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MSW Skyline Drive Ride . . . and Proof That My Spyder Prefers 5300 RPMs

Dan McNally

Dan McNally

New member
The Maryland Spyder Web ( http://www.meetup.com/marylandspyderweb/ ) rode the length of Skyline Drive from north to south ( http://visitskylinedrive.org/Home.aspx ) on Saturday. The posted speed limit is 35 MPH, and we stuck pretty much to it (we had a group of thirteen Spyders). I was a bit frustrated that I spent most of the ride in 1st or 2nd gear, because of the slow pace. I upshift at 6000 RPMs and downshift if I get a bit under 5000 RPMs, preferring to run at about 5500 RPMs, so 1st and 2nd got a workout. When we stopped for gas after we finished Skyline Drive, I discovered I'd gotten 34 MPG for the ride! Another rider who was running mostly in 3rd and 4th got 25 MPG. That Rotax engine sure likes its RPMs! We had a great weekend, spending two nights in Luray, VA and riding the beautiful roads out there!

5.jpg
 
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Rattigan_Roger said:
We started camping on Skyline Drive in 1975 (at Big Meadows) and always have a wonderful time when there.
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My wife and I spent our honeymoon at Big Meadows. Many years later, while visiting our son who was going to college at James Madison University, we stopped in there for lunch. We met a waitress who said she remembered us!! :shocked: I had my doubts, but gave her a big tip anyway. ;)
 
Hayfield said:
The Maryland Spyder Web ( http://www.meetup.com/marylandspyderweb/ ) rode the length of Skyline Drive from north to south ( http://visitskylinedrive.org/Home.aspx ) on Saturday. The posted speed limit is 35 MPH, and we stuck pretty much to it (we had a group of thirteen Spyders). I was a bit frustrated that I spent most of the ride in 1st or 2nd gear, because of the slow pace. I upshift at 6000 RPMs and downshift if I get a bit under 5000 RPMs, preferring to run at about 5500 RPMs, so 1st and 2nd got a workout. When we stopped for gas after we finished Skyline Drive, I discovered I'd gotten 34 MPG for the ride! Another rider who was running mostly in 3rd and 4th got 25 MPG. That Rotax engine sure likes its RPMs! We had a great weekend, spending two nights in Luray, VA and riding the beautiful roads out there!

View attachment 93049
Click to expand...

We did 2,100 miles to and from Spyderfest this year and we both pulled trailers. Both Spyders averaged just under 30 mpg and we never used 5th gear for the entire trip. You have proven again that when the twin is in its' 5-6000 rpm comfort zone it returns the best mileage.
 
Now you know..!!

still hard to imagine big V-twins liking high Rpm's. Must be harder on those coming from harleys. Glad you had a great trip even at that slow pace..:thumbup:
 
Chupaca said:
still hard to imagine big V-twins liking high Rpm's. Must be harder on those coming from harleys. Glad you had a great trip even at that slow pace..:thumbup:
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Federal property and a 35 MPH speed limit . . . when we got down out of the park and on to Rt 340, we flew back to the motel in Luray, VA! :yes:
 
DANG!!! I missed it.

Hey Dan, sorry we missed you on this one. Had we known, we would have met you in the Big Meadow. Give me a shout the next time you are in the area. We will do the same. My best to Anna! Ride safe!!
 
Touring vs Sight Seeing

We did the Syline↖️Drives, from Winchester VA to Roanoke VA in our pre Syder days and found the 35 MPH speed limit to be a little iring after 6 hours. But we got to see what was on the backside f the trees".

When we got to the Blue Ridge Parkway the speed went to 45 on the scenery started zipping byt. But we still had fun
 
I wish that I knew you where all going to be there as I live only 6 miles from the Skyline drive at the beginning of the Blueridge parkway near Waynesboro/Staunton, VA. Hope that you all had fun as it is a great place!
 
spyder-dude said:
I wish that I knew you where all going to be there as I live only 6 miles from the Skyline drive at the beginning of the Blueridge parkway near Waynesboro/Staunton, VA. Hope that you all had fun as it is a great place!
Click to expand...

spyder-dude, I sent you a PM last week...check your in box...if you didn't get it let me know and I'll resend it...thanks, larryd
 
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