6th Gear?
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From: Florida Gulf Coast
6th Gear?
Why the hell do these bikes have a 6th gear?
I usually get between 40-41 MPH riding partial highway and partial town (top speed between 60-65). So, I leave the Florida Panhandle today on my way to Dallas, TX to start a new job on Wednesday and rode about 500 miles today. I would say I averaged about 70-75 MPH most of the trip and my gas mileage sucks. My first tank I got about 39 MPG, my second I got 36 MPG, and the last fill up of the day netted me a whopping 28 MPG. The only difference between my regular routine is I was in 6th gear quite a bit today, so I have to assume that it is a contributing factor. Maybe it is because I usually don't go that fast?
The only other thing I can think of is the FuelPak died along the way. I got into my hotel kind of late so I did not take a look.
I think I am going to ride the last 350 miles in 5th and see what happens. I am kind of irritated with it.
Any thoughts?
I usually get between 40-41 MPH riding partial highway and partial town (top speed between 60-65). So, I leave the Florida Panhandle today on my way to Dallas, TX to start a new job on Wednesday and rode about 500 miles today. I would say I averaged about 70-75 MPH most of the trip and my gas mileage sucks. My first tank I got about 39 MPG, my second I got 36 MPG, and the last fill up of the day netted me a whopping 28 MPG. The only difference between my regular routine is I was in 6th gear quite a bit today, so I have to assume that it is a contributing factor. Maybe it is because I usually don't go that fast?
The only other thing I can think of is the FuelPak died along the way. I got into my hotel kind of late so I did not take a look.
I think I am going to ride the last 350 miles in 5th and see what happens. I am kind of irritated with it.
Any thoughts?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 2
I have a 2006 which is the last year of the 5 speed. At 70mph my bike is reving pretty high (don't have a tach) somewhere around the top half of the power band. I wish I had a true overdrive 6th gear for highway cruising. Don't know if would save much gas but it would be smoother.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,067
Likes: 394
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
What were the conditions?
Wind, rain and hills can have a huge impact on fuel mileage on a bike in addition to the higher than normal speed.
Also were you loaded up with gear to start your new job? extra weight and low tire pressure could be part of the problem.
Wind, rain and hills can have a huge impact on fuel mileage on a bike in addition to the higher than normal speed.
Also were you loaded up with gear to start your new job? extra weight and low tire pressure could be part of the problem.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From: Florida Gulf Coast
I guess I'll see what tomorrow brings...
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
Don't know what you are riding but I know my batwing fairing really sucks the gas at speeds over 70. Head winds only make it worse. I do like 6th when it's time to run with the traffic on I 4 though
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Texas
Also could be the gas your burning....
ethanol and oxygenated fuels don't help fuel mileage....
ethanol and oxygenated fuels don't help fuel mileage....
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