my money.
I don't want to give a cent more than necessary to the kleptocracy!

So walk

< I Fly > · #19 Post by **< I Fly >** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 9:56 am

If my legs could propel me at 80 mph, I'd never buy another drop of gas.

DieMonkeys · #20 Post by **DieMonkeys** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 10:06 am

< I Fly > wrote:If my legs could propel me at 80 mph, I'd never buy another drop of gas.

We have the technology. We have the ability. *Million-Dollar Man music*