2020 RTL: Does “Eco” mode actually work

[Pooch]

I was interested in the mpg number not because i was trying to save money on gas but because I am tired of being held hostage by a 30 mpg GW GL 1800 trike. I would like to have to quit watching that gas gauge so closely when it gets close to half...it drops like a lead weight when it reaches half and I start worrying about finding gas. I am in Texas and often travel remote stretches where gas is not readily available when the beast gets thirsty. A few more mpg would be nice.

 

[RowdyScamp]

Today I was experimenting with ECO mode on my way home from work. While going up a hill I switched between normal and ECO. There was a noticeable difference in power; RPM and speed dropped in ECO. I think I will stick to normal.

 

[SCWSpyder]

The concern for mileage isn’t for mileage per se, it’s for more range as mentioned by Pooch above. Well I found the miles to empty feature and I got it to reflect 250 miles last weekend! This was by virtue of riding up local Canyon Lake at the baton-death-march speeds averaging 25-35 for about 50 miles. And limiting an RT to 3000 rpm?! Who can do that? That’s 60 mph! When you drive I-17 from Flagstaff to Phoenix, you get run over at less than 75 (ok ok stay out of left lane, but still...).

 

[EdMat]

The concern for mileage isn’t for mileage per se, it’s for more range as mentioned by Pooch above. Well I found the miles to empty feature and I got it to reflect 250 miles last weekend! This was by virtue of riding up local Canyon Lake at the baton-death-march speeds averaging 25-35 for about 50 miles. And limiting an RT to 3000 rpm?! Who can do that? That’s 60 mph! When you drive I-17 from Flagstaff to Phoenix, you get run over at less than 75 (ok ok stay out of left lane, but still...).

But at 60 you won't get near 250 miles out of a tank just because of the air you have to move out of the way. I have ridden using both but have yet to decide. Could be my faulty right wrist.

Tracking for over 5,000 miles my 2019 RTL has averaged 31.76 MPG and for the price watchers that's running me 9 cents per mile for premium. Highest mileage was 42.15 and that was a leisurely run on the Natchez Trace.

Speaking of moving air, not sure what the numbers are today but in the late 70's it took over 100 horsepower to move the air at freeway speeds in a big conventional truck. Can't remember the numbers for a cab over but they were higher.

 

[SCWSpyder]

Ed, Thanx! Your comment on air movement seems quite relevant as I’ve noticed the RT seems to react to wind, not sure if it’s headwind more so than cross wise? But it seems to being pushing a lot of wind. But my experience with two Luxo tourers (Ultra HD and ‘12 GW), the spyders’ wind management is the best I’ve found. But BRP’s saying this can do 252 miles on a tank seems “misleading” to me. But, as pointed out, that’s not why I bought it and 31+ mpg should allow a 200 mile range which is acceptable!

 

[ARtraveler]

RE: Mileage... I have no problems doing 200 miles. On my F3, its usually showing about 70 miles to go on that miles to empty gauge. I am thinking, but not trying, that the F3 with the 7 gallon tank, will do 250. We usually fill at the beginning of a days ride, so most of the time, we are refilling at the 125 - 150 mark.

We have not done any longer freeway rides yet...that is coming. Will get to test the limits a bit closer, but, both of us want to get off the bike and stretch at 100 - 125 miles in. Usually that is a rest room break at a gas station.

And to keep this on the subject matter, IMO, Eco Mode does not give enough EXTRA miles per tank to make any difference in lots of extra miles.