The results are in...

[The Atomic Ass]

I filled up the Ninja today for the second time since getting it back in service, so I have actual data now!

A few notes from this tank: I had POD filters and 108 mains with 1 shim each needle for approximately 50 miles, same without shims for another 50 miles, and the remainder of the tank was with the airbox back in, and the stock 105 mains with no shims. I also drained the carbs into a gas can to change the mains, and didn't pour that gas back into the tank, since that was the mower can, and had stale gas in it already. The engine flooded right before I took off the POD's, (icing), and it has needed quite a bit of choke to start up due to my not being able to find my idle adjuster screw driver. I've also been driving at 9:30PM, and 6:00AM. I've also been using my heated gear to keep warm, which eats on the alternator.

All in all, I'd say 68 under those conditions is great. The Burgman is most definitely NOT getting that on the few occasions I've used it while the Ninja was down. I'm very familiar with it's gas gauge, and it's going down too fast, despite it always running lean at the speed I now drive to work, and it getting to normal operating temperatures before I reach either home or work, something the Ninja is not doing.

My next project is to find an old towel or something to wrap around the Ninja's engine block, to heat up faster, and to figure out a way to shoe-horn a mega battery in, like I did with the Burgman. The Ninja's battery is old, more than I'm willing to pay for, and the alternator does not put out enough to run my vest.

[beatr911]

The Ninja is water cooled so a radiator block will allow a faster warm up.

Thanks for the comparison tween the ninja and burgman. Didn't know the burgman did so well.

What is the distance and speed of your commute?

[The Atomic Ass]

Originally Posted by beatr911

The Ninja is water cooled so a radiator block will allow a faster warm up.

Thanks for the comparison tween the ninja and burgman. Didn't know the burgman did so well.

What is the distance and speed of your commute?

Distance is approximately 3 miles one way, (and, based on the math, I should be able to make this tank in the Ninja now, last until after new years ), and speed is 25mph the whole way, although it is dark both ways, and the coldest part of the night on the return leg.

The Burgman does so well heating up, because I am under the impression it's tuned lean at 3K RPM. Doesn't seem to help the FE much though, which is surprising. I doubt I'll be getting another tank out of it to find out though.

The Ninja already has a full radiator block, it's not heating fully even with that in place. The blanket idea would be in addition to the full radiator block. I'm getting actual condensation on the colder days, my oil sight glass is clouding up and won't clear unless I do a longer ride, which I typically only do on Sundays.

[beatr911]

A 3 mile commute is pretty hard on engines, especially in winter. The water in the oil you mention is the reason.

With that short of a daily ride, a bicycle is a much better alternative. I know, I know, motorcycles are more fun, but bikes are much better for this short of a daily ride. You get infinity mpg and your health increases as well.

[The Atomic Ass]

Originally Posted by beatr911

A 3 mile commute is pretty hard on engines, especially in winter. The water in the oil you mention is the reason.

With that short of a daily ride, a bicycle is a much better alternative. I know, I know, motorcycles are more fun, but bikes are much better for this short of a daily ride. You get infinity mpg and your health increases as well.

My job leaves me physically drained to the point where I don't think I'd be able to make it home consistently on a bike. Purchasing an electric bike is out of the question due to the low pay of the job, and paying for things I do not want nor need. (taxes, health insurance).

I will, of course, accept donations of working or cheaply repaired electric bicycles.