Winter Riding/Fuel Mileage
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 3
From: Western Nebraska
Winter Riding/Fuel Mileage
Where I live the temperature was -18 two weeks ago and 56 today. I don't winterize my bike, if it gets above about 40, I try to get out at least every couple of weeks and put on about 100 miles. Warm everything up and fill with some fresh fuel. Here is my question, my mileage has dropped from about 41 mpg to about 38 mpg. Anybody else have the same thing and is it because the engine never gets as warm as it should, to be the most "efficient"?
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, IL
I don't ride when it's -18 or anything. Really, I don't ride when it's below 20, and usually it's got to be at least in the mid to upper 40's before my smile thaws out for a bit.
I always get worse mileage in the cold.
I just figured it's because the cold air is so much more dense, and the computer dumps more fuel in, to keep the ratios in line.
I always get worse mileage in the cold.
I just figured it's because the cold air is so much more dense, and the computer dumps more fuel in, to keep the ratios in line.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
Winter formula plus gas mileage is worse in cold weather.
http://www.swri.org/10light/mile.htm "With this in mind, hot air is less dense than cold air; therefore, the engine breathes less hot air per revolution and requires less fuel."
http://www.swri.org/10light/mile.htm "With this in mind, hot air is less dense than cold air; therefore, the engine breathes less hot air per revolution and requires less fuel."
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 511
Likes: 14
Even my truck uses more fuel in the winter. Partly because the enrichener is engaged longer till it gets up to operating temp. And that may be a couple miles down the highway. It will hold the trany out of overdrive till the trany reaches 72 deg. Everything works a little harder in the cold. Oil is thicker, different gas formulation. Winter just sucks in general. 
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