only 63mpg? How can i increase it

[choneofakind]

I think it's just time for Jason to start racing a TT bike on his MTB races. Automatic aero improvement while transporting, and faster speeds while racing.

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

@Jason, just a thought....

Looking at Vic's tail piece, I wonder if maybe something like that could be mounted over your mountain bike to give you better aerodynamics and help out when you are going off to your races. The bike seems like it'd be a good solid frame for a covering, especially since you've had it confirmed it doesn't move at speed.

It would cut down on the crowds unless you made it out of something clear though.

I've considered it as well as tipping back my while setup so at least its low enough to sit in the draft of the bike. Tipping should be easy enough but the building of a fairing around the whole unit is well out of my field of expertise and I'd be lost on where to even start. Then there's the effect of side wind, although when my current setup I can definitely feel its influence but it's not enough for me to worry about. If I created more surface area up there even I wouldn't be able to handle it.

I think the best setup would put me back to my originally trailer idea but with a super narrow aero enclosed trail. I know I couldn't go as fast as I'd like in the twisty roads with a trailer and that's why I went with the current setup which has almost no effect on bike handling. Maybe for my local rides I could stick with the current setup and still have fun on the way there, but for cross country stuff where I'm stuck on the hwy anyways I could use the trailer.

So does anyone want to help guide me in the ways of building an aero fairing trailer

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

I think it's just time for Jason to start racing a TT bike on his MTB races. Automatic aero improvement while transporting, and faster speeds while racing.

I guess I could always ditch the Niner for a Lexus

[Hero Danny]

Yeah, I see what you are saying and I do agree. I see his message and I completely respect it and even admire it.

Just me personally, I do not like the way it looks, good for him and his bike. But not something I would want to do. I don't ride my bike to save the environment, I ride it to have fun. And I do not see anything wrong with that.

How much MPG does the average ninja get? I've never calculated my MPG before.

[scorch]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

Yeah, I see what you are saying and I do agree. I see his message and I completely respect it and even admire it.

Just me personally, I do not like the way it looks, good for him and his bike. But not something I would want to do. I don't ride my bike to save the environment, I ride it to have fun. And I do not see anything wrong with that.

How much MPG does the average ninja get? I've never calculated my MPG before.

Danny, most ninja 250's get 20mpg. Thanks for reading the thread, would you mind leaving it now?

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by scorch

Danny, most ninja 250's get 20mpg. Thanks for reading the thread, would you mind leaving it now?

Sure. Sorry for the problems. Good luck with your gas mileage issue. I'm sure it's a simple fix like cleaning the carbs like you said.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

I guess I could always ditch the Niner for a Lexus

lol not sure I want to ride a bike with "impalers" lol

[cbinker]

not going to go through the whole thread again, but what is your weight? can you afford to lose any more weight?

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by scorch

most ninja 250's get 20mpg.

Really?

On an easy day I get around 60, on an average day I get around 50, and on a push as hard as I dare day, I get around 40. Typically bottoming out at mid 30's.

That 20 number is interesting...

[tfkrocks]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

Really?

On an easy day I get around 60, on an average day I get around 50, and on a push as hard as I dare day, I get around 40. Typically bottoming out at mid 30's.

That 20 number is interesting...

Pretty sure that wasn't a serious reply

[NevadaWolf]

Oh. Okay then, back under my rock.

[mgentz]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

Really?

On an easy day I get around 60, on an average day I get around 50, and on a push as hard as I dare day, I get around 40. Typically bottoming out at mid 30's.

That 20 number is interesting...

I get about 30-35 MPG. 63 would be sweet but entirely impossible at this point.

To the OP, has anything suggested in this thread been done on your part and worked?

[PHMCS]

While the search for super high MPG isn't my thing per-se, I definitely have to give a hand to anyone putting out some of these numbers. Pursuing high mpg is a very similar quest to pursuing high power/low lap times/top speeds, and deal with some of the same problems, so I can definitely see where you're coming from.

That said, I'm pretty jealous of 63mpg, as with my size and riding style, I don't think I've ever broken the low 40's, and I've definitely spent time in the 30's.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by mgentz

..........To the OP, has anything suggested in this thread been done on your part and worked?

@scorch

Typical Ninjette member type B-4: Asks a question, gets a lot of responses and never comes back to his thread.

[scorch]

i changed the gearing to 15/38 and that has improved my mileage to 81mpg best.

the next thing for me is to remove the carbs and make sure they are clean, i suspect this might be pretty significant.

i am going to removeand install sparkplugs as suggested by dablue 1.

and going to try and lose about 15lbs off myself and be about 150lbs . might imprrove it a bit more. i am waiting until end of summer, as im going to leave july 9th for 2 months.

i appreciate all the comments.

[mgentz]

Good to hear some things are working.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by scorch

.............that has improved my mileage to 81mpg best............

[scorch]

Originally Posted by Motofool

So far my best mpg on the 2002 ninja is 81mpg. Mya verage on stock sprockets on my 2008 ninja is 68mpg. On higher gearing my mpg was 89 on th e2008.

Im due to check th empg this week on my 2002, so hopefully it will be better than 81mpg

[fast1075]

I get around 50 mpg. I flog the hot crap out of mine. And she screams for more!

[scorch]

Today i filled up my 2002 ninja.. and got 86mpg! Not bad, i turned the bike off during long red lights. I still would like to hit 100mpg.

[choneofakind]

I call that cheating.

[Ninjinsky]

Originally Posted by scorch

i turned the bike off during long red lights.

I think that is a bad idea from several perspectives
1. Drastically increased starter system wear (many uses per journey not one).
2. Oil pressure zeros when you stop the motor and at a light change you are loading the engine immediately without letting it build again.
3. There's enough stresses in busy junctions already why give your brain an extra task to cope with?
4. American gas is cheap as chips compared to europe. Here in the UK for example it is $10 a gallon

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by Ninjinsky

I think that is a bad idea from several perspectives

In Scorch's defense, DMV area traffic can be pretty brutal at times. I take that back ... it sucks every dam day! (except early Sunday morning of course) I know. I grew up and lived there for many years. So the idea of shutting off the bike at long lights during rush hour is not so bad of an idea. Depending on where you are at in the area, pedestrian traffic moves faster than vehicle traffic. No need to have a engine running when you can walk the bike to the next block, cause traffic moves so slow. It's like sitting and waiting for a long slow moving train to go by in 80-90+ degree heat some days. Accidents or construction (depending on how bad) .....forget it. Put the kickstand down and camp out.

In certain situations, discretion is the better part of when and when not to shut off the engine, to save fuel or prevent overheating.

[Ninjinsky]

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

Depending on where you are at in the area, pedestrian traffic moves faster than vehicle traffic. No need to have a engine running when you can walk the bike to the next block, cause traffic moves so slow.

Is this one of those places I read about where lane splitting is not allowed?
You make it sound as if he is stuck in a line of cars.
I used to ride London Streets every day and spent very little time stationary even in gridlock cars.

[tfkrocks]

Originally Posted by Ninjinsky

Is this one of those places I read about where lane splitting is not allowed?
You make it sound as if he is stuck in a line of cars.
I used to ride London Streets every day and spent very little time stationary even in gridlock cars.

Lane splitting is illegal everywhere in the US except the state of California.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by Ninjinsky

You make it sound as if he is stuck in a line of cars.

That's because legally he is.

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by Ninjinsky

Is this one of those places I read about where lane splitting is not allowed?
You make it sound as if he is stuck in a line of cars.

You read correctly. No lane splitting in VA & MD.

However, Washington D.C. motorcycle law does not mention lane sharing or lane splitting, so it's technically not illegal, however if a cop wanted to be a dic*, he/she could give you a ticket for reckless driving. It would take a lawyer to get you out of the ticket most times. Did I mention the majority of asshat drivers that don't know that part of the law, become particularly pissed off and will try to cut you off? Most motorcyclist don't lane split. Bicyclist are a different story.

The interstates have a HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lane in the surrounding States (MD, VA) that motorcycles can use to keep them from being squashed. Once you get into the city, all bets are off.

[Ninjinsky]

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

Lane splitting is illegal everywhere in the US except the state of California.

OMG that explains it, it must feel like having your laces tied together
Ladies and gentlemen of biking America you have my sympathies. You must campaign for the return of sanity.

[scorch]

you are right, no lanesplitting here. And can be dangerous if you do it. I've done it many times, and one thing i learned is that its bad for your health. Car drivers opening doors, swerving at you, blocking you, spitting at you, running after you, throwing bottles etc.. I've had it done. Not worth it.


Perhaps why my commute speeds are so low, because traffic is heavy. If i was to get a 50cc scooter i can keep up with rush hour traffic on the highway

[Ninjinsky]

Originally Posted by scorch

you are right, no lanesplitting here. And can be dangerous if you do it. I've done it many times, and one thing i learned is that its bad for your health. Car drivers opening doors, swerving at you, blocking you, spitting at you, running after you, throwing bottles etc.. I've had it done. Not worth it.


Perhaps why my commute speeds are so low, because traffic is heavy. If i was to get a 50cc scooter i can keep up with rush hour traffic on the highway

It is self righteous cager agression that seems to me the danger, Not the method. As I say I commuted that way for ten or more years in central London and none of that aggression or any accidents
I don't know who this guy is but this was my route through Hammersmith
Enjoy or envy Brit bikers freedom.This is how we do it...

Link to original page on YouTube.

[choneofakind]

Drivers in the UK also seem to be better educated about the road laws and sort of seem more competent behind the wheel. Have you SEEN how terrible the average driver is in the US? For goodness sake, the process for getting a driver's license is a joke.

[greenaero]

Originally Posted by scorch

Today i filled up my 2002 ninja.. and got 86mpg! Not bad, i turned the bike off during long red lights. I still would like to hit 100mpg.

Great! Extended idling wastes fuel. I got 94 mpg on my last tankfill despite riding through heavy traffic congestion here in the SF Bay Area. The ability to filter and lane share helps a lot to maintain decent fuel economy and a lot of wasted time.

@scorch, You could probably join the 100mpg club if you could do an extended run on 45-55mph 2-lane backroads. You are almost there!

[scorch]

Originally Posted by greenaero

Great! Extended idling wastes fuel. I got 94 mpg on my last tankfill despite riding through heavy traffic congestion here in the SF Bay Area. The ability to filter and lane share helps a lot to maintain decent fuel economy and a lot of wasted time.

@scorch, You could probably join the 100mpg club if you could do an extended run on 45-55mph 2-lane backroads. You are almost there!

That would be cool. that is my goal now. Hit 100mpg. let me see what i can do.

[scorch]

im running 16/37 or 15/37 sprockets. is there a maker who makes smaller sprockets for the rear?

[greenaero]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

I hear what you are saying, save the environment. But I think getting 60MPG is doing the environment plenty good. You know how many SUV style vehicles are out there? It's sickening. And they all get under 20 highway.

For me, again, this is me personally speaking. I think the stock look for the bike is very nice looking and wouldn't sacrifice the way it looks to make it more "aerodynamic" The fuel savings and pretending to be an environmental hero like all these Prius drivers wouldn't be at all worth it. One problem I really have with that whole "save the environment" approach is that most of the times those people are hypocrites.

For instance, Aero, do you ever take your bike on meaningless road trips? Or how about just random rides around the town. Sure you are saving gas mileage, hell you could travel the entire country on 20 gallons. But it doesn't matter. Because if you are traveling that whole distance for fun (a road trip) then you still wasted 20 gallons of gas from the environment.

Again though, I'm not going to use this against you, I just ask you don't use it against me either. The environment argument is off limits here.

As for the looks. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. So it's all preference, but I do think that the majority of people would think the stock ninja look is better than the "modified fuel efficient look". Again though, I won't even use that argument against you because it is all subjective.

Lastly, the personal gain. Gas where I live varies from 3.20 - 3.60 a gallon, so let's average that to about $3.40... Now let's say I get 50 MPG and you get 100 MPG to make life easier, even though we both get better MPG than that.

I will use double the mileage, so in 1,000 miles you will use only 10 gallons and I will use 20 gallons. This means that you will save on average $34 a month over me. Which again, is $408 of annual gas savings. Which I will admit is a decent chunk of change.

Perhaps I am saying this too late, but I just wanted to let you know greenaero, that I respect you and I respect your bike and I respect what you do. I am just showing you how the average 250 rider probably thinks. Since you obviously are the extreme.

Anyway, I don't ride that much, I live in MA so I don't have beautiful rural roads that I can ride on for hours on end. So I will most likely only do about 200-300 miles on my bike a month at best... unfortunately... So my fuel savings if I do what you do, would only be a measly ~$10 a month. Which is just above $100 a year... which just is not worth it for me personally.

I'm not an idiot, (despite the impression I've left on everyone) I do realize the importance of gas mileage, and would obviously adjust, tweak, add, remove anything that would help my mileage out as long as I don't have to sacrifice a bunch of performance or the appearance of my bike.

60 MPG is impressive, maybe not for a ninja 250, but impressive in the vast world of motorists, and I am completely happy with that. As for you greeaero, keep doing what you doing man. I like to read about you and how you made your accomplishments with your bike. It's hard to believe you get close to 150 MPG on your bike. Very impressive feat.

@Hero Danny, I agree that using a 60 mpg moto is a good thing compared to the average person driving around in a 20 mpg vehicle to accomplish the same tasks.. You are an intelligent person with different priorities than me and I can respect that just as you respect my efforts to go beyond the easily attainable for fuel economy. I welcome this opportunity to converse with someone with questions about what I'm doing and why I do it.

I have my flaws, just as we all do. I do actually try hard to practice what I preach. I do ride occasionally for just fun but the majority of my riding is for commuting, essential travel and running errands. I'm now proud to state that I travel more miles by moto than I do by automobile for the past several years. I also ride a bicycle quite a few miles handling errands when possible. I recognize that if I am to be a positive influence on others I must lead by example. I have earned the respect of many members of this forum and it means a great deal to me to keep it. I know you did not call me a hypocrit but I do want our fellow members to know how committed I am. I feel that my efforts make a difference and I hope to inspire others to take action themselves.

I'm sorry for any misunderstanding and I hope that you continue to particpate in this discussion. You using your 60 mpg moto in place of a cage is being part of the solution

[greenaero]

Originally Posted by scorch

im running 16/37 or 15/37 sprockets. is there a maker who makes smaller sprockets for the rear?

Alan Smith and I run 33t sprockets on the rear of our streamliners so they are out there. I think mine is a JT sprocket. Be careful of jumping to super tall gearing ( 15 front / 33 rear ) ; I found it to be too tall without radical streamlining.

[scorch]

ill avoid those high ratios then. Thanks for the input

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by greenaero

@Hero Danny, I agree that using a 60 mpg moto is a good thing compared to the average person driving around in a 20 mpg vehicle to accomplish the same tasks.. You are an intelligent person with different priorities than me and I can respect that just as you respect my efforts to go beyond the easily attainable for fuel economy. I welcome this opportunity to converse with someone with questions about what I'm doing and why I do it.

I have my flaws, just as we all do. I do actually try hard to practice what I preach. I do ride occasionally for just fun but the majority of my riding is for commuting, essential travel and running errands. I'm now proud to state that I travel more miles by moto than I do by automobile for the past several years. I also ride a bicycle quite a few miles handling errands when possible. I recognize that if I am to be a positive influence on others I must lead by example. I have earned the respect of many members of this forum and it means a great deal to me to keep it. I know you did not call me a hypocrit but I do want our fellow members to know how committed I am. I feel that my efforts make a difference and I hope to inspire others to take action themselves.

I'm sorry for any misunderstanding and I hope that you continue to particpate in this discussion. You using your 60 mpg moto in place of a cage is being part of the solution

Thanks man I thought i'd let you know, I calculated my MPG the other day and I was up to 69 MPG, I guess shifting early is paying off

[scorch]

filled up my 2008 ninja and got 73mpg, and that is riding prettty hard and with stock gearing. Great mileage riding fast. and reving high.

now on my 2002 ninja, im still at 86mpg... got to break the 100 mpg!

[greenaero]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

Thanks man I thought i'd let you know, I calculated my MPG the other day and I was up to 69 MPG, I guess shifting early is paying off

Way to go!