2014 RT-S MPG Report for Texas (V2.0)

[Bob Denman]

But everybody knows, that Cognac is the Smoothest color... :cheers:

 

[Hawk]

But everybody knows, that Cognac is the Smoothest color... :cheers:

I got 35 on my last fill up. Check my Fuelly link in my signature.

 

[Texas]

MPG Report Updated

 

[Texas]

Mileage Report Updated

 

[Hawk]

Mileage Report Updated

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.

 

[F4 Customs]

FYI-shorty windshield....

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]

FYI-shorty windshield....

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!

 

[Texas]

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]

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.

 

[Bob Denman]

I've been watching with interest... thanks! :thumbup:
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! :yes:

 

[BobnDee]

Another thought.....

I've been watching with interest... thanks! :thumbup:
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! :yes:

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

 

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for this info! :thumbup:

 

[Texas]

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!

 

[lightnin leeRoy]

'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

 

[sassoman]

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.

 

[Bob Denman]

Impressive! :clap:

 

[Wiredux]

Not too shabby. Where are you all shifting at and is there a trailer behind you Spyder?

 

[Bob Denman]

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! :shocked:

And... no trailer!

 

[Wiredux]

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! :shocked:

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.

 

[Bob Denman]

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! :thumbup:
5.121 gallons.
39.56 mpg