Those of you who have been around for a while probably are
aware that I like to see documented proof when we talk about
certain facts pertaining things like this.
Sooooo.......since they're dang near giving away gas now a
days, i.e., $1.29/gal., I thought I burn up a tank on a
somewhat controlled open road mpg test.
It was a nice sunny clear cold day today and about 11:00 this
morning with my tank topped off at Casey's and the GPS
plugged into the lighter, I headed out from Sandwich, IL
headed for the big river. Got to Savanna, IL some time after
lunch, touched goal and turned straight around and headed back
to North Central Illinois. I stopped in Dixon to drain my
tank and topped off the tank in Old Blue for the trip back
home. When I pulled into Sandwich I topped the tank off again
at Casey's where I made the first fill up this morning.
About 5 hours total in the saddle, never had it over 2400 rpm,
mostly shifting at about two grand, no jack rabbit starts, and
kept her right around 50 mph according to the GPS for most all
of the trip, 'cept for going thru a few dozen small towns cuz
I was taking taking country roads. 154 miles total, burned up
11.74 gallons. Comes out to 13.12 mpg. Probably could have
gotten 14 mpg had I been at 50 on the interstate for
154 miles without any stops.
Then there are the temps in the teens for the day.
1.Heavy air=more drag on an already barn door profile.
2.Weaker gasoline blends in the winter=lower vapor pressure
fuel yielding less power,
3.Tires at 25psi, sweetie face even commented that they looked
low when I was pulling
into the garage this evening.
4.Also warmed her up this morning for about 15 minutes before
leaving.
5.Still have the 15w50 Rotella-T in the engine.
6.To achieve a stoichiometric mixture cold dense air needs
more fuel.
Not related to fuel economy, but to a previous thread on
comfort. Never felt cramped or uncomfortable the whole day
and I only stopped for a break once in Dixon.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL
