Fuel is never dead weight.
As a pilot, the only time you have too much fuel is when you are on fire ...

(Or when you do that pesky weight and balance stuff)
Fuel is never dead weight.
What I was referring to is the distance-limit on an IBA ride (350 miles). Most people I speak with who have auxiliary fuel tanks tell me that they plan their stops to be around the 330-mile mark, so if you calculate for 350 miles, you would still have a nice little reserve. Planning for 400 miles, though, seems like overkill (for an IBA ride, that is).
This is the best example of stopping when You want to, not when the ID-10T light tells you to.I have a 7.3 gallon tank, but my bladder range is only about 225 miles. I think I have about a gallon and a half left after 225 miles.
Rider weight, wind, temp, throttle control/cruise control, hills and hollows, fuel grade, luggage/bags. There are really a lot of things that can affect fuel mileage.Before I go and test this myself - does anyone have a vague idea of the range of a modern street glide special? Not the traditional long distance bike from what I see, but someone might know already.
Actually, it's going to vary wildly based on rider weight (I'm kinda in the huge category), exhaust, etc. I guess I need to go test it. Hrm... I wonder what I'm doing this weekend.
14- Unless the aero's are really good and known to the rider, speeds above 80 will be self defeating over the long term. It is tiring to ride that fast for long periods. If cruise control or throttle loc is not available, speeds will vary more as the rider tires. Bad for fuel mpg and bad for safety all around. Rally Nominal is another topic. Even one roadside performance discussion will wreck the timing of the whole day. Some day the IBR will be set up to give real advantage to mpg and the wingabagoes and autobahn'rs will suffer mightily. Why significant boni pts are not awarded to high mpg riders at the scoring and lauded at the banquet escapes me? Rider with the worst mpg should get teased too. Riders who consistently fill with less than a 1/2gal remaining might be noted? Some interesting fun could be had with mpg?
This isn't the eco challenge; it's about devouring tons of miles in the shortest time and in a safe manner. The IBA has rescinded certifications after finding out that the riders rode reckless and were bragging about it in a national magazine. The IBA posts how many miles were ridden and NOT the times. Ever wonder why? It's because they don't want to make these rides a race.
I ride 85 all day, every time. I ain't tired during the ride and I ain't tired afterwards. Colder weather I see about 200 miles on a tank and around 240 when it's warmer. You want to put MPGs over all else? Get an electric bike or a scooter.
It was quite painful to read some of what was written.
The insecure riders have crazy auxiliary tanks .
Sorry to have gored your ox. The thread topic is fuel management.
fran
I came across a rider in the Mojave desert yesterday. We were at a off ramp with no service. We were 29 miles from gas. She said her Harley was running on fumes. She was waiting for help, which had been summoned. How did she know she couldn’t make it to the gas station?
How far can you go on your tank of gas? The great long distance riders know exactly how far they can go between stops. The insecure riders have crazy auxiliary tanks . The rest of us worry about being stranded and out of gas.
Can you run the tank completely dry and not hurt the motor? Will the motor start afterwards? Has anyone done this to determine the range? How do you know when to stop to gas?
One last thought: what is the point of carrying gas at the bottom of the tank if you never use it?
Please let me know your secrets.
Georgemowry