DL650 versus DL1000 mpg

[catneck]

OK,
I have the 650. I used to use it for commuting everyday. About 50 miles one way in various traffic conditions from lane splitting at 10 mph to open highway at 80 mph indicated. I averaged about 45-50 mpg (275 miles to a tank). Now I use it a ton on the open interstate at 80-90ish indicated pretty much steady. And the mileage is down to 36-40 mpg (210 to a tank). Only a slight increase in cargo load from commuter days, but I guess the little bike is working harder for longer now. That seems to be down around open bike thirstiness. Thinking about moving up, although the 650 has plenty of power. Will the 1000 give better mileage under these new to me conditions? Big Strom owners chip in please.

Thanks

[Sandiegoland]

Find someone nearby with a DL1000 and invite them out. Top off and take them for the kind of ride you are talking about. Go back to the same pump and top off again. Compare.

That is honestly the most accurate answer you'll get.  You'll read some mileages that might sound unbelievable, but remember you're in CA. Fuel mixtures are different throughout the country ( and world ) and that can have a substantial effect on MPG (or L/100Km).

In my personal comparsions with the DL1000, I always beat the mileage of the liter bike, but at sustained 90MPH... barely. At that speed the gearing advantage goes to the 1000.

[Dino]

Quote:

Sandiegoland wrote on 13.03.2007 06:38[/i] In my personal comparsions with the DL1000, I always beat the mileage of the liter bike, but at sustained 90MPH... barely. At that speed the gearing advantage goes to the 1000.

I agree with the above, as most of the UK riders have 1k engines and on weekend and longer trips I always use less fuel, although we did find that at +85mph cruising the DL1000 is a fraction more economical.

It was about  0.2  litres less (adding 14L compared to 13.8 for the 1K) when refilling after long stretches of highway/autobahn cruising.

IMHO it would not be significant enough to trade up to the 1K just for better fuel economy, but for long "highway" trips there are other reasons why it may suit you better - more comfort from having a bit more power in reserve, less wear due to higher gearing and the extra weight seems to make it a little more "planted" in cross winds.

[K1W1]

I know it's OT but I'm jealous of you guys.
Here 90 mph (144kph) and you would loose your licence INSTANTLY. No questions no recourse - you walk from now on buddy!

[RubberDown]

Change the front sprocket to a 16T and maybe the rear to a 45T and your mileage should return.

[leftlane]

Quote:

RubberDown wrote on 13.03.2007 05:47[/i] Change the front sprocket to a 16T and maybe the rear to a 45T and your mileage should return.

Probably not. With 16T on the front and LOTS of highway miles at 85mph (as corrected), I get 35-40 mpg with my '05 650.  I also have plenty of throttle left to get me another 10-15mph in a hurry, before it runs out.

If I keep it under 70mph, I get 50-55mpg.

[renojohn]

Quote:

leftlane wrote on 13.03.2007 04:44[/i] If I keep it under 70mph, I get 50-55mpg.

These seems to be my experience from riding with 650 guys and gals.
But when they crank it up and cruise say 90mph the MPG goes WAY down.  At fill-ups they are almost identical in fuel consumption as my literstrom (and my bike does not get good mileage compared to other stroms.)

From my observation:
At brisk cruising, no MPG advantage to either bike, but the Literbike has more power to do hills, pass other vehicles etc.

At slower cruising, (especially under 70MPH) the 650 gets better MPG.

[catneck]

Thanks all,
My observations:
1) I already have a 16t front sprocket, maybe a 45 rear is next (or even a 17 front).
2) I probably just need to keep 'er below 75 and try that out
3) Try finding a buddy with a liter bike to parallel the ride would be too fun....

Thanks for the knowledge

[catneck]

OK,
Just slowing down makes a huge difference. Took the trip at a steady 70-75 mostly on throttle lock, and mileage went back up to 48.1. Only took 15 minutes longer, I now have a choice: to save gas or time.
Thanks again.

[WeThereYet]

Gas is the cheapest thing you'll ever put in your bike. Go with what makes you giggle.

[monkeybrain]

I did one 150 mile trip with a pillion last weekend and the weather was terrible. It was so windy that I could often not go faster than 40mph and about 65mph at the best of times. The bike was leaning at an angle on straights....
The good news was that when I arrived home the fuel gauge had only gone down by 1 bar.
I know it has been said many times before but the fuel consumption gets worse exponentially above 75mph.

[hotshoetom]

Monkeybrain got it right...wind resistance goes up as the square of the speed. Wind resistance is the primary limiting factor for fuel consumption. I can't get away with running as fast you guys say you do. In VA I would be walking within a year. Fortunately, if I am riding for pleasure, it is in the twistys, and I find few LEOs there. I know, off topic. We now continue our regularly scheduled program....

Hotshoetom

[amx304]

My Vee seems to get about the same mileage no matter what. I usually get about 43-45. My cases stay on my bike all the time, but most of my riding is solo.

[mcmann]

Running a 45T rear with a 16T front is like adding an extra gear.  My 650 was running 55 mph at 4,000 RPM in 6th stock geared . . . now it pulls 54 @ 4,000 RPM in 5th.  It is a +10.2% higher gear ratio.  Still has plenty of power in 6th.  

I find my mileage is directly related how hard I ride it.  If I ride it like a little old lady . . . I get over 55 mpg commuting 32 miles one way (stop and go traffic) . .  if I ride it like a high school kid . . . I get less than 50 mpg.