Quote:
Originally Posted by euromodder
It's one of the reasons old cars can get such good fuel economy: they weigh far less than the current overweight crop...
Once out on the highway at a constant speed, the effect is minimal.
But then ... going at a constant speed isn't the most efficient way to drive
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Loosing weight alone may be slightly more efficient, but the main reason to loose weight is to downsize the engine. Old cars get good fuel economy not because they weigh less, but because their engines are small and consume less fuel.
As far as pulse and glide strategy goes, having a denser (heavier) vehicle can be a benefit for maintaining momentum and extending the glide.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CFECO
Motorcycle suspensions and wheels are not designed for side loads, be careful.
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They are designed for a side load. When a bike is at maximum lean and a bump in the road is encountered, the damper is not able to absorb the impact as readily as when the bike is upright. Instead, the swingarm is designed to flex and absorb the sideways force.
This doesn't necessarily mean the suspension can handle the side forces of a heavier trike in corners though. You bring up an important consideration.