Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Buying a bike for MPG/Vetter Challenge, what would be your favorite?

jkv357 · 12-07-2011, 10:32 AM

That is a pretty decent list IMO.

The Ninja 250 is the clear winner when price is a factor. The engine has proven to be pretty efficient, even though it makes its peak power and torque WAY up there.

As far as the Ninja mods BHarvey suggested - I have to disagree. I don't think you'd want to go that direction from a mileage perspective. From what I have heard about flat-slide carbs, they don't like small throttle opening. I would think you'd want to drop down in carb size to increase the velocity at smaller opening while sacrificing some (unneeded) top-end power. Pod filters would kill any positive intake pulses (and your throttle response and mid-range power). Ducting in warm air to the airbox would be better IMO. You want small exhaust pipe dia and some amount of backpressure, so I wouldn't mod the exhaust system.

The CBR250R would be better, but not very easy to get a cheap donor if you were planning to scrap most of the body work.

A 250cc single enduro might be a good choice. Most have 5-speeds and air cooling, but there are a few that would work. Since you would most likely be adding full custom body work, not having any to start with wouldn't be an issue. You would want to drop it down, but a KLX 250 has a lot going for it - water cooled, 6-speed, and F.I. Should run pretty well at lower RPMs when cruising with the addition of aero body work and tall gearing. Not many used to choose from I would expect, but I don't think they are very expensive used if you can find one.

EDIT: It looks like only the current standard model KLX (not the S or SF models) are F.I. Saw a couple 2010 models listed on CL in my area - both for around $4000. So they aren't really "cheap" I guess. Other than the NX models, I'm not sure how many other 250 Honda singles are water cooled.

The older Honda NX250 is water cooled and 6-speed as well, just obviously no F.I. I've seen them on CL occasionally.

Don't know much about the others, but from what has been proven in past competitions, water cooling is a requirement when going full-aero.

Jay

12-07-2011, 10:32 AM	#7 (permalink)
jkv357 Master EcoModder Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: WI Posts: 473 Thanks: 157 Thanked 77 Times in 55 Posts	That is a pretty decent list IMO. The Ninja 250 is the clear winner when price is a factor. The engine has proven to be pretty efficient, even though it makes its peak power and torque WAY up there. As far as the Ninja mods BHarvey suggested - I have to disagree. I don't think you'd want to go that direction from a mileage perspective. From what I have heard about flat-slide carbs, they don't like small throttle opening. I would think you'd want to drop down in carb size to increase the velocity at smaller opening while sacrificing some (unneeded) top-end power. Pod filters would kill any positive intake pulses (and your throttle response and mid-range power). Ducting in warm air to the airbox would be better IMO. You want small exhaust pipe dia and some amount of backpressure, so I wouldn't mod the exhaust system. The CBR250R would be better, but not very easy to get a cheap donor if you were planning to scrap most of the body work. A 250cc single enduro might be a good choice. Most have 5-speeds and air cooling, but there are a few that would work. Since you would most likely be adding full custom body work, not having any to start with wouldn't be an issue. You would want to drop it down, but a KLX 250 has a lot going for it - water cooled, 6-speed, and F.I. Should run pretty well at lower RPMs when cruising with the addition of aero body work and tall gearing. Not many used to choose from I would expect, but I don't think they are very expensive used if you can find one. EDIT: It looks like only the current standard model KLX (not the S or SF models) are F.I. Saw a couple 2010 models listed on CL in my area - both for around $4000. So they aren't really "cheap" I guess. Other than the NX models, I'm not sure how many other 250 Honda singles are water cooled. The older Honda NX250 is water cooled and 6-speed as well, just obviously no F.I. I've seen them on CL occasionally. Don't know much about the others, but from what has been proven in past competitions, water cooling is a requirement when going full-aero. Jay Last edited by jkv357; 12-07-2011 at 11:43 AM..