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Old 07-01-2014, 09:59 AM   #1 (permalink)
Daox
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Germantown, WI
Posts: 11,203

CM400E - '81 Honda CM400E
90 day: 51.49 mpg (US)

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90 day: 64.33 mpg (US)

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1981 Honda CM400 build log



I've been riding my 1981 Honda CM400 (CM400E) a LOT more this year (and having tons of fun while doing so). I have a few tanks under my belt now, and I am thinking about what I can do to improve mileage.

My daily commute is 7 miles one way. About 1 mile of 25/35 mph followed by 5 miles of 45 mph, and then another 1 mile of 40/25 mph.

The carbs on the bike aren't running 100%. I get some hesitation on mid range power on cold starts (low or high throttle input gets me going). I'll be taking them off this fall for a good through cleaning. It was running nearly flawlessly last year, but I didn't drain the carbs during winter... dumb move I know. When the bike is warm it runs very well with the occasional back fire at low throttle inputs. It also starts very well all the time.



Thus far, I've been getting just below 60 mpg which seems average when looking at our garage of motorcycles of similar engine size.

Obviously, I know the basics, but I'm looking for more bike specific things. Lately, I've been engine off coasting to stop lights/signs at city speeds to avoid idling. Obviously keeping the speed down helps. Additional technique tips would be greatly appreciated.

At this point I'm not looking to do any real involved mods as I have enough other projects. If its quick and easy I'd be interested though.

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