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  1. #26
    SpyderLovers Sponsor F4 Customs's Avatar
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    Default FYI-shorty windshield....

    Quote Originally Posted by Texas View Post
    Ann,

    I can only answer those who ask about speed, to say that those concerned about speed won't see the full benefits of MPG. While I have not been able to find an aerodynamics graph, I can tell you there are several dynamic factors at play including rolling resistance due to tires, road surface type and hills, wind resistance to to speed and direction of the wind, as well as air mass (cold air is much more dense than warm air, which causes more resistance). I should have also mentioned in my mileage report, that I always have the windshield down. In fact, I would like to see someone produce a good looking shorty windshield. While I wouldn't use it during the winter months, I would use it when temperatures are above 78F. Also, wind resistance is not linear. In other words, if the force of wind resistance is 8 at 10 MPH, it is at least 30 at 40 MPH, not 32. However, we deal with speeds much higher than 40, so you can see how limiting Force as much as possible is more efficient.

    The average speed meter is always misleading, so I don't mess with it. To give you an idea, watch your own, and you'll see what I mean. It factors in such things as sitting at idle in traffic, stop lights, etc..., and I don't consider that to be an accurate representation of experienced speed. I could have gone 1 mile overall at 100MPH, but sat at idle for 10 minutes, and it would have said my average speed was 10MPH.

    I would say to those concerned about speed, don't mess with the physics of high MPG. You probably aren't ready for it yet. I know when I was younger, I thought about it, but internal emotions would not let me control it. As I got older, those internal emotions didn't fluctuate as much when I twisted the throttle. When I did twist the throttle, it was sort of a "been there, done that" feeling. Instead, I became more interested in the forces that we don't see, but play a big factor on efficiency. I also enjoy filling up with gas when I leave home, going out for a long ride for several hours, seeing my wife enjoy the trip, as she wants to see the scenery and not worry about her helmet shield being ripped away, and not having to fill up with gas again until I come home.

    One of several by-products is also the fact that it is just a safer way to ride. I lost two friends when I was young. Both were with me at the time. One in a group ride, and one was just the two of us on separate bikes. I also almost lost my father while he was with me on his own bike (it took him a year to recover). I also have countless other stories about friends who have lost legs, put in comas, etc... No one is going to intimidate me to drive fast. I've been there, done that, and seen things that no one should ever see. People can go fast if they want, but it only takes one accident.
    Texas, F4 produces a Sport model, it is 3" shorter than stock. It can be stock width or wide (5" wider than stock). The wide model is a very popular product and customers rave about the additional wind protection. Give us a call or check our website. Ride safe!
    F4 Customs, Inc.
    "The Motorcycle Windshield Folks"
    941-347-7496
    sales@f4customs.com
    <a href='http://www.spyderlovers.com/adserver/www/delivery/ck.php?zoneid=22' target='_blank'><img src='http://www.spyderlovers.com/adserver/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=22&cb=567846784' border='0' alt='' /></a>

  2. #27
    SpyderLovers Sponsor F4 Customs's Avatar
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    Default FYI-shorty windshield....

    Quote Originally Posted by Texas View Post
    Ann,

    I can only answer those who ask about speed, to say that those concerned about speed won't see the full benefits of MPG. While I have not been able to find an aerodynamics graph, I can tell you there are several dynamic factors at play including rolling resistance due to tires, road surface type and hills, wind resistance to to speed and direction of the wind, as well as air mass (cold air is much more dense than warm air, which causes more resistance). I should have also mentioned in my mileage report, that I always have the windshield down. In fact, I would like to see someone produce a good looking shorty windshield. While I wouldn't use it during the winter months, I would use it when temperatures are above 78F. Also, wind resistance is not linear. In other words, if the force of wind resistance is 8 at 10 MPH, it is at least 30 at 40 MPH, not 32. However, we deal with speeds much higher than 40, so you can see how limiting Force as much as possible is more efficient.

    The average speed meter is always misleading, so I don't mess with it. To give you an idea, watch your own, and you'll see what I mean. It factors in such things as sitting at idle in traffic, stop lights, etc..., and I don't consider that to be an accurate representation of experienced speed. I could have gone 1 mile overall at 100MPH, but sat at idle for 10 minutes, and it would have said my average speed was 10MPH.

    I would say to those concerned about speed, don't mess with the physics of high MPG. You probably aren't ready for it yet. I know when I was younger, I thought about it, but internal emotions would not let me control it. As I got older, those internal emotions didn't fluctuate as much when I twisted the throttle. When I did twist the throttle, it was sort of a "been there, done that" feeling. Instead, I became more interested in the forces that we don't see, but play a big factor on efficiency. I also enjoy filling up with gas when I leave home, going out for a long ride for several hours, seeing my wife enjoy the trip, as she wants to see the scenery and not worry about her helmet shield being ripped away, and not having to fill up with gas again until I come home.

    One of several by-products is also the fact that it is just a safer way to ride. I lost two friends when I was young. Both were with me at the time. One in a group ride, and one was just the two of us on separate bikes. I also almost lost my father while he was with me on his own bike (it took him a year to recover). I also have countless other stories about friends who have lost legs, put in comas, etc... No one is going to intimidate me to drive fast. I've been there, done that, and seen things that no one should ever see. People can go fast if they want, but it only takes one accident.
    Texas, F4 produces a Sport model, it is 3" shorter than stock. It can be stock width or wide (5" wider than stock). The wide model is a very good product and customers rave about the additional wind protection. Give us a call or check our website. Ride safe!
    F4 Customs, Inc.
    "The Motorcycle Windshield Folks"
    941-347-7496
    sales@f4customs.com
    <a href='http://www.spyderlovers.com/adserver/www/delivery/ck.php?zoneid=22' target='_blank'><img src='http://www.spyderlovers.com/adserver/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=22&cb=567846784' border='0' alt='' /></a>

  3. #28
    Active Member Texas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by F4 Customs View Post
    Texas, F4 produces a Sport model, it is 3" shorter than stock. It can be stock width or wide (5" wider than stock). The wide model is a very good product and customers rave about the additional wind protection. Give us a call or check our website. Ride safe!

    Thanks, but I would like to find one a lot shorter than that. Basically, I would like to find one that barely tops the mounting bracket...but with style of course
    -Texas

  4. #29
    Active Member Texas's Avatar
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Hawk View Post
    Nice Texas!! 224 to a tank!! On a side note, I just got my over 200 tank at 206 and probably could have gone another 20, but didn't want to risk running out. Put 5.5 gals in. I don't use the ECO mode, but probably shift around the same rpm anyway.
    Thanks Hawk. My MPG has been fairly consistent. I still believe my average will increase as temperatures continue to rise. Here in central Texas our temperatures are still anywhere from the high 60s to the low 80s, so we still have a long way to go. Once we hit the high 90s to low 100s, I'm almost certain MPG will get better.
    -Texas

  5. #30
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    I've been watching with interest... thanks!
    My first time through the pumps; I had travelled just a touch over 160 miles, and took 4.535 gallons:
    35.3 mpg!
    I do honestly feel that a 200 mile range is very do-able!
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  6. #31
    Registered Users BobnDee's Avatar
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    Default Another thought.....

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
    I've been watching with interest... thanks!
    My first time through the pumps; I had travelled just a touch over 160 miles, and took 4.535 gallons:
    35.3 mpg!
    I do honestly feel that a 200 mile range is very do-able!
    While we have only about 500 miles on our 2014 RT-S SE6, the last fill up was at 202 miles with 5.237 gal and averaged 38.572 mpg. Why so good??? Non-ethanol gas (90 octane)!!! It does make a difference, if you can find it. It's also more expensive. It may also improve performance and be better for your Rotax triple.
    There are a number of web sites that can help you locate a gas station that sells non-ethanol gas. Try www.buyrealgas.com or www.pure-gas.org

    Bob & Spydee

  7. #32
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    Thanks for this info!
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  8. #33
    Active Member Texas's Avatar
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    Mileage Report Updated. I'm still not able the MPG in the low 40s like I had hoped, but I still expect this to increase as the weather warms up more. However, I now have 10 tanks of fuel on the RTS, and I'm pretty happy to report that average MPG in the past 10 tanks is 38.21!
    -Texas

  9. #34
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    Default '12 RT S mileage

    I have almost 7K on my 2012 RT S SE5, I've been getting an average of 32 mpg through out. It will drop a little if I get on it. I am in the process of maybe updating to a 2014.
    Lightnin' LeeRoy
    2014 RT L Lightin' LeeRoy
    1980 CM 400A
    1982 CM 450A
    [/SIGPIC]Lightnin' LeeRoy

  10. #35
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    Default towing mileage

    Just got back last night from a 1,300 mile trip mostly interstate from central,Fl. to Tn. I was pulling my new home made trailer, loaded up with camping gear and two up. Running with the cruise set on 73 mph. We averaged almost 29 mpg.Dropping the speed to 70 upped the mileage to 32 mpg. We were amazed at the difference in 3 mph,but we tried it 3 different times. We fueled up at around 150 miles each time. While up in the mountains we unhooked the trailer and rode the Cherahola Skyway and the Dragon.We averaged 35 mpg riding the whole day of up and down the mountains. At home in Florida we average 37-38 mpg on a regular basis by using the ECO mode and not ripping through the gears. Oh,by the way. We highly recommend the the National Forest campground at Chilhowee mountain. We camped for 4 days up there. We view a successful camping trip as no bears and no snakes in our tent.

  11. #36
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    Impressive!
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  12. #37
    Very Active Member Wiredux's Avatar
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    Not too shabby. Where are you all shifting at and is there a trailer behind you Spyder?

  13. #38
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wiredux View Post
    Not too shabby. Where are you all shifting at and is there a trailer behind you Spyder?
    Dan,
    I normally shift up to second and third at about 2,000 rpm or so...
    Fourth, fifth, and sixth; maybe 2,500 rpm
    I've played with the ECO mode, but haven't done any serious testing with it. It sure does soften the power delivery!

    And... no trailer!
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  14. #39
    Very Active Member Wiredux's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
    Dan,
    I normally shift up to second and third at about 2,000 rpm or so...
    Fourth, fifth, and sixth; maybe 2,500 rpm
    I've played with the ECO mode, but haven't done any serious testing with it. It sure does soften the power delivery!

    And... no trailer!
    That about where ECO has you shift but I have not been able to get above 34 MPG. Just wondering how they are getting 40+ MPG. I know riding and road conditions have a big factor as well as speed. Guess I just need to slow down. I don't run that much in ECO and I wont be running in ECO with a trailer.

  15. #40
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    I do tend to "putter along" pretty easy...
    Right now; I'm stretching for a 200-plus mile run on this tank of fuel
    (The last one went 199.8 miles, and I had a gallon and a half left!)


    EDIT: 202.6 miles!
    5.121 gallons.
    39.56 mpg
    Last edited by Bob Denman; 04-22-2014 at 09:41 AM.
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  16. #41
    Active Member Texas's Avatar
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    Mileage Report Updated (See first post). I was finally able to make a solid break into the 40s (with one tank as 45.90MPG!). I contribute this mainly to the temperatures (the hotter the better). On a side note, with the temperatures in the mid 90s, I still don't feel a bit of heat on the RT-S. I can't say that for any other bike I've ever owned.
    Last edited by Texas; 04-29-2014 at 10:34 PM.
    -Texas

  17. #42
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    Glad to hear that the fuel mileage is only getting better, as the thermometer gains "altitude"...
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  18. #43
    Active Member JimFoy's Avatar
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    Default Disappointing MPG

    I have about 1000 miles on my 2014 RT LTD, and have yet to get much better than 30MPG. Even on highway trips, 32MPG is the best I have seen. I'm outside Dallas, so the weather has been fairly warm, and I ride mostly 2-lane blacktops. I've used the Econ mode several times, but have not seen much of an improvement. Disappointing.

  19. #44
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    Could it be your right wrist?
    The dance that it does with the "loud lever" makes all of the difference!
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  20. #45
    Very Active Member Jim&Teresa's Avatar
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    Default MPG Experience - first 700 miles

    I've been averaging around 32-33 MPG for the first 700 miles.....no where near the 40MPG area. I'm sure it will improve with engine break-in. Also, there was a trip on the interstate in there at 70 MPH speeds for most of the trip (varied it a little, but still higher speeds). The "interstate" mileage was around 30 MPG.

    Even though I am hoping for an increase in this MPG number for my 2014 RT Limited, it is much better than my 2012 RT Limited! Love 2014's ryde, smoothness, quietness, etc.

    Texas, thanks for the updated report! Nice!
    Happy and safe rydin'
    2014 Spyder RT Limited - January 2014, Cognac/Black Seat, #958, born on 1-8-14
    2014 RT Limited , Cognac

  21. #46
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    These are still just about the aerodynamic equivalent of a big barn door...
    The faster you push them; the more it costs!
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  22. #47
    Active Member Texas's Avatar
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    Whenever I state "highway", I mean highway, and not interstate. When you reach real interstate speeds, that is when you will really start to see a decrease in MPG. I will actually drive many more miles out of my way to stay off the interstate. Out of all of the miles on my RT, less than 1% have been on the interstate. It isn't just because of the required speed, but the most interesting things to see are mostly seen on roads less traveled.

    When I drive the RT, on top of using ECO, I gauge my speed by the resistance I feel on the front end. The stronger the head-wind, the lower the speed. Again, it isn't just because of MPG. I find the higher the resistance, the higher the noise and stress. I ride my RT to be comfortable and stress free. If that weren't enough reason, my wife doesn't enjoy the ride when we go by things so fast that her eyes can't take it all in. The RT is our ride, not just mine, so I'm always mindful of her. I'm lucky enough to have a wife that loves to go on every ride with me; the least I can do is pilot it in a style that is pleasing to her (words to the wise).

    For those who are only getting around 30 MPG, I don't think you would be happy doing what it takes to get 40+ MPG. It takes constant attention to a light right hand, a very light right foot, and lot of planning routes. After applying these techniques for a few months, they become second nature. You'll never achieve it going 70 MPH (unless you have a 30 mph tailwind). I always feel a challenge every time I'm on the RT, on one of my other bikes, or in my car to see if I can beat the MPG from my last tank. There are also the side benefits of the effects of lower RPM on the engine (longer life), and less friction on the tires (longer wear).

    This thread was created not to imply that the RT should be getting this kind of mileage, but rather is capable of getting this kind of mileage. Getting a higher MPG once is nice (maybe you had a good tailwind on that trip), but those who can get it tank after tank are applying these techniques.
    -Texas

  23. #48
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    Do these bikes really have "Low Fuel" warning lights??

    205.9 miles today... 5.492 gallons: 37.5 mpg!
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  24. #49
    Active Member Texas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
    Do these bikes really have "Low Fuel" warning lights??

    205.9 miles today... 5.492 gallons: 37.5 mpg!
    Congratulations Bob The range is great for such a beamy ship! I would love to push it further to get a better feel for the range when the needle is at the bottom, but I don't have the nerve.
    -Texas

  25. #50
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    I fell funny talkinng only about fuel mileage, and fuel ranges...
    It's like talking only about how GREAT your brand-new Corvette fits in the parking space, that used to hold your Caprice...
    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

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