Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Performance Mods Quiet & Cheap

Greetings, All,

My desire for "Performance," i.e., the way I want my TBA to perform, is to run VERY quiet and get as many miles out of a gallon of gas as I can get at 70mph. I do NOT need a whole lot of off-the-line take off speed. Not my style.

My new '06 TBA has just 1,254 miles on it and the engine/exhaust is totally factory-stock. Any thoughts on how to make it quieter and increase gas milage beyond 42 mph overall (so far)?

Not sure you can get it any quieter than the stock pipes. Any noise you are hearing is probably the cam chain.

To increase your mileage, try running consistantly between 4000 and 4500 rpms or so.

Soren

Soren - thank you.

One reason I traded in my 1995 Honda ACE 1100 for the TBA was the exhaust noise comparison. I am VERY pleased with how quiet my TBA is running.

I just would like to increase milage without making more noise.

Again, thanks for the comment.

Also, consider changing your original 17T front sprocket to an 18T sprocket if you haven't already done so. You will lose some pick-up starting out, but since the engine will be running at lower RPM per given speed than with the original 17T, your mileage will probably increase, and the engine will be a bit quieter because it's not turning higher RPM.

I forgot about that one. That will be one of the best things you can do to increase mileage.

Soren

That's the beauty of collective wisdom!

Things I THINK may work...
1.a., Noise - Belt drive conversion
(simply because chain noise is about the only noise left to reduce)
1.b., Noise - Trade it on a Gold Wing
(The only sound is the sound system)

2.a., Performance (economy) - Sprocket change to highest ratio possible. (What that is, I have no idea)

2.b., Performance (economy) - Tyre Pressure. Exceed recommended (Bike) pressure to a point between bike and max tire pressure. ( I don't recommend for multiple reasons which include dependability, ride quality, handling (SAFETY), but rock hard tires have less rolling resistance.

Yes, changing the sprocket would certainly help. Lower RPM's at speed would do a lot.

Second, a windscreen. I added a Rifle SoloShield to my bike. Pre-screen I would have to switch to reserve between 135 and 139 miles. With the screen I'm getting to 155 miles. Suprising but true.

Spark plugs will net you a bit more. try some iridiums or try side-gapping the stock plugs. The Iridiums are definatly better as performance goes, so they should get a bit more MPG tho i never noticed if they did or not. Side-gapping gave me an even better performance gain and i know for a fact 1-2 MPG better because i've cheack a few times since.

belt drive???

Put a 19 tooth sprocket on the front at 70 mph you should see significant increase in gas mileage. You should also run quieter because of turning less rpm.

Only thing about taller sprockets, don't be affraid to downshift on hills and stuff because even tho it is turning slower, you'll be grabbing more throttle to climb and that will decrease milage. Downshift to keep the rpms up when workin hard.

Thanks, all. I just had my dealer (D&D Triumph, Norfolk, VA) put on an 18 tooth on the front. We'll see what shge does.

You're gonna love it.

Soren

One of the tricks Chrysler used when the Mobile gas economy runs were a big thing was to get into top gear as quickly as practical.
Overinflating the tires by maybe 2 - 3 PSI helps.
Accelerate gently and try to adjust your speed to minimize time sitting at redlights. = Slow down a little when the light ahead is red so you get there when it goes green.
Buy gas in the morning when it is cooler. Warm gas expands, so you don't get as much energy per gallon when you fill up late in the day.
If you have bags on your bike, leave them home unless you absolutely need them. Extra drag and weight costs gas.
If you need to, go on a diet. (See above)
Keep your jacket closed up to reduce drag. If it is a loose fit, consider getting one that fits tighter.
You might get a small power and economy increase if you take the rubber tubes (snorkles) out of the airbox.

It's good to know that someone else is not into noise. Wife said that the bike did not sound like a motorcycle; but, I think its because she could not hear me leave or better yet return. So, I did remove the back baffle so my 05 Speedy would kinda sound like a motorcycle. So now the wife has time to get the milkman out before I get in the door. I dont like the HD type noise that brings tears to your eyes, requires hearing protection and complaints from the next county . The only other thing was to change the air filter to K&N and the front sprocket to 18T. Last count I got 161 miles before cutout and had to go to reserve. Am running 89 as it seems to run better. Have not messed with carbs or airbox as the whole thing seems to complicated for this ol' boy. As others said, tyre pressure is a must not only for safety but for mileage.

I gotta change that to 2-3 MPG better since that last post. I've checked it numerous times now and 2-3 MPG is more like it.That and a bigger sprocket should net a good 5 MPG.

A few other ideas...
Make sure your pilot screws are set correctly and that your carbs are synched. The other things are maintenance items such as make sure your air filter is clean, your chain is adjusted properly, and that your brake calipers are clean and operating properly. This is just SOP - dirty air filter, dragging brakes, and chain adjustment can all have an effect on your mileage as well...

Oh, and when you wave to other riders, keep it low and close - less wind resistance.

HaHa-You guys are biting you're tonques on this one, eh!?

Yeah Matt,
No one's ever asked us this before. This question's got me thinking alot, but not gnashing teeth.
I'd love to get more than 140-150 miles per 3.2 gallons, but it's too late for me, I've passed over to the power side. Everyone else, save yourself. Go for the mileage.

For better gas mileage put a 18 Tooth or even a 19 tooth primary sprocket on(stock is 17 tooth). Available from: newspeedmaster.com
It's an easy mod. and cheap. I don't think you can get any quieter than stock.

Since PapaDean left us I will offer another thought
that comes from the drag race crowd. An old trick,
but worth a thought.
Cool the fuel!!!
Place an old Ford power steering cooler in the fuel line
so it gets good air flow.
This lowers the temp of the fuel so MORE is actually
introduced into the cylinders.
You can then "lean out" the carbs but get the same power.
Thus more milage when used this way!
(OK, PapaDean, I know yer from Tiffin, there for crazy as
a loon on demeral!!! Feel free to correct me!!! )