1981 Honda CM400 build log - Page 7 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

elhigh · 08-01-2014, 10:06 AM

Here's an instructable from a guy converting his old 6v bike to LED lights.

And this guy is converting his old analog flasher to a new digital timer that will work with the low current draw of LEDs.
I remember reading a project where a guy converted his bike from the old conventional bulbs to big 4" diameter LED arrays, that was my favorite and of course now that I want to show it to someone, I can't find it. But that was what I thought a proper taillight should be on a motorcycle, vast. In E. TN it appears to me that if you aren't at least a car, a lot of drivers would just as soon mow you down.

Daox · 08-01-2014, 10:18 AM

Thanks, I'll look into that.

On another subject, is been a minor annoyance, but functionally its fine. But, the rear (drum) brake squeaks under light braking pressure. As soon as you step on it it goes away. The brake works great, I had to lock it up at a stop light the other day. There is plenty of stopping power. It just squeaks and is a bit annoying. Any ideas on how to fix this issue?

user removed · 08-01-2014, 02:57 PM

Pull it apart, clean it out and use a drill and a scotchbrite pad to rough up the drum surface, pay special attenntion to where the shoes end and clean that edge of the drum more than just scuffing up the middle. My GZ250 does the same thing. I just chalk it up to my hypermiling and use the brakes more coming down my driveway.

Might mess with it when I change the rear tire.

regards
Mech

Daox · 08-13-2015, 05:15 PM

I've been riding the bike a lot since the Metro has been acting up. Latest tank got me 61.8 mpg.

Sadly, the OEM Honda seat cover is starting to tear, so its time for a new one. Any tips on replacing a seat cover?

sendler · 08-24-2015, 07:35 AM

Have you looked at the new fuel injected world bikes from Honda? A used CBR250R would get you closer to 100 mpgUS on that commute for $2,500. Starts up and runs perfect in any weather. No carb issues. And has a nice Catalyst and an O2 sensor so emissions are minimal. The PCX150 is also a joy to ride and always gets 100 mpgUS by everybody.

Daox · 08-24-2015, 11:53 AM

Yes, I would definitely enjoy and have considered a fuel injected bike. However, with the limited riding season here in Wisconsin, I don't feel like dropping a couple grand on a newer bike at the moment. Heck, the Metro was only $1200.

sendler · 08-24-2015, 01:15 PM

I'm in Syracuse. I ride with electrically heated clothing when necessary from March through December whenever there is no ice on the road. 15,000 miles per year.

Daox · 08-24-2015, 01:16 PM

Got some links? Sounds interesting.

The coldest I've ridden in I think was 37F. My hands were cold by the end of my (pretty short) ride and my bike REALLY didn't want to start that day haha.

sendler · 08-24-2015, 02:17 PM

I use the Venture Heat jacket liner, pants liner, and glove liners but there may be a better value in another brand now.
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Venture Heat - RevZilla
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Not sure how much extra juice your old bike makes to run all of that.

Daox · 06-05-2017, 10:02 AM

Just filled up for the first time this year with the bike. Not a very impressive 39.6 mpg. This is typical of the first tank of the year though. The rest seem to be much higher.

On a side note, I had a short ride home last night, about 25 minutes on country roads. This was my helmet when I got home. Apparently I wasn't the only one enjoying the nice warm night air!