SV650S serious fuel economy!

[Daschicken]

Originally Posted by sendler

Most people with CBR250R's ride around in low gears to be sporty. Anyone that tries, as you are, will get 85 mpgUS. I got 99.5 on a 1,000 trip in the rain and get 105 in the Summer back and forth to work at 65 mph.

Are you ever going to see if you can swap a CRF 250L cam and header into your CBR 250? That should improve the low end power and maybe fuel economy too. I am no further with getting an SV of my own for now...

[sendler]

The cam for a CBR20R from an India bike would be lower rpm also. But I have no need to go inside the engine. 106mpgUS all summer again with 53,000 miles.

[Daschicken]

I do have the possibility of getting a 3rd motorcycle. Still a few months away, but planning is already underway!

My top three choices are the twin spark SV650S(or SF if I can find one), the Yamaha SR400, or the new Honda Super Cub that is coming out soon.

The SV would be a great choice as its got a cool V-twin, has plenty of modability, and is the most suitable for the long distance sport touring riding I want to get into. The Yamaha is kick start only, winning mucho cool points, and its just a good looking bike all around but otherwise doesn't have all that much going for it. And the little cub, it definitely draws me in, but its got some problems that I would need to spend a good bit of money to rectify. First off, no manual clutch, which means no coasting. Second, it will be far slower than the other two bikes, the yamaha COULD be used for touring, but not this thing. Lastly, I am worried about its maximum lean angle, would it bottom out early??

I really do like the SV, and I do want to go on more long distance rides, so it sounds like I have already talked myself into it.

Onto potential mods I would be doing for the SV:

Engine:
Shorten stock exhaust leaving CAT in place
DL 650 cam swap(put SV exhaust on intake, put DL exhaust on exhaust)?
^Buy all DL cams to match timing easily^
DL 650 intake trumpets
Hotter thermostat from 2003-2006 model
Block radiator partially
Block oil cooler completely
EDIT: Just discovered the SFV650 comes with a oil-water oil cooler, which should help oil warm up faster. Add that to the list!

Drivetrain:
16/39 gearing(or 16/38)
Michelin Road 5 tires
Brake drag reduction springs
Higher tire pressures

Aero:
SF fairings
Aero front fender(might need front fork swap for options)
Space fairings out at end to ensure complete leg coverage
Rear tire hugger

Comfort:
Lowered pegs
Tank rubber(also for tank protection)
Better seat

Other: TeeRiver Fuelbot


Should be capable of some pretty awesome mpg!

[Daschicken]

I beat my 71 MPG highway tank, this time getting 74.8 MPG.

No modifications since previous record tank, excepting a nearly 3/4 radiator block. I was even running the OE spec tire pressures of 33F/36R.


The blocking was enough to keep engine temperatures around low 170s in the 45 or so degree weather. Operating temperature is 176F as far as I know.

This tank was lower speed riding while still tucking a good bit. Plenty of short shifting and putting around. The battery was dying, so I didn't shut off the engine as much as I would have liked.


Can't wait to get my own SV! Considering what I can do with this SV, I think pushing my MPG goal up from 90 to 100 is the right thing to do.

[jimhs]

Good job!
What is your cruising speed and driving conditions,highway I guess?
What is the gearing set up?

[Daschicken]

Originally Posted by jimhs

Good job!
What is your cruising speed and driving conditions,highway I guess?
What is the gearing set up?

This tank was mostly 45-55 on rural roads with some 65 mph highway riding. Gearing is actually the stock 15/45 as this is my little brother’s bike. When I get my own SV I will be running something ridiculous like 16/39.

[jimhs]

Not bad then.
Your plan sound interesting.report us back when you are there.
I am interested to hear if the tall gearing will effect driveability. A dl650 I used to ride was surging badly (for my taste) when I was lugging the engine on high gear