Author Topic: What's Your longest freeway run?  (Read 11602 times)

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Boots

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on: May 25, 2013, 06:39:41 pm
Hey Riders,
We all know these bikes are not intended for freeways, but there are times when we have to use them in order together to the areas where we do want to ride.

I've got the counter shaft sprocket upgrade on my B5 and notice it really has made a difference when running down the freeways. I can cruise very comfortably at or just under 65. The longest shot I've taken on a freeway was about an hour, doing mostly 60 to 65 max. Keep in mind I'm a 200 pounder!  ::)

I'm wondering what others have done. What's your longest run on the super slabs? Do tell!

Boots
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Ya, I know it's slow. But I've always been a little slow. (budump bump!)


barenekd

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Reply #1 on: May 25, 2013, 06:56:51 pm
110 miles, nonstop, about 1 hr 45 min, up to a start of a BSA club ride. Cruising 65-70. The bike had no complaints. Then we did about a 120 mile ride through the twisties and another 50 freeway miles back home. The bike performed as it should!
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« Last Edit: May 26, 2013, 10:38:11 pm by barenekd »
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Rich Mintz

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Reply #2 on: May 25, 2013, 07:17:28 pm
I did a 150-mile freeway ride from Philadelphia to Washington DC in about 4 hours including stops. No problems. The bike does fine in the Interstate speed range - not the fastest on the road but perfectly adequate.
Rich Mintz - New York City
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foggy95

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Reply #3 on: May 25, 2013, 07:59:09 pm
Rich - if you rode your Bullet on I-95 from Philly to DC, you deserve a medal for bravery. That's a daunting trip in a car.....  traffic in the 'slow' lane generally runs 70-75 or so .... at least when I was last on it.
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Royalista

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Reply #4 on: May 25, 2013, 08:03:20 pm
Sublight stretches are short and dispersed.
Typical sublight ride:
first 5 min: waw
2nd 5 min: wuhu, how fast will it go?
3rd 5 min: jesse, this is boring
4rd 5 min: mam, aren't we there yet?

Because you asked here's the top 4 (gps - data)
30km   -  80kpu  -  134kpu
50km   -  94kpu  -  118kpu
30km   -  80kpu  -  134kpu
31km   -  89kpu  -  131kpu
(length - moving average - maximum speed)
moriunt omnes pauci vivunt


Boots

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Reply #5 on: May 26, 2013, 12:16:23 am
110... 150?  Damn, that is a good long shot.

Royalista- hahaha!

On my longest ride, from San Jose to San Francisco, I never had a chance to get bored as the traffic moving by me was quite intense.  Also, there was one area where the wind was so strong (half moon nay exit) that it was all I could do just keeping the bike upright.

Thanks for the input. It's inspiring to hear of others conquests!

Boots
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Ya, I know it's slow. But I've always been a little slow. (budump bump!)


mattsz

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Reply #6 on: May 26, 2013, 12:39:52 am
I've got the counter shaft sprocket upgrade on my B5 and notice it really has made a difference when running down the freeways.

Boots - What exactly is the "counter shaft sprocket upgrade"?  17 tooth drive sprocket to 18 tooth?  Or are we talking about something completely different?


Ducati Scotty

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Reply #7 on: May 26, 2013, 03:23:51 pm
2 hours or so straight on my way up to Seattle last year.  About an hour at 60-65, then another hour at mostly WOT because I was late.  Then we all met up and we were off to the back roads. 

On my way from Portland to California I probably did an hour or two here and there. 

Scott


Boots

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Reply #8 on: May 26, 2013, 06:15:24 pm
Wow, two hours! That certainly gives me some confidence for te ride I'm planning on taking this summer. I will definitely have some freeway stretches to get to where I wanna go. Planning on meeting my brother down around San Simeon along the coast, highway 1 is gorgeous, but he has some rides planned inland that will require long freeway jaunts to reach.

Boots

2012 Royal Enfield B5 ~ The Raven ~
Ya, I know it's slow. But I've always been a little slow. (budump bump!)


Boots

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Reply #9 on: May 26, 2013, 06:17:32 pm
Mattsz,

The countershaft sprocket upgrade is just what you are thinking of... basically going up or adding an additional tooth in order to alleviate the strain on the engine at higher speeds. It really made a difference!

Cheers!
Boots

2012 Royal Enfield B5 ~ The Raven ~
Ya, I know it's slow. But I've always been a little slow. (budump bump!)


REdmonton

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Reply #10 on: May 26, 2013, 07:06:17 pm
If I remember right last year meganuke did the Saddlesore 1000. http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,14942.0.html
That was an epic trip.


Royalista

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Reply #11 on: May 27, 2013, 12:07:59 am
It most certainly was, for machine and man. I bookmarked that thread. It has interesting stuff to take in before attempting such a ride.

Especially on a bullet and in an environment where one is condemned to use highways. The limits on the backroads are too low and the speed on the highways is too high.

An SS1000 on a bullet should be in a class apart, imo.
moriunt omnes pauci vivunt


jartist

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Reply #12 on: May 27, 2013, 01:44:52 am
That ss1000 that he did was amazing and he almost did permanent damage to his hands!

I did 3 hours on 101 from Santa Cruz to Avila Beach in 25 mph headwinds. It was 55 mph top speed wide open. I actually gained speed drafting semi trucks!


Boots

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Reply #13 on: May 27, 2013, 09:04:11 pm
Jartist!

That is exactly the stretch of slab I will encounter! Damn, drafting a semi is shit crazy!  I remember doing that in my '67 VW bug when I was 20 years old on the way to Chico... that is until I had a little scare. 

The headwinds are a major concern for me. Sometimes the winds along highway 1 are a bit much. The Bullet is around a 100 pounds lighter than my previous bikes and those damned tires don't help a whole hell of a lot either.

Still, I've been looking forward to this long ride for a long time. Thanks for all the input Riders.

Boots
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Ya, I know it's slow. But I've always been a little slow. (budump bump!)


Gypsyjon

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Reply #14 on: May 28, 2013, 03:16:52 am
I have not done 2 hours on the free way but I do 2 hours on side roads all the time.


jartist

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Reply #15 on: May 28, 2013, 06:09:37 am
You'll be fine on that trip.  Just take breaks often. There's a lot if nice rides in that area.  I was riding in worst case scenario winds and it was slow going but the truck speed limit is 55mph in California anyway so I have never felt unsafe on the freeways. I have found that the enfield is one of the most well mannered bike in crosswinds at any speed that I have ever ridden.  Have a great trip!


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Reply #16 on: May 28, 2013, 12:20:59 pm
Did a bangalore to kodaikanal bike run here in India. While going there we covered close to 650 kms(took few wrong routes just to explore) and took 4 to 5 breaks (5~10min breaks). It was dark so we decided to maintain 90kph+ speeds, not below 80 for sure and the bike did really well!

With Me (55kgs)+Pillion (80kgs) we managed to hit 140 on the speedo but most of the time it was 100kph to 110kph range when the roads were empty. This also includes 70kph worth of hill climb @ around 7000ft above sea level. Was a ride that I will remember!



Alan LaRue

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Reply #17 on: May 28, 2013, 04:05:59 pm
Hey Riders,
We all know these bikes are not intended for freeways, but there are times when we have to use them in order together to the areas where we do want to ride.


I don't have any really long trips. Longest is from the dealership in Katy to my house on the east side of Baytown, about 60 miles.

However, I do ride on the freeway. All of the time. I commute on I-10, 36 miles each way. I normally run at an indicated 70 mph, which cross-checked with a GPS shows a true 65. In the mornings I'm the slow guy, but on the way home I'm among the faster traffic, and am more likely to run it up to an indicated 75, with the occasional run up to 80. (Subtract 5 for probable true mileage.)

I'm at over 9200 mostly trouble-free miles. I don't understand why people don't think these bikes are good for freeways. Pre-UCE bikes, of course not, but the UCE is perfectly capable of freeway duty. That's why I bought it!

I do have a Givi Aerotech wind screen, because riding without one at those speeds is difficult.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2013, 04:10:39 pm by Alan LaRue »
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Rich Mintz

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Reply #18 on: June 02, 2013, 12:17:27 am
Tomorrow I'm planning to ride from NYC to DC, mostly via freeway and highway. It's around 250 miles.

Planned route (all freeway or 55MPH divided hwy except for Dupont Hwy)
Verrazano to Staten Island Expwy to West Shore Expwy to Outerbridge Crossing
Turnpike a few exits to Exit 7
I-295 to the Del Mem Bridge
Dupont Hwy across to Del SR 1
Del SR 1 south to Middletown and across to 301
301 south to US 50
US 50 to DC

I've done this route before, but never in one day. I'm allotting 6 hours including stops. Will let you know how it goes.
Rich Mintz - New York City
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mattsz

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Reply #19 on: June 02, 2013, 12:45:35 am
Ride safe, Rich!  And double check you wiring...  ;)


wildbill

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Reply #20 on: June 02, 2013, 04:13:14 am
i get a bit saddle sore after 70 or 80 miles so a few short 5 minute breaks is a good idea and a safer trip


Sectorsteve

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Reply #21 on: June 13, 2013, 03:45:30 pm
Longest 580 km at about 110-120 kph. This was a 2000 km trip in 4 days


dougodewitt

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Reply #22 on: June 13, 2013, 09:44:32 pm
Portland to Springfield, 65 indicated all the way-- I threw in three 15 min breaks for my back and seat. The guy I bought my c5 from had the lowering kit on it, so first thing when I got home I re-installed the stock shocks and seat springs--so much better, my back never hurts now. I really need to do something about the seat, though. it really hurts after about 45 minutes. Does anyone know about aftermarket seats for the c5?
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Boots

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Reply #23 on: June 14, 2013, 04:36:30 am
Great rides gentlemen.

I've taken some long runs on the B5, but none more than about 60 miles or so on the freeway. Although i usually avoid the freeways, I'm actually looking forward to the challenge of it!

The windshield option has always been something I've considered but never have used. This may be because when I was a kid my Dad never used one, so I became accustomed to rising bikes without. We had an old Vespa with a really low sport screen, a bit bigger than fly screen, but it used to send the wind directly up my nose! Hahaha!

The interesting piece here for me will be how well my body holds up using the flat Norman Hyde M-bars.  I love them so far, so I've got my fingers crossed.
Boots

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Ya, I know it's slow. But I've always been a little slow. (budump bump!)


Supesguy

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Reply #24 on: June 17, 2013, 02:37:38 pm
I am staring down a 175 mile trip from Indianapolis to Columbus, OH this weekend.  I've done some 60-70 mile trips.  I'm a bit nervous about 175 miles.  Biggest thing will be telling the guys I'm riding with that I just will not be capable of speeds much faster than 70mph.  Gotta do the sprocket change sometime. 


Arizoni

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Reply #25 on: June 18, 2013, 12:58:29 am
Changing the sprocket won't improve the top speed.  It might even reduce the top speed a little.

It will make the engine run slower at any given speed but that only shifts the vibration point a bit.

As for a 175 mile ride, before you leave be sure to check all of the threaded nuts and bolts to make sure they are tight.
Then, after final packing and refueling, just climb aboard and enjoy the ride.

On the 200+ mile trips I've made on my G5 the motorcycle just kept going and going and going without a whimper or a single niggle.  In fact, I got the feeling it was enjoying the ride as much as I was. :)
Jim
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jartist

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Reply #26 on: June 18, 2013, 07:06:57 am
I got the feeling it was enjoying the ride as much as I was. :)
I'm glad I'm not the only one who's had this thought! :)


wildbill

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Reply #27 on: June 18, 2013, 09:40:17 am
i've done a 360kl run on my c5 on the one tank of fuel. traveled mainly around the 100 kph mark.
fuel light flashed on the final 25 kl and by the time i arrived home had turned from a flash to a glow


Arizoni

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Reply #28 on: June 18, 2013, 11:22:12 pm
Sounds like you were lucky.

Running the fuel that low can damage the fuel pump.  It uses the fuel to cool itself.
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dougodewitt

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Reply #29 on: June 19, 2013, 12:15:26 am
I just went on my longest run-- 9 hours on the bike, with short rest stops along the way. All mountain highways..
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Elliotthd

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Reply #30 on: June 21, 2013, 02:34:03 pm
I ran my C5 down I95 from Philadelphia to Savannah the day after I finished breaking the motor in. That's 700 miles even. Did it in a day at an average of 70+ mph. Who says this bike wasn't built for the freeway? I did run RT17 to RT13 to come home though. I've also used 95 to get to Baltimore once and to DC once from Philly.
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Bulletman

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Reply #31 on: June 21, 2013, 10:25:17 pm
I usually ride to Murphy's, CA which is a 65 mile OW trip.. 2 days ago June 19, for the first time on my C5,  I rode to Lake Tahoe which was a 150 mile one way trip, I took the back roads HWY 88 all the way, and took a break every 45 to 50 miles, stayed the night and returned the next day, It was a really awesome journey, looking forward to doing it again very soon...
Below is a picture of Silver Lake, the one close to Lake Tahoe...
« Last Edit: June 22, 2013, 05:45:17 am by Bulletman »
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barenekd

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Reply #32 on: June 21, 2013, 11:53:07 pm
Flying inverted nowadays, huh? Tough to do with no inverted fuel system!
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D the D

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Reply #33 on: June 22, 2013, 03:10:30 am
Fuel injection shouldn't care but the tank pickup may be a problem.
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Bulletman

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Reply #34 on: June 22, 2013, 05:36:24 am
Flying inverted nowadays, huh? Tough to do with no inverted fuel system!
Bare
Lol, damn that looks scary....gotta straighten things up I guess
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gashousegorilla

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Reply #35 on: June 22, 2013, 04:15:41 pm
I usually ride to Murphy's, CA which is a 65 mile OW trip.. 2 days ago June 19, for the first time on my C5,  I rode to Lake Tahoe which was a 150 mile one way trip, I took the back roads HWY 88 all the way, and took a break every 45 to 50 miles, stayed the night and returned the next day, It was a really awesome journey, looking forward to doing it again very soon...
Below is a picture of Silver Lake, the one close to Lake Tahoe...

   Nice..... I hope you packed the pocket fisherman ! I hear there's gold eating Steel-head up in them there hills !!  ;D ;)
An thaibhsí atá rattling ag an doras agus tá sé an diabhal sa chathaoir.


Bulletman

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Reply #36 on: June 22, 2013, 06:02:09 pm
   Nice..... I hope you packed the pocket fisherman ! I hear there's gold eating Steel-head up in them there hills !!  ;D ;)
Yah know...the next time I will, thars some good eatin steelhead up in them hills.. :D  ;)
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REdmonton

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Reply #37 on: June 24, 2013, 04:18:14 am
I did a 200 km trip one way this weekend. The bike held up great. I was cruising at 110 to 120 kmh (68 to 75 mph) the whole way. I  even passed cars and a couple of hardleys.


Supesguy

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Reply #38 on: June 24, 2013, 02:22:26 pm
Well, had a mostly successful freeway run on Saturday.  Went from Indianapolis to Columbus, OH and back.  175 miles one-way via I-70.  So, 350 miles total. It went pretty well short of shedding my toolbox cover and toolkit unbeknownst to me. I had removed it and replaced it the night before, but had locked it and tugged on it to ensure it was snug.  The locking mechanism and everything obviously vibrated loose.  All I was left with was a shell of a toolbox. Frustratingly, my registration and insurance card were also in the toolbox.  I have an extra insurance card, registration can be replaced, and fortunately new parts are cheap.  I just feel a little sheepish that, at some point, the dang thing rattled off onto the highway and I didn't even know.

Other than that, the bike handled pretty good.  I had to ask my fellow riders to slow down a bit.  Also, my speedo needle started bouncing +/- 5 mph.  I'm hoping the cleaning/lubing of the speedo cable and retightening is all that is needed.  I am feeling like I'm having some clutch issues, which I'll post separately in another thread. 

As a summary, this bike (C5) is freeway capable.  It may not be without quirks and maintenance issues, but it'll do the requisite speed and distance.  I got good mileage for this bike at 70 mph.  Averaged about 67 mpg.  Really, the only uncomfortable part was my butt. 


Rich Mintz

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Reply #39 on: June 24, 2013, 04:04:31 pm
A couple comments on Supesguy:

(1) I lost my metal battery cover on the highway, and my airbox has popped open, and I lost all 3 headlight cover screws at highway speed, and I lost both heat shield screws at highway speed. I've since Loctited everything that can be Loctited, and just did a 500 mile round trip without anything falling off.

(2) How the h*ll do you get 67 MPG at 70mph? The best I can do cruising at 65-70mph is about 50 MPG. I've only gotten above 70 MPG on one tank in 4,000 miles, and that was cruising at a deliberately steady 30-35 for 70 miles (because of a disabled sprocket assembly). More typically in ordinary highway driving I get around 48-53 MPG.

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JVS

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Reply #40 on: June 24, 2013, 04:39:30 pm
(2) How the h*ll do you get 67 MPG at 70mph? The best I can do cruising at 65-70mph is about 50 MPG. I've only gotten above 70 MPG on one tank in 4,000 miles, and that was cruising at a deliberately steady 30-35 for 70 miles (because of a disabled sprocket assembly). More typically in ordinary highway driving I get around 48-53 MPG.

Seeing that you travel a lot in suburban NYC and wait at lights for longer periods of time, it can consume quite a bit of fuel. Repetitive starting of the engine within short periods of time can also lead to that. Another thing I have noticed from your videos is your idle RPM speed. It seems quite high from what I can hear. You want to keep it between 850~1250 RPM using the brass idle adjustment screw on the throttle body. Another point to consider is that you may not want to rev the engine quite high in each gear before up-shifting. (Haven't noticed this type of gear-changing in your videos, but just saying) Also, if you have an aftermarket air-filter such as the K&N, that also brings down the mileage as noted by several other members.

I have been riding my B5 for a year and a half. I also keep records of my fuel ups in an Excel spreadsheet. In about 8000 miles, I have consistently got an average of 72MPG of all the fuel-ups till date. The lowest has been 59.92MPG and the highest has been 78MPG. This has involved speeds up to 65-70mph. The lowest value of 59.92 was achieved due to the fact that I had to turn the engine on and off several times, including keeping it on for extended periods of time for my motorcycle licence testing. I don't bash this engine, nor I over-rev it. Yes, I do give it some throttle once in a while at the lights and of course on the twisties where it is deserved, but never over the top.

Your bike should be capable of at least 55-60MPG with the way you ride even in NYC. The stock Bosch POS plug is a no-go. The best spark plug for the engine is the NGK BPR6ES plug. Considering the very cold climate of NYC in winter, maybe members can suggest another plug, however the BPR6ES should still be fine for all year round. Stock air filter is the best choice for economy. I am also surprised at your fuel economy. It can be a hidden reason too..considering the jungle of wires in that place, leaks, air plenum, fuel pump..
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Supesguy

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Reply #41 on: June 24, 2013, 04:47:33 pm
Rich -
That's a bit reassuring about your experience with lost bits and pieces.  I have some fun maintenance to perform on the bike following the ride.  Some of that will include blue loctite application over a lot of things.  Do you recommend backing out lots of nuts/bolt to apply Loctite, even if they haven't loosened yet?

And my mpg calculations could be off, but not by too much.  I went about 95-100 miles between fuel stops bc my buddy could only manage 45 mpg or worse on his 800cc Vulcan classic.  Each time I filled, I only put 1.4-1.5 gallons in.  So, at worst...I was getting 63 mpg.  At best, 67 mpg.  I did stay drafted behind a Harley with some pretty big windscreen. Now, I wasn't THAT close to him, but maybe it helped? We averaged 65-70 mph.  I also got tucked low on the bars a large part of the time.  It's amazing, I wore my half-helmet.  The buffetting on my head was soooo much less than my full-face helmet. With some ear plugs and good goggles, it was not bad at all.  I also used a bandana tied around my lower face for some bug protection.  I looked pretty outlaw. 

I am all-stock (filter, exhaust).  I am running the NGK plug. I just got shipped the D&D exhaust today.  I may hold on putting on the K&N filter.  I cringed during the ride, because to maintain those speeds, I was almost wide-open throttle much of the way.  I had very little throttle left for passing/catching up with my larger cc buddies. 


JVS

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Reply #42 on: June 24, 2013, 05:00:50 pm
Just regarding the idle RPM.

I just did a rough estimate based on Mattsz's method. I used your video to record an audio sample of approx 5 seconds when you were in neutral from here http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=sJ9VQjfKV3Q#t=104s

I used the recorded audio sample and put it in my audio software and counted the pulses (thumps) in 1 second. Yours had 13, which is 780 per-minute. To get the rpm, 780*2 = 1560.

So approximately, your idle is around 1560RPM, which is 310RPM over the maximum spec of 1250. The factory idle RPM spec is given at 1050 +/- 200. So you are safe between 950 and 1250. Try reducing your idle. Hopefully it will reduce some fuel consumption at least  ;)
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Rich Mintz

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Reply #43 on: June 24, 2013, 05:05:50 pm
Thanks to all -- I will try reducing my idle. Actually I brought this up when I took the bike in for the 600 mi service but the dealer told me my idle was "fine." At that time I wasn't a competent enough mechanic to fiddle with it, but now I am.
Rich Mintz - New York City
richmintz@richmintz.com
2010 Royal Enfield Bullet C5 • 2015 SYM Symba
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Rich Mintz

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Reply #44 on: June 24, 2013, 06:31:47 pm
Oh, and incidentally, since I've trashed my rear sprocket, this week I'm riding my SYM Symba. That thing gets upwards of 100 MPG, so I'm feeling very gas-thrifty at the moment!
Rich Mintz - New York City
richmintz@richmintz.com
2010 Royal Enfield Bullet C5 • 2015 SYM Symba
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barenekd

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Reply #45 on: June 24, 2013, 06:52:20 pm
Trashing that chain is also a reason you were getting lousy mileage. The chain jumping all over the place eats lot of power! When I changed chains the mileage went up a bit and the vibration went down a lot!
Bare
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Alan LaRue

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Reply #46 on: June 24, 2013, 06:54:57 pm
My freeway commute is 36 miles each way, about 33 of those miles on I-10 at an indicated 70 mph. I very consistently get 67 mpg. Only changes I've made are the better plug and an 18T front sprocket. However, mileage did not noticeably improve when I had the sprocket installed, so I don't think that made a difference.

I have a B5 also, which has 19" wheels front and back. I know the speedometer reads high (indicated 70 is actually 65), but I don't know if the odometer is off by the same amount or not. If so, then the actual mpg is less.

Notice, my "fuelly" tag below says 64.4 mpg, but that includes all tanks since new. I used to go faster all of the time! (I used to run indicated 75 mph+ to keep up with traffic. Now I just accept that I'm the slow guy on the freeway. The speed limit is 65 anyway, and I have enough company at the slower speed that I don't feel like I'm holding things up.)
« Last Edit: June 24, 2013, 06:57:40 pm by Alan LaRue »
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rvcycleguy

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Reply #47 on: June 24, 2013, 08:00:33 pm
My freeway commute is 36 miles each way, about 33 of those miles on I-10 at an indicated 70 mph. I very consistently get 67 mpg. Only changes I've made are the better plug and an 18T front sprocket. However, mileage did not noticeably improve when I had the sprocket installed, so I don't think that made a difference.

I have a B5 also, which has 19" wheels front and back. I know the speedometer reads high (indicated 70 is actually 65), but I don't know if the odometer is off by the same amount or not. If so, then the actual mpg is less.

Notice, my "fuelly" tag below says 64.4 mpg, but that includes all tanks since new. I used to go faster all of the time! (I used to run indicated 75 mph+ to keep up with traffic. Now I just accept that I'm the slow guy on the freeway. The speed limit is 65 anyway, and I have enough company at the slower speed that I don't feel like I'm holding things up.)

Alan,
I believe I was out your way this past Saturday.  I have friends in my old high school community of Baytown.  I rode the 56 Bullet from S/W Houston to Baytown and back home.  About a 100 miles roundtrip.  Took mostly feeder and frontage roads on 610 So. Loop and highway 225, Until the Fred Hartman bridge.  Maybe we can meet up one of these days when I'm out that way again. 
1956 Bullet 500 (G2) Custom tank, Silencer Muffler, Powder Coated Chassis
2006 Suzuki Boulevard C50 (800cc) Touring set-up. white walls, pearl white w/ ghost flames


Alan LaRue

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Reply #48 on: June 24, 2013, 09:41:44 pm
  Maybe we can meet up one of these days when I'm out that way again. 

PM sent
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Arizoni

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Reply #49 on: June 25, 2013, 12:24:48 am
Not that my uncalibrated ear really knows what speed Rich's bike is idling at but it sounds about right to me.
Jim
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Rich Mintz

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Reply #50 on: June 25, 2013, 04:40:58 pm
For what it's worth, *I* think my bike idles a little fast. So I'll definitely bring it down a tad and see what happens.
Rich Mintz - New York City
richmintz@richmintz.com
2010 Royal Enfield Bullet C5 • 2015 SYM Symba
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mattsz

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Reply #51 on: June 26, 2013, 02:45:40 am
Hijack, maybe, but since we're talking about idle speed...

In the beginning, my bike idled way too high - I reset it, and it's been fine until just a couple of days ago when we had a little heat wave here in Maine - high 80's, pushing 90!  Now, my idle speed has dropped again, too low.  Even after warming up, it drops down to where the decompressor occasionally clacks.  Is the need to adjust the idle speed a seasonal thing, or maybe an occasional thing?


Boots

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Reply #52 on: June 28, 2013, 05:41:30 am
Like Alan LaRue, I too have a B5 with the countershaft sprocket upgrade, in addition to an EFI exhaust. I stopped charting my MPG after I realized that it never raised above 60 or too much below 55. My regular freewy commute is about 10 miles each way.

Also, like Alan, I too used to wring the hell out of my Bullet trying to keep up with the 70+ mph flow of traffic, but now prefer to stay between indicated 60-65... which of course is about five mph slower. I think I'd even go a little slower if I could just to lessen the tracking issues I experience on rain grooves.
Boots

2012 Royal Enfield B5 ~ The Raven ~
Ya, I know it's slow. But I've always been a little slow. (budump bump!)