Re: 71mpg, 75mph in Atlanta
 

Jonathan,

I felt maybe the first signs of my Suzy breaking out today... there seemed to be a little extra punch up in the higher end of 5th (like neck snapping punch.) Usually, it's a grind to get from 50 to 60, but I goosed it today when I got to the straightaway, and jerked back in the seat. However, later on, when I tried to see if I could get it over 60, I ran out of road. I think the wind kind of reaches a state of equilibrium with my body that can't be overcome. But if she continues to show some spunk in that 45-60 range (which is all in 5th) that will be a welcome improvement.

I haven't dropped mine yet, but I've been assured it's inevitable. Can't hardly wait for it now. Might rain today... sweet!

-Alan

Re: 71mpg, 75mph in Atlanta
 

Yes, probably true. Do you ride mostly where you don't often get into 5th gear?
Other than that, you might have a gas leak somewhere.......or a dirty air filter.

Re: 71mpg, 75mph in Atlanta
 

You know, I noticed a similar "punch" one day while cruising the backroads in 4th (4th seems to be the perfect gear for twisties). I usually shift into 5th around 40 (helps with the MPG, you know), but this day I was in the high 40s... I decided to gun it on a straight stretch and was REALLY surprised when the bike came alive at 50+ MPH in 4th gear. I'll have to try a short interstate run once I get one of my rear spokes replaced and see just how easily it accelerates through 60 MPH.

Re: 71mpg, 75mph in Atlanta
 

The top of 4th gear really has some grunt. Too bad it's lost once you hit 5th.

Re: 71mpg, 75mph in Atlanta
 

Speed Racers,

Just for fun I put in the 92 octane stuff on the last fillup. There were so many other factors at work on my last ride that I really wasn't able to come to any scientific conclusions.

Anybody have opinions (I'm sure you do, and you've probably already posted them) on the effect of more of of those CH3(CH2)6CH3 critters swimming through the carb and explodin' and stuff? (Sorry about the subscripts to you chemists..)

Re: 71mpg, 75mph in Atlanta
 

Octane is basically a spark limiter and is only needed in engines with high compression ratios.
Our bike doesn't need it. Technically, it should produce lower horsepower and mileage numbers.

Re: 71mpg, 75mph in Atlanta
 

Thanks IQ. Everytime I see your avatar my trigger finger gets a little twitchy.

Re: 71mpg, 75mph in Atlanta
 

I rarely get less than 75 mpg. Usually 75-80 mpg. Best was 85+mpg on a tank. If you can get fuel that doesn't have a bunch of ethanol or any of the other chems they dispose of in our gasoline ie MTBE etc. the mileage will be better. Reg gas works best for me. Top speed on my GZ was 84 mph past a speed check radar unit (86 on speedometer). I can sustain 75 on Interstates if no head wind. Takes a while to get to that speed to be sure. I am using the 15 tooth but would like to try the 16 tooth.

Re: 71mpg, 75mph in Atlanta
 

And maybe a nitrous unit! :ride: :crash: :chop: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Re: 71mpg, 75mph in Atlanta
 

Make sure you got your old football cup on, 'cause when that cylinder head grenades, it's gonna negatively affect your manhood.

:haha: :haha: :haha: