Quote:
Originally Posted by redyaris
If you look at my fuel log for my 2007 KLR 650 you will see that I got 62.78 mpg over a distance of 938 miles, this is mostly commutting 84 km/day [52 miles/day] at speeds of 70 mph or more, and some gravel roads at over 60 mph. ocasional short bursts up to 100 mph!  |
I just bought a used 2000 KLR650 (for it's Swiss Army Knife utility, my 34 inch inseam, heavy aftermarket support and common engine parts over it's 25yr build span).
I've been commuting 2 days/week, 140mile r/t. My commute is 70% 65-75 mph on the highway, then 20% highway at reduced speeds in traffic (I lane share under 35mph), then 10% across town, lights, neighborhood.
The previous owner had already increased the countershaft sprocket size by 1 tooth over factory, trading the stock 15T for a 16T, lowering cruise rpm 400rpm or so. He also put on Avon 'gripsters' which are more of a street tire than offroad. I managed 2 tanks of 47mpg, 49mpg. I increased the countershaft tooth count more, to a 17T, 70mph is 4500rpm now. I have 2 full tanks so far with new gearing, 53mpg and 55mpg.
If it had fuel injection, I'm sure it would do better, but that would defeat the essence of the 'K.I.S.S.' (keep it simple, stupid) KLR I'm afraid.
Closing up the intake cam's duration might increase low rpm torque and mpg's, and is something I might try. If a guy were so inclined, trading the high front 'air grabber' fender, narrowing the bodywork and handlebars, lowering the bike 5 inches would likely all help... but reduce it's utility.
For a 50 yr old guy like me, I'm not sure a buzzy single cylinder thumper is the best choice as a highway commuter or even long-distance adventure bike, but plenty of guys use them that way. The Versys or Beemer GS on the other hand...