Buying a bike for MPG/Vetter Challenge, what would be your favorite?

[sendler]

Originally Posted by TedV

Are you sure the grip muffs are to blame and not the colder temps with the winter blend of fuel, thicker grease and oil, etc.?

A little of both. I have been getting 81mpg with the grip muffs on and winter fuel. I took them off for one round trip with the new +1 front sprocket and broke 90. It was pouring rain though so my average speed was much slower at 58mph. They are adding some frontal area and a lot of turbulence.

[sendler]

Maybe Honda will offer world availability of the new CB125. Air cooled single. Not as low as a scooter but has gears and real wheels.
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Honda introducing $1990 CB125 next month
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[user removed]

I don't think a 125 will meet Craigs requirements unless it is a heck of a maxed out for power 125. I'll bet the CBR 250R will be the winner of the next one if anyone sets one up right.

regards
Mech

[sendler]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

I don't think a 125 will meet Craigs requirements unless it is a heck of a maxed out for power 125. I'll bet the CBR 250R will be the winner of the next one if anyone sets one up right.

regards
Mech

Any of the 10hp air cooled engines would need a good streamliner and gearing to break 70mph. They would also break 160mpg at that point. For $2000. My rack would fit right on a 13hp CBR125R which can easily keep up at 70mph in stock form unless straight up a mountain. I can carry 50 liters on my solo rack. Is that enough grocery room? The CBR250R is a very nice all around hypermiler because it's fuel injection starts up and runs great in cold weather, the fairing and windscreen keep you warm and dry and allow perfect vision in freezing rain if you have basic fitness enough to lay on the perfectly shaped tank where you will be comfortable all day long, has available ABS, 17 inch wheels with good factory tires. Gorgeous styling. $4000! I never ride my Ninja anymore because of the cold blooded carburetors (even after modifying the idle mixture) and lesser fuel economy although it does have a 10mph top speed advantage at over 100mph. But who of us on this forum ever want to go faster than 80mph?

[TedV]

How hot of engine temp is too hot for an air cooled motor? I seem to remember VW beetles didn't like to be over 365 deg F. Watching the engine temps of the CB250 climing the hills of TN in the heat of summer would send temps over 360 shown on a Trailtech vapor with sparkplug thermocouple washer. I noticed the power dropping off quickly. Aircooled makes it more challenging to get the heat out of the motor once fairings go on. The 5 speed hurt highway speed. I notice the CB125 has a 4 speed. Charlies bike that beat the diesels has water cooling and a 6 speed.

I rode the Dakar in temps upwards of 103 Deg F this past summer. I would soak my gear with water every 150 mile fuel stop. I would drink 1.5 liters of water between fuel stops from my camelbak. I was still misserable and it caused me to twist the throttle beyond posted highway speeds to get the day over with. I had a tight schedule to keep. Choice was give up or go faster. Fuel economy dropped from 74 to closer to 55. I spoke to Craig about the Alcan fairing and concidered getting it. But, it would take away from the off road capability and make it even more hot to ride. A cool suit system might solve the heat riding issue. The range of environment I have to deal with in TN has stalled my building of any bike based solution.

Craig would like the solution to be the first choice in the garage. All things concidered, freezing, cold rain, heat of summer, being socially presentable at the destination, my first choice is my 98 Jetta TDi getting 48mpg in perfect comfort. It does nothing supurb, but does everything well. I would love to get closer to 100mpg, but I also need it useable for everything day to day without hassle. When will VW offer the XL1 for sale?

[sendler]

So water cooled, six speed, fuel injected, closed loop catalyst, 75mph highway with the stock body work, 125cc single, bump eating full size tires, crosswind and truck blast stable aerodynamics, comfort to ride from Key West to the Arctic Ocean, AND BACK! 95mpgUS competition mileage right off the showroom floor. $3400. Honda CBR125R.
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Honda Motorcycle
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[low&slow]

Sendler, Nice work with your Honda! Is it still stock or have you changed sprockets yet? The CBR 250R has a lot of petentail.

[jkv357]

There has been repeated talk about Aprilia bringing the RS4 125cc single to the U.S. by the end of 2011 as a 2012 model. Not sure if that has happened yet (or is still going to happen).

This Cycle World article is from Nov 2010, but mentions it as a 2012 model - 2012 Aprilia RS4 125- Aprilia RS4 125 Coming to U.S.

EDIT: More info - http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motor...lia-RS4125.htm

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/...s4-125-preview - this one says "The RS4 will be landing in dealers in July 2011 with a price of £3,999 ($6,500 USD)." (!?)





Would be interesting to see how it would compare the the CBR on the road.


Jay

[sendler]

Originally Posted by low&slow

Sendler, Nice work with your Honda! Is it still stock or have you changed sprockets yet? The CBR 250R has a lot of petentail.

I put a 1 tooth bigger sprocket on the front. Still waiting for the steel -1 and -2 tooth rear sprockets from Thailand.
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Honda CBR250R Forum : Honda CBR 250 Forums - View Single Post - Longer gearing available?
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[sendler]

Originally Posted by jkv357

There has been repeated talk about Aprilia bringing the RS4 125cc single to the U.S. by the end of 2011 as a 2012 model. Not sure if that has happened yet (or is still going to happen).
Jay

That bike is sweet! The detuned version should give fuel numbers similar to the CBR125R and it will sport better parts to go with it's higher price tag. $4500 in the US?