Fuel Economy

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Lee R

I did notice after riding yesterday that the little fluid that collected in the catch tube was a higher percentage water than fuel, it had a faint gas smell vs the strong smell previously. Looks like the separator is working properly now. I would expect some condensation to be removed as the humidity is over 80% here very often...

Good for you.

Originally Posted by Lee R

...I don't think the fuel in the tube will make any significant impact on the MPG for the bike. That's more a result of a heavy guy who likes to wind up the bike often. Even when I'm gentle on the bike I still get 55mpg, it just takes more effort to get me up a hill ...

Yes, the small amount of recovered fuel will not yield a noticeable increase in mpg. The main advantage of having the correct orientation for the oil contaminant separator (OCS) is reduced maintenance for emptying the down tube, and less environmental pollution.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Perhaps one might install a valve, rather than the plug. Pull up to the campsite, open the valve, harvest the campfire starter and start a fire.

As always, you have offered a good idea. If you find a suitable valve while perusing the internet, please share it with us.

[Lee R]

Todays ride was 150 miles of mostly dirt roads at an average speed of 25mph with some faster bits on pavement to 60mph.


My fuel economy was 63.3 which is MUCH improved from previous performance. I was taking it easy today.

My friend on his RX3 who's about 130 pounds lighter than me with stock gearing and stock tires (I have 19" and shinko 805 plus 13T sprocket) got 70.9mpg which is excellent.


Mileage is much better if you keep the bike under 6500 revs most of the day haha.

[SpudRider]

I'm glad to hear your fuel economy is improving. Thanks for posting the update.

[Eco Mouse]

Until we can figure out a way to input the actual front wheel diameter in the computer, it will always yield waaaay too optimistic MPG numbers.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Eco Mouse

Until we can figure out a way to input the actual front wheel diameter in the computer, it will always yield waaaay too optimistic MPG numbers.

If you install a SpeedoDRD, you can calibrate it for accurate mileage.

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=14756

[jbfla]

Originally Posted by Eco Mouse

Until we can figure out a way to input the actual front wheel diameter in the computer, it will always yield waaaay too optimistic MPG numbers.

I believe I have shown via GPS that the RX3's odometer is 5% optimistic (with 18" wheel).

Pretty easy to deduct 5% from the odometer reading to obtain a close approximation of mpg.

jb

[Eco Mouse]

Mine's closer to 10% off. That little SpeedoDRD thing is awesome, Spud! Thanks... I see in that thread, you took off 10.2% Do you suppose the .2 is for the knobbies?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Eco Mouse

Mine's closer to 10% off. That little SpeedoDRD thing is awesome, Spud! Thanks... I see in that thread, you took off 10.2% Do you suppose the .2 is for the knobbies?

I suppose the 0.2 percent is for the height of the knobbies. Every knobby tire will have a slightly different circumference, which will change with tire wear. I calibrate the SpeedoDRD with my Garmin GPS receiver. If I change tires, I can easily recalibrate the SpeedoDRD.

[dave92029]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

When the OCS is positioned as show below, the internal screen is in the correct position, with the cone of the screen at the top.



Since we can't see inside the OCS for the proper orientation of the screen, we use the external location of objects to verify the proper orientation.

The tube should be located at the top of the OCS. The clamp should be located at the bottom of the OCS.

Thank you very much. I never would have realized that my OCS was upside down till I saw your comment. Thanks.

I just finished reversing the OCS.

I don't know that the bike will run any better, but it was a pretty easy fix.

[keithmaine]

Originally Posted by Eco Mouse

Mine's closer to 10% off. That little SpeedoDRD thing is awesome, Spud! Thanks... I see in that thread, you took off 10.2% Do you suppose the .2 is for the knobbies?

My bike is off between 10% and 11% with stock tires

[jbfla]

Originally Posted by keithmaine

My bike is off between 10% and 11% with stock tires

Hi Keith,

So what would account for the difference between your 10% and my 5%?

I believe your RX3 and mine are both from the second shipment.

Even so, it is still easy to deduct 10% from the trip odometer to figure out the miles per gallon.

On the next tank of gas I will again compare the GPS mileage to the odometer.

jb

[Eco Mouse]

We shouldn't have to be mentally deducting anything from our speedometer or odometers. I get speedometers can be slightly off because of different sized wheels, and all that. But when you are rolling on more odometer miles than are actually on the bike, I consider that a problem. It affects your resale value, and also could affect your insurance premiums, if you use the mileage limitations to gain a favorable rate.

And if I remember correctly, it's actually against the law or some federal guideline to have an inaccurate speedometer. I think the acceptable range is +/–2.5%

[rickosuave1987]

I just saw this thread and found out my OCS is installed upside too...

I've been getting a pretty consistent 50 MPG with corrected mileage (about 5% over on the ODO) and a 13 tooth front sprocket... Maybe having that thing flipped will help get a little more.

[keithmaine]

Originally Posted by jbfla

Hi Keith,

So what would account for the difference between your 10% and my 5%?

I believe your RX3 and mine are both from the second shipment.

Even so, it is still easy to deduct 10% from the trip odometer to figure out the miles per gallon.

On the next tank of gas I will again compare the GPS mileage to the odometer.

jb

Lower speeds it is about 10% higher speed 11% why our bikes are different I have not a clue.