Personal Best Yesterday*165 Miles on 1 Tank*I challenge other Ryders to try

[CyncySpyder]

Usually, after 120 miles, I'm sweat'n bullets look'n for a gas station & the fuel light is on & gauge is down to one bar. Again, not sure if this is related to the Firm-Ware update that was done right before our trip to SITA or just due to me short-shifting like Bob Denman has suggested he rydes, but I'm making & breaking Personal Best records with fuel economy on TEDs Red Sled

For this last tank, SpYder & Teddy only, no camper, we averaged 30.6 miles per gallon & 165 miles on the trip computer. Before trying this short-shifting Ryde'n style, I've NEVER come close to numbers like these. All I've been doing is making sure that I up-shift as close to or before 4000 RPMs on the Tach. No matter what speed Im at. At first, trying this, I thought I would be bogging the SpYder down, but now that I'm used to this method, it's just a constant series of up-shifts with no bogging or hesitation. Granted, I'm no rocket off the line, but I'm just as happy with the performance, especially knowing I'm getting an average of between 5-8 more miles per gallon. As much as we Ryde (over 12K miles in about 3 months) that adds up quickly

Anyone else with an SE5 RT want to give this a try & see if you get similar results or not? I'm curious if it's just the change in Ryding style or if it was the Firm-Ware Update

[pierrelogic]

165 is darn good on an RT.

Reggie Tan pushed the limit on our recent OSR ride through the Hocking Hills. 185 miles on a tank. He was seriously on fumes and sweatin' bullets. Never seen anyone so happy to roll into a gas station.

[Bob Denman]

I'm glad to hear that it's working for you! Teddy is probably enjoying the less-frenetic pace too... (Low & slow...)

[Mr. White]

Dave, when you say firm wear update, are you talking about 2011-7 for the throttle body...? I really have not paid much attention to my rpm's when I shift....kinda listen to the engine and shift when I think it wants to...

I will try your under 4,000 rpm shift point, but I think I shift around 3,500 to 4,000 but will look at it tomorrow when I go with my buddies to breakfast. I have consistantly gotten 29-31 mpg since I bought BR1. Later.

ps. I have an appointment to get 2011-7, 8 and 9 done next Friday. Have you had 2011-9 (parking brake upgrade) done yet?

[stevedfive]

What is 2011-9 (parking brake)?

[tweeder]

This is why I installed the aux fuel tank. Yesterday I filled up at 320.1 on the clock and took 10.4 gallons. Dave with the kind of millage you're putting on and with the trailer you are a perfect candidate for the aux tank. My dealer (Jim Potts Motor Group, 815-338-0640) now has a ready to install kit. You get the tank and all the lines you need to install it into your RT. There was a ryder from NJ that you might have met at SITA who just did the install. Something to think about.

What aux tank are you referring to? Will it fit the gs?

[Pandy]

Just filled up, 179 mi 5.3 gallons. Most miles out of a tank and the most fuel I've ever put in.

Patrick

[NancysToy]

I have an appointment to get 2011-7, 8 and 9 done next Friday. Have you had 2011-9 (parking brake upgrade) done yet?

I will be surprised if you can get 2011-9 done. When my dealer looked up the part number for the new spring, it was not available yet.

What is 2011-9 (parking brake)?

This is for the 2011 RT. Not sure why it doesn't apply for the 2010 RT. It calls for replacing spring in the rear parking brake drum with a heavier one. This Warranty Campaign was just issued 8/1, so many dealer haven't even heard of it or downloaded it yet, and as I sdaid, the part is not yet readily available. Give your dealer some time.

[ARtraveler]

Good information--keep us posted as you continue to track. I usually end up putting in 4.8-5.5 gallons at my fill ups. I vary from 150 to 185 (the most miles on one tank)--5.8 31.8 mpg.

I fill up for convenience or "need a break" purposes when I travel. I have not driven the "netherlands" of AK, so have usually been able to find gas at no more than 125 mile intervals.

[AndyIsRiding]

Best I did was 163.9 miles and it took 4.54 Gallons.
Red light was on for last 19 miles.

I am averaging 32mpg, with boss on the back 95% of riding

Motorcycle.com, just tested the 2112 Berliner Winibago, and Hondas landcruiser and they were getting 34-35mpg real riding.

So I say that mileage on the Spyder is decent, comparing the frontsize we have and the weight.


http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs...93.html?page=4

[sandrunr1]

Last year, went to Spokane from Vegas. One area, Salt lake to Idaho Falls was 210 miles. Decided to go for it. Went 100 miles and sign said next services 45 miles. Went and behold, no services. Station closed. Now a sheriff sub station. Sign said next services 43 miles. Forward 43 back 45. Oh well forward ho. Lucky we found a camp ground 35 miles from Idaho falls selling gas. We had 183 miles on my SE5 and my wifes SM5. I took 5.6 she took 5.3. We could have made 20, 30 more miles. 183 was enough.

[CyncySpyder]

Dave, when you say firm wear update, are you talking about 2011-7 for the throttle body...? I really have not paid much attention to my rpm's when I shift....kinda listen to the engine and shift when I think it wants to..I will try your under 4,000 rpm shift point, but I think I shift around 3,500 to 4,000 but will look at it tomorrow when I go with my buddies to breakfast. I have consistantly gotten 29-31 mpg since I bought BR1. Later.ps. I have an appointment to get 2011-7, 8 and 9 done next Friday. Have you had 2011-9 (parking brake upgrade) done yet?

Yes, thats the Firm-Ware update I had done. Sadly tho, my throttle body DOES need to be replaced. Im guessing that with your AVG MPG's you've probably already been doing this (short-shifting) or better already, so good for you

[CyncySpyder]

[QUOTE=Mr Orange;358774]Dave with the kind of millage you're putting on and with the trailer you are a perfect candidate for the aux tank. Something to think about./QUOTE]

Ive thought about it, no doubt. I followed along while you were getting this designed & built for you, but right now, the high cost is prohibitive for us at the near time. Maybe in the future, when Teddy makes it to the Big Time we can get one of these added. Til then, I'll be watching my shifting & making the frequent fuel stops

[CyncySpyder]

Averaged 31.34 MPG's on this last tank
and got 168.3 miles
and this was with us Shredding up about 20 miles of country roads we found last night
So don't think we're having to be slow & no fun
You can still short-shift quickly & have a BLAST
and improve your fuel economy

[Schultzi]

Did 185 miles today, filled up and put in 5.28 gallons. All on regular(87)fuel and starbrite.

[3whlLefty]

I put 5.5 gal in my RS SE5 today at 176 miles. Not great mpg but not terrible either. The interesting part is that the bike had been parked for about 2 weeks while we were gone. It was in the garage and the outside temps were 100-105 daily. When I started it the fuel gauge showed no bars. I know the last bar was lit when I parked it. I ran about 3 miles to the station to fill it and never saw that 1st bar. Several curves and bumps in the road too. I wondered if the float was stuck at the bottom. Filling the tank brought it up and it's registering just fine but that was a new one for me.

[NancysToy]

I put 5.5 gal in my RS SE5 today at 176 miles. Not great mpg but not terrible either. The interesting part is that the bike had been parked for about 2 weeks while we were gone. It was in the garage and the outside temps were 100-105 daily. When I started it the fuel gauge showed no bars. I know the last bar was lit when I parked it. I ran about 3 miles to the station to fill it and never saw that 1st bar. Several curves and bumps in the road too. I wondered if the float was stuck at the bottom. Filling the tank brought it up and it's registering just fine but that was a new one for me.

The gauge will register higher with a hot engine and trapped heat, after a ride. In the morning they are cooled, and always read lower. Takes a while before the tank and fuel heat up and the gauge registers higher again. Just the nature of the beast.

[murphybrown]

Last 2 fills I have averaged slightly over 40 MPH...no trailer, but all "stuff" areas on Ms Spyder are stuffed full..have an extra bag i passenger area..probably 25-30 lbs.... traveling hiway speed...not being heavy on throttle...also using StarBrite StarTron..and highest octane available.
I started the additive when I took off last week...have seen significant increase..I am documenting every fill....when I get back to home will average the complete trip...the lowest I got was 34.8 when I was really on the throttle (75+)....

[woodchuck]

Usually, after 120 miles, I'm sweat'n bullets look'n for a gas station & the fuel light is on & gauge is down to one bar. Again, not sure if this is related to the Firm-Ware update that was done right before our trip to SITA or just due to me short-shifting like Bob Denman has suggested he rydes, but I'm making & breaking Personal Best records with fuel economy on TEDs Red Sled

For this last tank, SpYder & Teddy only, no camper, we averaged 30.6 miles per gallon & 165 miles on the trip computer. Before trying this short-shifting Ryde'n style, I've NEVER come close to numbers like these. All I've been doing is making sure that I up-shift as close to or before 4000 RPMs on the Tach. No matter what speed Im at. At first, trying this, I thought I would be bogging the SpYder down, but now that I'm used to this method, it's just a constant series of up-shifts with no bogging or hesitation. Granted, I'm no rocket off the line, but I'm just as happy with the performance, especially knowing I'm getting an average of between 5-8 more miles per gallon. As much as we Ryde (over 12K miles in about 3 months) that adds up quickly

Anyone else with an SE5 RT want to give this a try & see if you get similar results or not? I'm curious if it's just the change in Ryding style or if it was the Firm-Ware Update

I have a 2009 and I average any where from 32 to 37 depending on the riding I do. I have mels 30 tooth sprocket which serves me well. I take off in first gear, shift to third and then fifth. I don't hotrod the because those days are over for me. I raced motorcycles and cars back in the 60s. So now I have it out of my system. Just pleasure riding now. The motor does not lug down with this shifting pattern. I would not be surprised I can get 185 or higher on a tank of gas.

[boborgera]

If you fill your tank to the top and drive like an adult, there's no reason why you can't go 175/180 miles on a tank.
Most times my low light wouldn't come on till 165 miles. [08Sm5]

[Dragonrider]

On our trip to SITR, we had one leg at 36.889 mpg - that's 243.47 miles. Overall, we hit 31.43 mpg or 207.44 miles. Note that my gauge was below the red line, and the idiot light comes on at 125 miles, or just over 3 gallons used. We verified that several times, but actually went 204.6 miles before our Trinidad fill up and used 5.88 gallons. My riding partner had one tank of fresh non-rubbish (no ETOH) premium gas, and got 46.8 mpg out of that, while I got 36.889 (using Star*Brite) - you can see the cost of being PC.

I need to find a boat dock close by…..

[Mr. White]

I am getting 29-31 mpg consistantly. As I said, it seems I shift at 3,500 to 4,000 as that is when BR1 says it wants to. I rode last Saturday with fourteen others and this seems when I do my most shifts.

Scotty, I called my dealer last Thursday and made an appointment to get the upgrads done. I asked that they order the brake upgrade and hope BRP has it. If not, I will go back when it comes in.

[NancysToy]

If you fill your tank to the top and drive like an adult, there's no reason why you can't go 175/180 miles on a tank.
Most times my low light wouldn't come on till 165 miles. [08Sm5]

My 2011 hits the light at about 120-130 most of the time. Freeway driving quite often, but adult freeway driving at the speed limit. My 2010 Spyder was worse, hitting the light at 90-100 miles. A lot depends on the Spyder, and even more depends on the gasoline in your area. The ethanol kills us here, as do the some of the seasonal formulations.

[retread]

Best tank so far is 184 miles, with 1 bar left, sweating bullets the last 20 miles 'cause I'd never had to push it like that before. 5.5 gallons to fill.

john

[CyncySpyder]

If you fill your tank to the top and drive like an adult, there's no reason why you can't go 175/180 miles on a tank. [08Sm5]

I don't disagree with you about an RS, but in your blanket statement, your lumping in apples to oranges my friendAn RS is 230 pounds lighter than an RT (Dry weight 699 to 929) not to mention the increased size difference of the RT over the RS & also the decreased aerodynamics of having the large shield & wind deflectors.

On our trip to SITR, we had one leg at 36.889 mpg - that's 243.47 miles. Overall, we hit 31.43 mpg or 207.44 miles. Note that my gauge was below the red line, and the idiot light comes on at 125 miles, or just over 3 gallons used. We verified that several times, but actually went 204.6 miles before our Trinidad fill up and used 5.88 gallons. My riding partner had one tank of fresh non-rubbish (no ETOH) premium gas, and got 46.8 mpg out of that, while I got 36.889 (using Star*Brite) - you can see the cost of being PC. I need to find a boat dock close by…..

Wow, that's the BEST I've heard of so far, Good for you!!!