trip gas mileage

cconleyjr · 08-23-2008, 08:43 PM

Is it normal to get lower gas mileage on a long trip then you do around town

patrick_777 · 08-23-2008, 09:05 PM

It depends on what kind of riding you're doing on the long trip. If you're at a constantly high rpm with the throttle WFO, then yes, a drop in mpg should be normal. If you have a lot of stop and go traffic, like side roads through a big city, then probably not.

Easy could probably answer this better because of his recent long trip.

Sarris · 08-23-2008, 09:38 PM

Did you get alot of gas with ethanol? That'll lower your mileage by about 10%+.

cconleyjr · 08-24-2008, 12:06 AM

Not really sure about the ethanol. I think I remember seeing something at one gas station about it but i was running at high rpm alot to stat probably is the reason I dropped about 25 miles per tank on the trip which was from ashland Ky to Gatlinburg Tn about 250 miles one way

Easy Rider · 08-24-2008, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrick_777

Easy could probably answer this better because of his recent long trip.

It does depend a lot on riding style......and wind resistance.
I tend to rip through the gears and then cruise in 5th about 55; that's with a windshield and a 16T sprocket.
So I was getting about 65 in town and 72 on the highway; never really WFO but closer to it in town.

Easy Rider · 08-24-2008, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarris

Did you get alot of gas with ethanol? That'll lower your mileage by about 10%+.

With all due respect sir, that is largely a myth.

Ethanol contains about 85% the energy content of pure gas, so changing from gas to E-85 will cost you about 15% in power and mileage, or some combination of the two.

A change from 100% gas to 90/10 gas/ethanol reduces your energy input by .15 X .10 = .015 or 1.5%

Given that things are never quite what they should be theoretically, you loss could be twice that much .....or 3%. If it is 10%+ something is drastically wrong somewhere.

Sarris · 08-24-2008, 08:50 AM

I perpetuted the myth from things I've heard or read, as I try and use 100% gas and have not personally experienced any ethanol deficencies or problems.

I defer to your knowledge sir.

:oops:

08-23-2008, 08:43 PM	#1
cconleyjr Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Boyd County Kentucky Posts: 75	trip gas mileage Is it normal to get lower gas mileage on a long trip then you do around town __________________ If it's too loud turn off your hearing aid Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-23-2008, 09:05 PM	#2
patrick_777 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,763	It depends on what kind of riding you're doing on the long trip. If you're at a constantly high rpm with the throttle WFO, then yes, a drop in mpg should be normal. If you have a lot of stop and go traffic, like side roads through a big city, then probably not. Easy could probably answer this better because of his recent long trip. __________________ ]I am hiding in Honduras. I am a desperate man. Send lawyers, guns and money. The shit has hit the fan.
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08-23-2008, 09:38 PM	#3
Sarris Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Port Richey, Florida USA Posts: 1,348	Gas Mileage Did you get alot of gas with ethanol? That'll lower your mileage by about 10%+. __________________ Prudent riders live longer than moron riders. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-24-2008, 12:06 AM	#4
cconleyjr Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Boyd County Kentucky Posts: 75	Not really sure about the ethanol. I think I remember seeing something at one gas station about it but i was running at high rpm alot to stat probably is the reason I dropped about 25 miles per tank on the trip which was from ashland Ky to Gatlinburg Tn about 250 miles one way __________________ If it's too loud turn off your hearing aid
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08-24-2008, 08:50 AM	#7
Sarris Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Port Richey, Florida USA Posts: 1,348	Gas Mileage I perpetuted the myth from things I've heard or read, as I try and use 100% gas and have not personally experienced any ethanol deficencies or problems. I defer to your knowledge sir. :oops: __________________ Prudent riders live longer than moron riders.
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