There sure are a lot of variables brought up here on this subject. Of course different mods, different elevations, weather, lay-of-the-land, riding style, just to mention a few.
I never fill up on the side stand - always holding the bike up straight, from the saddle. I hate having to get off and go inside - I just gas and go. "Wiggling" the bike a bit moves some air out and does let a little more gas in. Fill it too full when hot and it will spit it back out a vent tube, if you let it sit after filling. I'm not sure that would happen if you hit the road after a good "top off", but it is kind of difficult to monitor....
Somebody mentioned it on another thread, but a Pingle petcock might make a difference - and how far it may be threaded up into the tank might affect the reserve level. Do we really know?
I think a point Soren is trying to make is that he feels his set-up may be more efficient at 4500 rpm, at a givin speed range, even though he might reduce engine rpm if he were to upshift into 5th gear. Maybe he's riding through some elevation changes (mountains?), that may not be a factor for some of us flatlanders, and he may be onto something.
Other factors of course will be modified or other non-stock exhaust, jet sizes, air intakes, etc., which could all affect performance, and therefore mpg.
Just like everything else around here - we all GO OUR OWN WAY - and trying to compare miles to reserve is probably like comparing seat comfort, or windshield effectiveness, when we all vary in height and weight, and the type of helmet (or not) that we wear.
I have hit reserve up into the high 170s before, and also hit it in the lower 130s, and sometimes even lower. I think I get better economy running 80 mph in a hot sun than I do at night. Heat expansion in the black fuel tank? Who knows!
Shareing our differences certainly gives all a bit more fat to chew on, though. That's why we love coming here!
