 Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2 |
My 07 SM purchased new in Feb 08 has +20k on the odometer. When I take 'er out,it is usuaaly for a 300 to 500 mile romp. My riding fantacies are to travel well beyond the California state line. What modifactions can this group of wizdom  wrenchers suggest to increase fuel economy and range and still maintain some performance. I want the option of riding 200 miles between stops and traveling faster than 50 mph. I am currently running with the Triumph off road pipes and therefore, I know the mechanic changed the needles, but am not sure to what size. I am due for a chain and sproket change. I am considering a Tour Tank addition to the rig, but I waiver on the space it'll take up. It's cheaper than a custom tan by a local shop.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
My 07 SM purchased new in Feb 08 has +20k on the odometer. When I take 'er out,it is usuaaly for a 300 to 500 mile romp. My riding fantacies are to travel well beyond the California state line. What modifactions can this group of wizdom wrenchers suggest to increase fuel economy and range and still maintain some performance. I want the option of riding 200 miles between stops and traveling faster than 50 mph. I am currently running with the Triumph off road pipes and therefore, I know the mechanic changed the needles, but am not sure to what size. I am due for a chain and sproket change. I am considering a Tour Tank addition to the rig, but I waiver on the space it'll take up. It's cheaper than a custom tan by a local shop.
I'm no wizard but if your looking for 200+ before reserve you'll need a larger tank.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Or do this (ignore the giant yellow bag)... 
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 467
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 467 |
Air them tires up good. Do NOT run one of those huge windshields,tall backrest or huge saddlebags.They are like air brakes on a bike if you are looking for fuel mileage you need to keep it fairy smooth.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Air them tires up good. Do NOT run one of those huge windshields,tall backrest or huge saddlebags.They are like air brakes on a bike if you are looking for fuel mileage you need to keep it fairy smooth.
Windshields... and so are they efficiently worse than wind hitting the chest, shoulders and head at highway speeds? Without a wind tunnel to prove it, it's hard to say but in the realms of imagination I'm wondering if windshields win over in terms of cutting through the air more efficiently. 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,194 Likes: 56 |
Would be an interesting experiment like the pick up truck tailgate up or down? Mythbusters experiment says better mileage with it up. So that , to me, means that it may be better with a windshield. Maybe someone should write them and see if they would do the experiment on TV.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
I've seen a professionally made small after market alloy fuel tank that was secured on the rack behind the pillion passenger's backrest and it Looked pretty neat for an extra place to store fuel. I'd just rather stop at a fuel stn though.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,268 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
I've seen a professionally made small after market alloy fuel tank that was secured on the rack behind the pillion passenger's backrest and it Looked pretty neat for an extra place to store fuel. I'd just rather stop at a fuel stn though.
I'm with you Staffo, my seat of the pants fuel meter says it's time to take a break at 130 miles. 
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2 |
I guess Friar John's got the answer. The Tour Tank is not expensive and gives the flair of a beer truck
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 331
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 331 |
As you are due for a chain and sprocket change try a 19t front sprocket. Have one on my 08 America and good value for increased mileage. You will not be burning off from the lights but for open road touring it does make a difference and I find the top end performance quite ample for my riding anyway.. Fast Eddy has the kits with the choice of front tooth configeration for a good price 
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
That trip (pictured) was 3600 miles. Only tapped the gas can once, but I was pretty diligent in mapping out gas stops. The following year I wasn't so careful, didn't carry the can, and ran out of gas in Arizona. I'm sure someone here will pipe up about that any moment. I'll probably take it along from now on for any trip that leaves the Northwest. Maybe I'll buy one of those spun aluminum "tube" style gas cans rather than a "keg" style with an actual fuel line.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Quote:
I've seen a professionally made small after market alloy fuel tank that was secured on the rack behind the pillion passenger's backrest and it Looked pretty neat for an extra place to store fuel. I'd just rather stop at a fuel stn though.
I'm with you Staffo, my seat of the pants fuel meter says it's time to take a break at 130 miles.
Just an alternative view, I'm ready to break at 100 miles, but if I've taken a break (maybe stopped for some attraction) in the 50-60 mile range, I'll have a tendency to go more than 100 miles for that "leg" of the trip. So having some extra capacity isn't a bad thing. Fully loaded, and I do mean fully loaded, even riding by myself (which is like two-up for most other people), I really don't push it more than 110-120 without extra gas onboard.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 476
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 476 |
i usually last 100 miles. then i need to get off and walk around the bike. i was thinking of one of those "keg" things but don't want to distract the looks of the bike that much.
If it isn't broke, I haven't messed with it.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Somebody sells a plastic fuel container that's contoured to fit in a saddlebag, I didn't bookmark it, so I have no link. Mea Culpa
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 476
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 476 |
If it isn't broke, I haven't messed with it.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 237
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 237 |
a few years ago when by bro and I rode to M.O.N. park .lol middle of nowhere ... back roads ... near orland .. me on my 68 N15 C/S and its tiny scrambles tank (2 gal useable).. we strapped a metal Lawnmower tank to the back of his commando.. and topped me off as we stopped for a stretch.. smoke break .. got back to Polk Co.. last exit as she sputtered to reserve.. just right .. was a blast.. good luck . .and a very light wrist .. hehehe.. that was the bad part.. skimping on the torque blasts wasn't so fun..
07 SPEEDMASTER ..SLASHCUT BUBS..
NOLOGY COILS/WIRES ..PHANTOM BLACK ..CHROME COVERS...K&N PODS..
BEAUTIFULL WHEN SHE RUNS RIGHT..SHE WAS ..
.. I LIKE HER>> ALOT ~~
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 537
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 537 |
I find you can't go wrong with a 2 litre plastic coke bottle. When I'm getting a bit low out in the back blocks of NSW Australia, that extra 2 litres can guarantee me nearly another 50kms touring range. Just dump the contents in my tank and the empty bottle in the nearest trash can. Not sure how legal it is but I wrap the bottle in a soft hand towel to prevent chaffing in my saddlebags and better insulate the bottle. Have had no problems with this type of temporary fuel storage even after a very hot day of touring.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
No not legal John but effective. I may add I wouldn't do it myself but whatever mashes ya spuds I say. 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 189
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 189 |
I have a 17" shield, hard bags and have gotten 53mpg ridding 2 up on my 2007 America.
07 TBA, 32" Turnouts, DIY Freak, hard saddlebags, 18" screen, dresser bars, highway pegs, floorboards, fog lights, amber run/turn lights front, red run/turn/stop lights back, blue speedo/tach lights, LED console lights
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
I have a 17" shield, hard bags and have gotten 53mpg ridding 2 up on my 2007 America.
That's awesome! You must have 'er dialed in pretty good!!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,150 |
Having read the differences between some rides out there, it makes me also think how many variations there must be in the way each bike is set up. The way I look at good fuel consumption is like this. If I have a good air / fuel ratio, it's saying to me I'm running as efficiently as possible. Also, If Ferdie is such a beast as I've 'tweaked" him so he's topping 100 ponies (I wish) and my air fuel is spot on, there is nothing more I can do about it other than modify my riding style so I'm not continually zooming round enjoying all fun that comes with said extra ponies. So in short, I wonder if some of the better consumption results weren't running on the lean side and alternatively, some of the less good results running rich. I'm not saying this is happening but I wonder. Really though, what's important IMHO is that we are all running as efficiently as possible for your particular setup and hopefully that'll equate to good mpg results as well.  My two cents worth. stacka
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 144
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 144 |
John, off-topic but I love that Candy Orange paint colour.
Gary.
My girlfriend thinks I'm a stalker...
Well, she's not actually my girlfriend yet.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
I'm not sure my bike could get 53 mpg coasting with the engine off. The bike runs incredibly, I have dyno charts showing 75 Hp and 66 ft. lbs. of torque at the rear wheel and the AF nailed between 12 and 14. But, I only get about 35 mpg and maybe a little more if all highway fill up to fill up.
I also take into consideration that my odometer is 2% off showing slightly less miles than traveled. I add that 2% before calculating mileage. I think the best the bike got was 40-45 (all highway) when new before all the re-jetting, carb, and BB mods.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,465 Likes: 2 |
Parabellum claims great mileage increases with their shields. I never resolved the "will the driving lights fit" question and went with a competitor, but I've heard some amazing tales about some of Charly's aerodynamic designs. www.parabellum.comI've had a few Vetter Windjammers and a Quicksilver that I believe was designed by Charly. That was a really good product.
Last edited by Hermit; 04/05/2011 6:47 PM.
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I don't know what my hp or torque is now as I have no dyno. But I know I only get 40mpg. I aslo know saturday my brother and I were running down the highway and overtook some HDs. When they stopped at the like road house we were at one came up to us and said. When I saw you guys gaining on us back there I started pushing mine then you were right behind us, so I layed on the throttle then yall passed us like we were standing still. We had to stop here to talk to yall.
So I know we are putting more on the ground than the average HD bagger however much that is.
But I get only 40 mpg as I said. Its a trade off I am willing to take.
I dont know if adding wieght to increase fuel economy works. Aerodynamics is obviously a science. where do you cross the line and start backwards performance and economy wise?
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
If you want good milage, get a moped.
I've seen between 36 and 48.
Depends on how much you twist the glad handle.
And, I have put it on the dyno. Dialed in,
I think,
Uncle Charlie
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Re: Fuel Economy & Range
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258 |
When I first got my bike, it was stock and had 1,012 miles on it so it was already broken in. I eased through a tank of fuel to see what kind of mileage I could get, 52.8 mpg . Normal riding stock, and after adding TORS and shimming the needles both averaged 45 mpg. Desnorkled, UNI filter, 130 mains 42 pilots with no shims, air screws at 3.25 turns averages 43 mpg for normal riding, a steady 75 mph cruise now averages 46.5 mpg. If i creep around and keep the speed down to 50 mph or so I still get 49 mpg.
I just went to a 19 tooth sprocket it'll be interesting to see what kind of mileage increase it's good for.
Outside a dog a book is a mans best friend, inside a dog it's to dark to read.
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