97 mpg on Virago 250

[LesS]

Hi all,
I have new to the forum.
I have a 2002 Yamaha Virago 250 v-twin and today I got 96.7 mpg on the highway at 55 to 60 mph.
It has a Rifle fairing, 17/40 sprockets (stock is 16/45), 38F/39R, and yesterday I added a cargo box behind driver 21”H x 14”D x 13 W” front x 10.5” W rear.

Here are my averages:
93.6 mpg - my old commute to Norwalk CT (highway, 20% stop & go)
87.9 mpg - Commute to Somers NY (hills, slower 2 lane roads, some highway, 30% stop & go)
89.2 mpg - Commute to Somers NY after some eco mods
96.7 mpg - One time record I95 constant 55 -60 mph

I am trying to improve the bike and my driving – I will be back with any updates……

-Les S

[JRMichler]

Are you riding sitting straight up, laying down on the tank, or something between? Are you a big, tall, and wide source of air drag? Or short, skinny, and low drag?

[Insert cartoon of a helmetless rider with long hair formed into streamline shape]

[LesS]

I am 6’3”, 210 lbs. The Virago 250 is a cruiser so I moved the pegs back 12 inches for a more standard seating position. I ride about half tucked, if I hit hills or strong head winds I do a full tuck to help maintain speed.

[dcb]

Nice Numbers LesS Would love to see pics with the fairing.

[JRMichler]

Years ago, I got significant mileage improvement on a Honda CB350 by DWL. Holding the throttle absolutely steady is a challenge, but it pays off in MPG.

+1 on the photo. I'd like to see a photo with you in typical riding position.

[LesS]

I did a few more mods and my commute with hills with a little lighter traffic went from 89.2 to 94.6

Here are my averages:
93.6 mpg - my old commute to Norwalk CT (highway, 20% stop & go)
87.9 mpg - Commute to Somers NY (hills, slower 2 lane roads 45-65 mph, some highway 60-65mph, 30% stop & go)
89.2 mpg - Commute to Somers NY after some eco mods
96.7 mpg - One time record I95 constant 55-60 mph
94.6 mpg - Commute to Somers NY - tires higher at 38F/39R, cargo box taller 21"H

[low&slow]

Hi Les, Welcome to Ecomodder and great job with your 250 Virago. I'm interested in hearing how various 250 cc bikes are performing as I will be looking to purchase one for my next motorcycle hypermiling project. The Kawasaki does well but its good to hear of other candidates.
Is yor bike chain drive? its air-cooled correct ?
all the best L&S

[alvaro84]

It seems to have a long stroke engine. Could that be the reason behind being better than our Ciliegia...? They're both 250cc V-twin cruisers, but the Hyosung GV250 has a rather sporty engine, squeezing out a few more HPs from that 250cc.

We never get 90+ mpg with Ciliegia (high-70s to mid-80s are typical), though I'm sure it's doable; but surely not at 55+mph. Not even with pulse&glide.

[LesS]

low&slow - The Virago 250 is chain drive and air-cooled.

alvaro84 - The Hyosung GV250 has 2 carbs, 8 valves and DOHC, so it is more high performance than the Virago 250 - that is why the Virago probably gets better gas mileage.
The Virago 250 is single carb, 4 valves, SOHC, and is 40 lbs lighter than the GV250.

Also, the Hyosung GV250 is 25hp at 10,000 rpm.
The Virago 250 is 21@8,000 (1994) or 22hp@7,500 (1997).

[Varn]

Great job on your virago.