ECO Mode - what does it actually do? Anyone actually use it?

[DoctorJ999]

New 2016 F3T rider ~ 600 mi so far and LOVE IT...just a question re ECO Mode...tried search for ECO and ECO Mode and didn't find any thing and not much in the manual...I'm sure the dealer covered it (no knock on them at all) but w my aged brain I was catching water from a fire hose...I finally figured how to turn in on from the manual and I "think" I can "see" the icon on the instrument panel but I haven't figured out what it actually does for me? Anyone actually use it? Any help appreciated...
Thanks in advance

 

[trikermutha]

ECO turns down the power a bit and tells you when to shift for the best fuel economy by the arrow that comes on .

I haven't found ECO mode to save any fuel unless you drive the speed limit..:shocked:

 

[Bob Denman]

Truthfully: it only helped my mpgs by a couple of tenths... not worth the effort. nojoke

 

[ralph12345678910]

eco mode

I use mine all the tyme, I don't think it save any gas mpg but I just use it, green arrow comes on telling you when to shift but you have to be so gentle and slow taking off that it kinda takes the fun out of the thing, green arrow is on the gear indicator.

 

[Chupaca]

Don't know. ..!!

If they made any additional changes since they made it a feature it may be a plus. But from the start the savings were minimal but the epa was happy:dontknow:

 

[petegtsv10]

ECO turns down the power a bit and tells you when to shift for the best fuel economy by the arrow that comes on .

I haven't found ECO mode to save any fuel unless you drive the speed limit..:shocked:

ECO mode doesn't "turn down the power a bit". (not related to ECU at all) It's simply an icon to remind you to shift earlier.

 

[Bob Denman]

View attachment 133101
It kind of does... nojoke
It changes the speed, at which the throttle responds to inputs... :thumbup:

As far as the Green arrow: If you're looking for it: you're NOT looking down the road.... :shocked:

 

[DoctorJ999]

THANKS for all the good input...Bob D, the "looking for the arrow / not looking down the road" was exactly my problem...I'll let my "ears" and tach do the shift reminders...as always, this forum is great!!

 

[Bob Denman]

Now, if they had the green arrow pop-up, in a Heads-up display onto the windshield? :2thumbs:

 

[JayBros]

I was a fairly religious user of the ECO mode when I first purchased my Spyder but over time used it less and less until I completely stopped. I found upping my shift point to the 2,800-3,000 rpm range the bike shifted smoother and most of all there was no noticeable mileage advantage to ECO mode when blowing down an interstate for hours at a time at 70-75.

 

[ARtraveler]

When I purchased the 2014, I faithfully used ECO mode for one tank of gas. Waited patiently for the green arrow to pop up and shifted when it was okay to do it. My savings were about 1 mpg.

Bottom Line: I don't use it anymore. Don't like having to be distracted by looking for the green arrow. Don't like the lackluster performance when shifting in the lower gears.

I prefer to shift by sound. For me, 3000 - 3500 rpms give the sweet sound and effortless shifts between gears going up. I do let the :ani29: shift down for me about 98% of the time.

This is where I usually place a rant. Keep the ECO mode and give me back the electronic frunk release. :thumbup:

 

[OJ UK]

See!! Some of the crotch rocket jockeys can teach us mature riders a thing or two! On every gear up shift just hit the rev. limiter
and you'll know when to change! You can keep your eyes on the girls that you're showing off to and don't have to look for "Change" indicators!
This procedure may however adversely affect the life of the motor! :clap::roflblack:

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: I'll happily do without ECO Mode; in exchange for the Frunklid release button! :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

See!! Some of the crotch rocket jockeys can teach us mature riders a thing or two! On every gear up shift just hit the rev. limiter
and you'll know when to change! You can keep your eyes on the girls that you're showing off to and don't have to look for "Change" indicators!
This procedure may however adversely affect the life of the motor! :clap::roflblack:

And...I can name a couple who would agree with you on it. :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[monkeyboymorton]

I have only found it useful in wet / slippery conditions. With only 60% throttle across the whole twist I find it easier to avoid spinning the back wheel coming out of junctions. My brain is pre-set to a certain amount of twist in normal conditions and the eco mode conveniently re-calibrates the throttle for me when it's wet.

Other than that it's pretty pointless as you can just drive gently in normal mode to get the mpg improvement.

 

[Sarge707]

It basically tells you to shift when you hit 2,750-2,800 rpm in any gear!

 

[Pampurrs]

I'm surprised that you didn't find anything in your search for ECO Mode topics. This has been discussed, argued, and beat to death many times.

Some like it and use it all the time, swearing they get better gas mileage. Others have tried and find it to be a waste of space. I'm a member of the latter group. It did nothing for my gas efficiency, and only served to rob me of the enjoyment of pushing my Spyder to the limits.

Try it, maybe you'll like it.

Pam

 

[jaherbst]

Well for all you nay sayers, I love the ECO mode. I use it all the time. Whenever the green arrow comes on

I stop and have a cold Beer. :joke:

Seriously I use it as a loose guide and keep it on all the time. I am not a "religious fanatic" about it but do

use it. I paid for it and am going to use it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Remember the "old girl"

only has so many RPM's in it before it implodes. I'm saving mine just like my "Heart Beats".

Jack

 

[Cleg]

ECO

Well, if one wants to increase mileage per gallon, simply start easier and shift sooner. That seems to work for me. I did notice a lil bit of 'lag' when hot rodding my 15 RT Ltd and using ECO. However, I have access to 91 Octane ethanol free fuel and that does it the best when seeking MOG improvement. Man I wish that was all over!

 

[Pampurrs]

Well, if one wants to increase mileage per gallon, simply start easier and shift sooner. ..........

:agree: Unfortunately many Spyder riders don't have a clue when to shift, so they need "mama" (the green arrow) to tell them when to shift. My guess is that BRP had them in mind when they added this feature.

Pam