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Old 07-09-2008, 04:48 PM   #9 (permalink)
truckncycle
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Roseville, CA
Posts: 32

Bandit 600 - '96 Suzuki Bandit 600
90 day: 45.87 mpg (US)

Ranger 3L - '99 Ford Ranger XLT
90 day: 21.4 mpg (US)
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Freewheeling sounds like a really interesting idea. I tend to just put the clutch in but my commute isn't very long.

I have been considering a couple of aero mods. Some bikes have aerodynamic seat covers behind the driver when there is no passenger. I was thinking about creating a seat cover that is the shape of a large tapered mail box to smooth out the flow behind me (and give me extra storage). I have also considered an aerodynamic backpack to smooth out the flow. If I make one, it will be hard sided and will have some sort of slide on shoulder clips instead of straps. Straps are a pain to remove over leathers.

My carbed bike gets 10 mpg less in the winter than summer so I am planning on installing carb heaters. Hopefully this will help. I was able to find some on a UK website.

I have also been thinking about weight saving. The cheapest would probably be for me to lose a few pounds but I was thinking more about rotational weight. One possibility is to move from 530 chain and sprocket to 520. I would also consider changing gearing at the same time.

A couple of interesting sites on motorcycle aerodynamics are:
Craig Vetter, designer and inventor of the Windjammer fairing and Triumph Hurricane Motorcycle - This is a great site if you haven't seen it already.
Ryno Fender - Expensive ($200) but interesting for sport bikes
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