First impressions of a small motorcycle commute

[Daox]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Sounds promising. If only cars were that easy to re-gear.

Oh man that wold be awesome.

[dcb]

Just wanted to say that this bike is a lot of fun. It seems to be coasting better, I bumped up the psi in the tires (I don't kneescrape, so no biggie) and I noticed that the rear brake sometimes drags, so have been avoiding it till I can fix it.

Also, this thing bump starts reliably at a really low speed, like I be sitting on the bike and give it one good shove forward with my feet and bump start it. (has come in handy a few times)

This is the smallest bike I've ever owned. It is really kind of funny when you wind it out. The aural stimulus is much like a crotch rocket taking off, there is an initial excitement to it, but then you realize that you don't need to hang on quite as tight as you did on the fj1200, nor are the cars instantly dissapearing into tiny dots in your rearview

But the new gearing is nice. A lot of people wouldn't like it, having to downshift to climb hills and such, but I've got the throttle about 2/3 open in 6th, just maintaing 45mph at about 4000rpm.


I was wondering, as has probably been wondered before... I move the bike around a lot with my feet. If traffic is inching along and the engine is off, I'll just walk the bike forward from the seat. Does that make it a hybrid?

[MetroMPG]

Nice story. Looking forward to seeing your fuel log progression.

As for pushing - that's fair game. Hey, I rolled my car about 30 feet out of a parking spot this morning (opened my door & pushed with my foot to get it rolling - was already on a very slight grade).

Is 300 lbs really that heavy for a small bike? My Ninja 250 was 305 lbs dry weight, if I recall.

[LostCause]

For maximum MPG, I'd work extensively on aerodynamics. I think motorcycles have Cd's from 0.5 - 1.0+, depending on rider position and installed fairings. With highly developed fairings, 125cc is all you'd need, but the United States is allergic to small bikes.

If you ever do engine work, I'd consider stroking it to increase low-end torque. The nice thing about small bikes is they are cheap to own and work on. One thing that would be smart, but no one ever uses anymore, is a chain case. Chains and sprockets are probably the biggest mechanical consumables on the bike, why not protect them?

Chain Case


Some more extensive fairing ideas that could be made at home are the dolphin and dustbin types. Craig Vetter's competition saw an extension of the dustbin fairing into a full capsule.

Dolphin Fairing: Honda RC-143


Dustbin: 1958 Moto Guzzi V8


Vetter Full Fairing


I'm under the impression that engine vacuum won't work on low-cylinder count engines (i.e. anything under 3 cylinders) due to the pulses you've described. I believe that is why most small, fuel-injected motorcycles use the alpha-n speed density table to calculate fuel use rather then a MAF sensor. Alpha-N does use a MAP sensor, so I may be wrong.

Great thread, by the way.

- LostCause

[WTFM8]

Ooo... I've got to get me one of those Vetter full fairings! Imagine the MPG improvement that would make on any bike!

[dcb]

Actually I'm probably headed in the luxury cruiser direction with the recumbent seat.
I already have some ape hangers (not for IV bags JOHN ) that I am trying to sort out (needs longer brake hose/clutch cable) and will probably take the add the 750 fairing and slant it back a bunch and replace my soft toolbox with a trunk/angled backrest. And lower the seat and suspension as much as it will go. Also I'm scoping out some hiway bars too, might just bolt on some conduit.

It won't be as radical as the vetter full fairing, or even the luxury cruiser, but it might help, and be more comfortable to boot.