Tips or Tricks for improving MPG on all Spdyers

[Lone Spyder Ryder]

This thread is to help build a data base that will help those trying to improve their gas mileage.
If you have had below average Spyder gas mileage (20-25) and have been able to improve it please share it with us.
Please mention the model of Spyder you ride. GS/RS or RT.
MPG before improvment / MPG after improvment add on.
:chat:

 

[Bootie]

Gas Mileage

This thread is to help build a data base that will help those trying to improve their gas mileage.
If you have had below average Spyder gas mileage (20-25) and have been able to improve it please share it with us.
Please mention the model of Spyder you ride. GS/RS or RT.
MPG before improvment / MPG after improvment add on.
:chat:

No matter how you slice it, the greatest detriment on MPG is the large frontal area of the :spyder2:. This being said, driving fast will compound the problem since DRAG increases with the SQUARE of Velocity.:chat:
Specifically, I find that if you keep your speed below 65mph you will do much better than if you travel at 75mph or above. Any other changes that you make will pale in comparison to speed:lecturef_smilie:.

 

[Bob Denman]

I've got an RT and have been getting (usually) 33mpg.
Aerodynamics... I don't run my windshield in it's highest positioning; I usually leave it down a couple of inches. (Probably about where the 2011 w/s would be!)
Driving style... I short-shift mine and don't run at high speeds or high rpm levels... I'm normally in top gear at about 38mph...
There's a lot of folks out there who'll tell you that these Rotax powerplants lover to rev... they do; but it costs fuel mileage! :cus:

I've always driven and ridden like an Olphart... it saves me fuel and keeps the Police from getting to know me on a first-name basis! hyea:

 

[pjp623]

Just my take on things, but besides the learning curve that goes along with the spyder, I think that most of us have a tendency in the beginning to experament with it. How quick off the line, how fast can I wind it through the gears, do I just pass or try to smoke the guy, and other fun things all take away from fuel mileage. Once you get that out of your system and start ryding more normally, guess what? Your mileage improves dramatically.
But less face it, did you really by your :spyder2: for it's gas mileage?

 

[boborgera]

This thread is to help build a data base that will help those trying to improve their gas mileage.
If you have had below average Spyder gas mileage (20-25) and have been able to improve it please share it with us.
Please mention the model of Spyder you ride. GS/RS or RT.
MPG before improvment / MPG after improvment add on.
:chat:

08 GS With a F1 EVO my mpg is 33/34, With the stock shield 37/38.
Which model do you have??opcorn:

 

[Lone Spyder Ryder]

2009 SM5

You are getting what I got on the 2008 SM5. That is why I don't understand the 10 MPG differance. Same ryder Same style of ryding only maybe a little slower. Did most the crazyness with the 2008. thanks for the info.

 

[Campverdefela]

Just my take on things, but besides the learning curve that goes along with the spyder, I think that most of us have a tendency in the beginning to experament with it. How quick off the line, how fast can I wind it through the gears, do I just pass or try to smoke the guy, and other fun things all take away from fuel mileage. Once you get that out of your system and start ryding more normally, guess what? Your mileage improves dramatically.
But less face it, did you really by your :spyder2: for it's gas mileage?

:agree:If I wanted good mileage I would have gotten a Moped but I opted for the fun factor and my box is for mileage. But if you have to squeeze a few more miles then easy on the throttle, short shift within reason, use a smaller shield, and keep your speed down/rmps...

 

[dltang]

:agree:If I wanted good mileage I would have gotten a Moped but I opted for the fun factor and my box is for mileage. But if you have to squeeze a few more miles then easy on the throttle, short shift within reason, use a smaller shield, and keep your speed down/rmps...

:agree: But at times it would be nice to get a little better mileage that is for sure.

 

[StriperKing]

:agree:If I wanted good mileage I would have gotten a Moped but I opted for the fun factor and my box is for mileage. But if you have to squeeze a few more miles then easy on the throttle, short shift within reason, use a smaller shield, and keep your speed down/rmps...

I also agree. My Spyder has 5000+ miles and I still do not know what it gets. When it is empty and you want to keep going you have to put more in it. I ride like I want and what happens, happens. Just my take on it. I will tell you Star Tron by Star Brite will increase your milage but it is not free also but sure runs better with it!!! http://mystarbrite.com/startron/ and no I do not sell or profit from it I just use it in my Spyder and car. :thumbup:

 

[docdoru]

Inflate your tires above BRP specs, stiffen the front shocks to max, lower the windshield to max, ryde max 55-60 mph (no burn-outs)...for everything else must be a problem with your right wrist. pps:

 

[retread]

Best mileage I ever got was at SITS last year, we followed some SLOW GW trikes back, never got above 35 mph, or above 3rd gear. 38 mpg!:shocked:

john

 

[Dragonrider]

I agree with the high frontal area comments. However, given that I'm 6'4", and my SO is 5'11", using the tallest windshield at it's highest level is our only option, unless we wanted to use full helmets - then we might as well drive the car….. so 27 to 30 is all we get, and we're happy with it…..

 

[SPYDERGUY1]

MILEAGE

COME ON, ryding a SPYDER, what exactly do you need to get out of your system. You actually require more and more.:2thumbs:

 

[M2Wild]

Oh yeah .... sloooooow acceleration from any stop, even cruising speed at the optimum speed of 35 mph, cooooast down any available hills, avoid hilly roads, walk to destinations whenever possible, add wind detection ribbon to windshield so you always ride with a tail wind ... etc.:roflblack::shemademe_smilie:

Yeah, imma gonna save some gas alright. Woooo Hooooo ... time for another jack rabbit start off the line and hear that Hindle rumble !!!!

 

[Bob Denman]

:2thumbs: :roflblack: :spyder:

 

[Campverdefela]

Oh yeah .... sloooooow acceleration from any stop, even cruising speed at the optimum speed of 35 mph, cooooast down any available hills, avoid hilly roads, walk to destinations whenever possible, add wind detection ribbon to windshield so you always ride with a tail wind ... etc.:roflblack::shemademe_smilie:

Yeah, imma gonna save some gas alright. Woooo Hooooo ... time for another jack rabbit start off the line and hear that Hindle rumble !!!!

:bowdown:Amen brother...

 

[Firefly]

My Spyder came with a MPG adjustment knob. Don't any of you have this feature on yours?

You twist it with your right hand. The more you twist it the lower your MPG will be. Don't twist it as far or as quick and you're MPG will greatly improve.

But I find that this same knob also controls the amount of fun you have. More twist for more fun.....:2thumbs:

 

[boborgera]

MPG's don't matter much to me, it's range, I would love to get an honest 2 hundred miles with one gal left.
I can get 5 hundred miles on one tank with my truck

 

[M2Wild]

My Spyder came with a MPG adjustment knob. Don't any of you have this feature on yours?

You mean that little "M" button on the dash? Every 10 pushes gets you one extra mpg good until the next fill.:yes::roflblack:

 

[ThreeWheels]

MPG's don't matter much to me, it's range, I would love to get an honest 2 hundred miles with one gal left.
I can get 5 hundred miles on one tank with my truck

I absolutely totally agree.
Except I don't have a truck.
Did I mention that I think this post is absolutely 100% correct ?