What's your best motorcycle MPG?

[darcane]

Originally Posted by redyaris

Power = work/time, a ratio
Torque = force x moment arm, not a ratio
BSFC = fuel used/torque, if I am not mistaken, a ratio

Efficiency is not just a ratio, but a ratio of output to input. Power is an output, neither work nor time are the inputs. So, power is still not a measure of efficiency. However, if you compared power (the output) to the amount of fuel used, then it is an efficiency (better known as BSFC...)

[dr200]

i don't know if robert's rules of order is viable in this case but i would like to invoke a "point of order' on this thread i beleive the thread has something to do with your best mpg. i would like to say that it looks like i have increased mine 10mpg from stock (zuki dr 200). 74stock to 80 with gear change (15 to 16 on front). with recent windsheild (found in a shed, beleive it was for an atv) it seems i am now at 85 (really 84.86mpg) yee-haw (55to 60mph, normal driving so there was bursts of 65 to 70 and jack rabbit starts). i might try to improve with a better designed windsheild, handguards (cold weather a comin), and a vetter tail or maybe my own design (only me and the wife, empty nesters, so all i need is 2 bags of grocerys)

[TFS]

I was getting 200mpg in testing at 55 mph on a streamliner. Official results from the Vetter Contest was 173..

[bungie4]

I finally broke 100mpg (101.97 Imperial) on my 2011 CBR250R. Normal riding. Nothing beyond coasting to stops when possible. No EOC, no drafting, no P&G. I've picked up an MPGuino and have it mounted in a project box but just haven't had the time to wire it up yet.

[cvetter]

This sounds promising. I hope you can get down to the AMA Hall of Fame Inductions next month, Nov 19 in Las Vegas. Sunday morning the 20th, we are going to do a 160 mile test Challenge from Las Vegas to Barstow.

Craig Vetter Fuel Economy better mileage

The invitation is open to all interested riders who want to be living better on less energy.

Chinese food for lunch in Barstow.

Should be a pretty good day.

[beatr911]

WooHoo! Going to be in Vegas the week before for work. I'll try to make the events and maybe find some sort of ride for the event. Craig, do you need any support drivers for a sag wagon? I'm a good wrench too.

[SamRus]

The best I got was 82.7 mpg (US) on my almost stock 2007 Ninja 250. I'm by no means hypermiler, and this was very regular riding, most of it at 60 mph. I changed gearing a little bit (15 front and 44 rear as opposed to stock 14 front and 45 rear). But I also have a large trunk on the back, which surely doesn't help the aerodynamics :-)

Couldn't upload a pic of my bike, because this is my first post...

[sendler]

I ride a 2011 Honda CBR250R with the air box lid removed and 7% longer gearing (plus 1 tooth in the front). I did 134.99 mpgUS at 45 mph on the track at Watkins Glen during the 2012 Green Grand Prix. No aero mods other than an over night duffel bag tied down on the rear seat, "plank style" and a tank bag stuffed with a sweater to lay on in a moderate tuck. It was a 3 hour timed run with 2, 3 minute breaks. I used full on Pulse n Glide with Engine Off Coasting. A favorable tail wind let me coast all the way down the front straight in addition to 2 places after the climb on the back of the track. I guestimate that the engine was off 25% of the time. It's not great for the trans but can give you a big number in competition.
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14% longer gearing installed, I went to the 2012 Ohio Vetter challenge with 60 pounds of camping gear in a 16" x 30" duffel on the back and got 100 mpgUS, 2.35 liter/ 100km, 42.5 km/ liter.
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With good weather I am between 90 and 100 mpgUS all summer long on my 80 mile, 65 mph round trip commute. I should be able to do better if I ever get around to getting a tail built.
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[cvetter]

Sendler exceeded 100 mpg at the Vetter Challenge in Ohio. In fact, he turned in 105mpg! I rode right behind him most of the way. No pulse and gliding that I could tell. Now, if he had been able to carry the groceries he could be a contender.

I think that the CBR can be a serious Challenger. The price is a factor because new, it costs over $4,000. There are not many used ones around. Used Ninjas are plentiful at around $1500 each. The seat is high on both bikes, forcing a large frontal area. In addition, when a tail is installed, it gets difficult to throw your leg over the seat.

The Honda Helix - being a scooter - solves those problems but adds others... smaller wheels, inadequate CVT ratios, frequent oil change, etc.

Compromises, compromises.

I love doing this stuff.

Craig

[alvaro84]

The CBR250 is a great platform, one day I might get one myself. I like the 12000km maintenance period, and it's a 250 that seems not only 'smaller', but better at FE than my current F650 (which is better than most other 650s in this respect).

I wonder how a potent luggage compartment (at least a large top case) and possibly a wider handlebar changes this good FE. Sendler's experience with luggage looks promising, now the remaining question is how comfortable I would find the stock handlebar(s) and the whole riding position (I don't plan on tucking for long hours).

I don't intend to retire Teresa anytime soon, but I can always keep an eye for possible successors. The CBR250 is among them (so is the NC700S with its built-in 'tank' luggage compartment, which is a brilliant touch). TBH, I don't need any sportiness, but a reliable all-rounder for commute and errands as well as long round trips.