[VHinch]

Still getting a good feel for my bike and it's fuel range, so I've been diligently checking my fuel mileage, and I'm for 3 consecutive tanks where the only riding I did was my work commute, I'm averaging right at 54 mpg. My commute is right at 30 miles, and it's all two lane back roads, so I'm probably averaging between 35-40 mph at most. Even at that though, I wasn't expecting my mileage to be quite that high. Is that normal?

On two tanks of all weekend riding where I'm more apt to open up and run more like 50-60 mph, I'm averaging right at 45 mpg. That's more in line with what I expected overall. Any thoughts? Is the higher commute mileage just do to the low mph thus low RPM ride?

 

[smilie]

All depends. What bike?

 

[VHinch]

All depends. What bike?

Of all the dumb things to leave out of my post.

2001 Shadow ACE Deluxe 750, and I have a Memphis Shades Slim on it for the winter.

 

[smilie]

Yup, not working the motor as hard.

 

[7xclm]

Pics, pics, pics, we need pics.

 

[Scared]

Yeah, totally normal. Above 60 and it will drop off quick.

 

[VHinch]

Pics, pics, pics, we need pics.

The first two show it with the shield, although in the pics I have the Fat shield on instead of the Slim -

And this one shows her with no shield, which I greatly prefer but can get pretty miserable this time of year -

 

[VHinch]

One more. This one does show it with the Slim shield, and with my best girl:

 

[jwinker]

At > 20mph and < 40mph, you'll get 50+mpg. Easy.

You need to take your bike on a real ride. 100 miles + outside the city at 55mph+. You'll get GOOD mileage, but not 50+mpg. For your first trip, you should be able to get 100 miles per tank pretty easily. It will get you accustomed to flipping to reserve. It will also give you a broader scale of how far you can go once you flip to reserve.

It's also less-accurate to judge your average fuel consumption based on .943 and .920 gallons of gas at fill-up rather than 2.5013 and 2.4918 gallons. I'm not saying you've done this, but you if it doesn't match up to your 100 mile experience, don't be surprised.

 

[VHinch]

You need to take your bike on a real ride. 100 miles + outside the city at 55mph+

If all goes as planned, that's on the agenda for Saturday. Weather here should be just about perfect for it too.

It's also less-accurate to judge your average fuel consumption based on .943 and .920 gallons of gas at fill-up rather than 2.5013 and 2.4918 gallons. I'm not saying you've done this, but you if it doesn't match up to your 100 mile experience, don't be surprised.

I've tried to be as consistent as possible with when I fill up for this exact reason. I've been stopping between 115-135 miles, so I've been checking mileage at between 2.1 and 2.5 gallons each time.

 

[jwinker]

I've tried to be as consistent as possible with when I fill up for this exact reason. I've been stopping between 115-135 miles, so I've been checking mileage at between 2.1 and 2.5 gallons each time.

Good! You're on the right track!

So, this is just my personal advice, not gospel...

Try to set your benchmark at 60mph for 1 hour. You should be able to make it 2 hours on one tank of gas, including reserve, or 120 miles. Plan a 250 mile trip, or essentially 3 fill-ups, one very close to home. Fill & ride 120, ride about 10 miles more, turn around and come home. Did you hit reserve? When?

Repeat this process in each direction you can, then average all of them. At 50mph, I found my mileage to be about 50mpg, but at 70mph, I found my mileage to be about 40mpg. I suspect you're going to find the same.

 

[Roadburn1776]

I'm getting about 55 mpg when I cruise my 750 Spirit on the back roads about 50-60. But when I spend about 20% of my time on the highway going 70-80mph, it drops to about 50 mpg.
I also have Cobra pipes with the carbs re-jetted. Sounds awesome.

 

[ldw6559]

I'm getting about 55 mpg when I cruise my 750 Spirit on the back roads about 50-60. But when I spend about 20% of my time on the highway going 70-80mph, it drops to about 50 mpg.
I also have Cobra pipes with the carbs re-jetted. Sounds awesome.

My MPG are the same as yours with a large Memphis Shades windshield and stock everything else. Well with the exception of Mustang seat and aftermarket grips. When I ride to work and back at 100 miles round trip and 90% interstate at 70-80 MPH I still average around 50 MPG.

 

[jpr1968]

Where are you located. Most mid and northern states switch to a winter blend that can decrease mileage up 10%.

 

[Roadburn1776]

If all goes as planned, that's on the agenda for Saturday. Weather here should be just about perfect for it too.



I've tried to be as consistent as possible with when I fill up for this exact reason. I've been stopping between 115-135 miles, so I've been checking mileage at between 2.1 and 2.5 gallons each time.

Based on your given input, you are getting 54 mpg. Simple math.
Divide the total miles driven by your gas refill, equals your mileage.
You are getting 54 mpg.

 

[pastordave1]

Mine's fuel injected so a little different but am averaging about 55mpg. Drops to 48-49 going 70+ but have gotten 62 doing 45-55 mph.
My son has a 02 ACE and is averaging about 47-48 but I'm sure he rides a lot different than I do and much of his is over 70 mph.
It's great to be able to hit it hard and still get way over 40 mpg!

 

[NorTex]

Your mileage sounds right to me. My 2009 Spirit consistently gets above 50 mpg. Most of my riding is in town with stop lights, but with 50 speed limit between lights at which I push 60. With city traffic, I'm very pleased with 50 plus mpg.

 

[Mark-B]

Yeah, the harder you push these things the less likely you will be impressed with your fuel consumption.. I get about 42mpg at 75mph interstate speeds.. Upto 63mpg if I take it real easy..

All that aside... Those are some great photos! A beautiful family you have there

 

[3stage]

With my 2000 Shadow 750 ACE, I am averaging between 47 - 55mpg with my last four fill ups.. I ride at 60mph average highway, but most of my riding is done at lower speeds. That is on a bike that needs some proper maintenance..

I am using the FuelLog app on my Android to help keep track of my mileage. Currently servicing the bike and changing out the 41T sprocket for a 39T.. curious to see how the service + new gearing will affect things.

 

[2500hdon37s]

Mileage is about on par with what I got. around 50 commuting, usually speeds of 30-70mph. and joy riding in the mid-upper 40's. Highest it ever got was 60mpg on a very relaxed and constant speed of 50-55 for an entire tank.