I guess just another new guy - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

dr200 · 05-15-2011, 01:23 AM

hey all, wish i would of found this sight earlier. thought i would do my part so i bought a new 2009 suzuki dr200se. it advertised 105mpg. well after 200 mile breakin I'm getting 74.4mpg. now, i have done some poor driving, some agressive driving, but i am trying to kick those habits its he11 just driving at 55mph and getting passed. so with that i am going to try a few days at 45mph to see what that does. i do have a shop that is getting me a taller engine sproket we'll then see how that does. i feel maybe i should have got a ninja250 or that 230 honda. but i got what i got and i'll live with it

any ideas and accessorries? (tach, flow meter non-efi,racks using milkcrate right now, windsheilds, etc) thanks

David12 · 05-19-2011, 10:41 PM

Hey there,this is Mark,glad to join this forum and glad to meet you here,I look forward to getting some inspiration and getting to know all of you.

Ryland · 05-20-2011, 01:02 AM

alot of motorcycle mpg figures are at 35mph, did you say you have a windshield on the bike? because that right there can add drag because it pushed air up and over you, increasing your affective frontal area.
Tires are a big one as well, street or touring tires are going to be best.
After braking the engine in going with a synthetic motorcycle engine oil is my recommendation, make sure it says that it will not harm wet clutches, because alot of synthetics will destroy your oil bath clutch, also instead of getting a milk crate, go to a bicycle shop and check out their wire baskets, I have one that is designed for the front of the bicycle, small open top basket, a few zip ties and it's solid, holds a full 12 pack of beer and it's almost invisible when nothing is in it.
I'm not sure if it will make a big difference with gas mileage, but LED lighting is nice, mostly because of the vibration on a motorcycle but they are bright and come on quicker when used as a tail light/brake light.

dr200 · 05-20-2011, 07:03 AM

well guys thanks alot. ryland i appreciate the ideas. i guess i will hang out over at the motorcycle form and lurk around at the other forums btw. did a little less aggressive driving and speed of 47mph on a 29mile run seems that i got 105.7mpg!! maybe a fluke but i post again on a sustained study. date 5-20-2011-6pm US est- i have found the 105mpg could be incorrect due to reference point used should allow for more consumptionand milage so 1 to 3 ounces won't be as critical sorry