Does small displacement mean big mpg?

[Jono]

Cycle World finds out!

http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/02/27...age-challenge/

One of the primary appeals of owning a small-displacement motorcycle is the savings such machines typically offer at the gas pump. To determine optimal mpg figures and see how these bikes compare in the real world, we laid out a 60-mile test loop comprised of equal parts freeway, rural and city riding.

We weren’t seeking the absolute best mileage possible, so we did not employ petrol-pinching tactics such as drafting, riding at a dangerously slow pace or switching off the engine at traffic signals. Rather, we sought a more real-world result indicative of “normal,” albeit conservative, riding behavior. We rode at the posted speed limit throughout the route, ranging from 65 mph on the freeway to a low of 35 mph in town. We accelerated away from stops at a moderate rate, changing up through the gears at midrange revs. GPS monitored speed and distance to cover for the optimistic inaccuracy typical of many motorcycle speedometers.

Of the bikes we tested, the Honda CBR250R had the only accurate speedometer and odometer, with readings that were spot-on with our GPS. The CRF250L was a close second, its speedo reading only 1 mph over at a true 65 mph. The Kawasaki Ninja 300 also was good: its speedo only 2 mph optimistic at 65 mph. On the other end of the spectrum, the Hyosung GT250R, Kawasaki KLX250S and Yamaha WR250 each indicated 72 mph at an actual 65. That’s nearly 11 percent error, although it might help you avoid a speeding ticket.

At the conclusion of our ride, with all bikes refueled and numbers crunched, the Honda CBR250R established itself as our clear fuel-economy champ, returning an impressive 82.5 mpg, 14.6 mpg better than the runner-up Hyosung. Nevertheless, all the bikes in our test proved this point: Small-displacement motorcycles, when ridden casually,
 using relatively small throttle openings, are remarkably efficient.

[Joshorilla]

yes

[Motofool]

The response to your question is yes, for equal conditions.

However, the graphs compare relatively similar displacements.

[KawiKid860]

lol wtf did honda do to the cbr to get that kind of gas mileage? Heck I wouldn't mind a cbr250 for an around town and slow commuter bike.

[Joshorilla]

Originally Posted by KawiKid860

lol wtf did honda do to the cbr to get that kind of gas mileage? Heck I wouldn't mind a cbr250 for an around town and slow commuter bike.

Honda make amazing engines, that's what Honda do, and they are best best in making reliable, efficient, clean and all round amazing engines.

[Jiggles]

The cbr250 is only one cylinder, thats why

Also why it sucks

[Joshorilla]

If I could get a 2009+ VTR250 honda engine as an option on my ninja I would.

I would have gotten a cbr250 if it didn't look like a cut down bike rather than the ninja looking like a proper sports bike.

I can't express how much I like Honda engines, i've mever had any problems with honda, they also look much better in the light of the shockingly awful hyundai i10 engine.

[Jono]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

The cbr250 is only one cylinder, thats why

Also why it sucks

Ha you cray cray.

But check out the mileage for the CRF250L. Same engine, but the CRF has no wind protection and different gearing. It's still quite impressive that the CBR can get that kind of mileage.

[Jiggles]

I thought these numbers looked weird. The EPA for the ninja 300 is 68mpg and for the cbr250r its 77mpg

[Joshorilla]

Originally Posted by Jono

Ha you cray cray.

But check out the mileage for the CRF250L. Same engine, but the CRF has no wind protection and different gearing. It's still quite impressive that the CBR can get that kind of mileage.

I've measured my MPG at 75+, I think the fuel injection of the european ninja 250 and the CBR250 improves the efficiency a lot.

[Jiggles]

The biggest difference is your right hand.

My N1k got better mileage than my 250

[Sipper']

Well, I'm averaging 73 mpg with my Ninja 250, and average 65 mpg with my KLX686. The KLX is built and has 4x the torque and 2x the horsepower, and less weight. Now, combine the size, comfort and everything the 250 has, BUT put that single thumper in it and THEN we can talk about a bike I would buy YESTERDAY!

The KLX will throttle wheelie, I'm talking straight up, in 2nd gear at 40 mph!

Please build this Kawasaki!!!!!

[choneofakind]

Thumpers are great and all in a KLX, but not in a sport bike. Sorry, that's the one line I draw as an engine snob for sport bikes.

[Jono]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Thumpers are great and all in a KLX, but not in a sport bike. Sorry, that's the one line I draw as an engine snob for sport bikes.

Says the guy who would put clip-ons on a KTM 390 Duke in hopes of making it into a sport bike.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by Jono

Says the guy who would put clip-ons on a KTM 390 Duke in hopes of making it into a sport bike.

That thing is totally not a supermoto though!! It has what looks to be all of 4" of suspension travel!!!

Let me rephrase that.

Thumpers are great and all in a KLX, but not in a sport bike other than a KTM.

[csmith12]

No, lawn mowers get very bad mpg. hahahahahah

[Jono]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

That thing is totally not a supermoto though!! It has what looks to be all of 4" of suspension travel!!!

Let me rephrase that.

Thumpers are great and all in a KLX, but not in a sport bike other than a KTM.

The Duke has supermoto-inspired styling. Like the Aprilia Dorsoduro and Ducati Hypermotard. Not really sport bikes, and not really supermoto's. You just don't put clip-on's on those type of bikes. Haha.


I like the new phrase.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by csmith12

No, lawn mowers get very bad mpg. hahahahahah

Originally Posted by Jono

Like the Aprilia Dorsoduro and Ducati Hypermotard. Not really sport bikes, and not really supermoto's. You just don't put clip-on's on those type of bikes. Haha.

touche good sir, touche.

[Whiskey]

It's all down to how you ride it, rev the bollox out of it at 95 on the motorway & it'll guzzle juice, keep a respectable 600 at the same 95 mph on the same road & it'll get better millage.

I've taken mine across a couple of countries a few times, & have taken a mates gixxer 6 back & forth across Ireland, the gixxer cost less for the same trip.

Btw a respectable 600 is not just a SS, anything like fazer, zzr, f4i, xj6

[Aufitt]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

The cbr250 is only one cylinder, thats why

Also why it sucks

And whats wrong with a single?

[choneofakind]

BRAaaaPPP!!

[LoneRonin]

It all depends how you ride...I'm sure those numbers are when the bike is ridden at a sedate pace. If you're someone like me, redlining every gear and usually at 9-11k rpm's you'll never see those numbers. I wouldn't be surprised if I rode a 600cc in the mid range and got similar miles...

Originally Posted by Aufitt

And whats wrong with a single?

No top end. Where our bikes are waking up and getting going the CBR is running out of steam...
Its ok on a dirtbike where top end really isn't a big deal and you need a little more torque for a hill climb or making it through tough mud, but on a street bike it sucks. That's not to say twins can't make a dirt engine, you'll just have to work the gearbox more...

[Sipper']

Well, it does depend on how you ride, BUT my KLX has a top speed of 110+, equals a ZX10 in top gear roll-ons from 50-80 mph and is blisteringly quick off a tight corner. This is with gearing 3 teeth taller than stock. Now, put that motor in a small, light bike with better aero than a barn door and we are talking about a very good handling bike that you don't HAVE to rev to have power, which lower revs equals better mpg!

Ride both to the same level of acceleration in town/backroads and the KLX wins the MPG contest.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by Sipper'

equals a ZX10 in top gear roll-ons from 50-80 mph

No offense, that doesn't really mean much. The ZX is barely purring along at 50 in top gear. In first or second, it wouldn't be a competition.

[Sipper']

Originally Posted by choneofakind

No offense, that doesn't really mean much. The ZX is barely purring along at 50 in top gear. In first or second, it wouldn't be a competition.

Maybe, but, with it's high torque at low revs and light weight a supersport liter bike is THE fastest in roll on acceleration of all bikes with stated times of 2-3 seconds 60-80 mph. You might ride the 250 near redline all the time but you won't do that on a liter bike, or for that matter ANY bike that actually has some power, unless your on the track.

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by Sipper'

Maybe, but, with it's high torque at low revs and light weight a supersport liter bike is THE fastest in roll on acceleration of all bikes with stated times of 2-3 seconds 60-80 mph. You might ride the 250 near redline all the time but you won't do that on a liter bike, or for that matter ANY bike that actually has some power, unless your on the track.

Yea but your trying to compare its 6th gear to your what, 2nd? That's not really a comparison that means anything

[Numbersix]

My 2012 250R (Zorak): 52.2 mpg.
All of Fuelly's 250Rs: http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/kawasaki/ninja%20250r

300s: http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/kawasaki/ninja%20300

CBR250R: http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/honda/cbr250r

[Sipper']

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Yea but your trying to compare its 6th gear to your what, 2nd? That's not really a comparison that means anything

No, I stated a top gear rollon scenario for both bikes, and what it demonstrates is low-mid range acceleration without the need for downshifting. So for a rider who doesn't like/want to shift much a torque'r would be what they would want vs someone who is a 'hair on fire' type.

[S1att3r]

Originally Posted by Sipper'

Well, it does depend on how you ride, BUT my KLX has a top speed of 110+, equals a ZX10 in top gear roll-ons from 50-80 mph and is blisteringly quick off a tight corner. This is with gearing 3 teeth taller than stock. Now, put that motor in a small, light bike with better aero than a barn door and we are talking about a very good handling bike that you don't HAVE to rev to have power, which lower revs equals better mpg!

Ride both to the same level of acceleration in town/backroads and the KLX wins the MPG contest.

So your trying to compare the top gear roll ons of a bike that has a top speed of 110 and one that has a top speed of 186? Seems to me like apples and oranges. Put the zx10 in the right gear for 50-80 then ill call it a test.

[MistahT]

Originally Posted by Joshorilla

Honda make amazing engines, that's what Honda do, and they are best best in making reliable, efficient, clean and all round amazing engines.

Started on a 50cc Honda Ruckus. Beat on it, 110+mpg. Easy on it 130+mpg.

Yeah, it's what Honda does!