Common causes for poor fuel economy

[admin]

Quite often I am asked for reasons for poor fuel economy and there are many such as wind and temperature, elevation and fuel quality but I'll list some of the more common ones that you can investigate and do something about.

- tire pressure, if the pressure is too low it'll cause drag, keep the pressure up where it should be according to the tire manufacturer

-brake drag, I've seen some dragging so hard that the brakes were smoking, but even a little drag will cost you fuel mileage. Some drag is normal in disk brakes but if you can't spin the wheel freely when it's off the ground then it's time to rebuild the brake caliper and its associated parts. Leave this to a pro if you don't know what you are doing. It's not hard to do yourself but you must know exactly what to do before starting the job.

-air filter, when this filter gets plugged its almost like dumping raw gasoline into your engine because much needed air cannot get through to feed the engine. Check and change this filter as often as you can afford to especially if you drive a lot on dusty gravels roads or better yet get a K+N washable filter and keep it clean all the time.

-carb synchronyzation, this will definately help fuel economy if all the cylinders are working with each. Your engine will run smoother, develop more power and deliver better fuel economy because it doesn't have to work as hard to pull the bike along. When to do a carb synch? Anytime the carbs are disturbed, every 6 months if you put a lot of miles on, once a year for average miles, more often if you're a tinkerer and you're anal

-spark plugs, when spark plugs get old and worn they tend to misfire and when they misfire unburnt fuel goes out the tailpipe rather than being used to push the bike along, that translates into wasted dollars. Spark plugs are cheap so change them when you notice your bike getting hard to start or if it starts missing under hard acceleration or if you notice the positice electrode is becoming rounded at the edges. The alternative is to use Irridium spark plugs which will probably last the life of your bike and they work better than regular plugs as well, I've been using them for years in my bikes and cars, not cheap but great stuff and worth the price.

-driving style, this is a big one, it's fun to make our 1200's accelerate and blaze away from stoplights but this drinks gasoline. If you can keep the RPM's down under 3500 you will go a long way in increasing your fuel economy. Rather than going for the screaming redline try shooting for ultra smooth clunk free shifts at lower RPM's and you will soon see your fill ups lasting much longer than they ever did before. I used to shift my Wing at 8000 RPM and it would guzzle the gas and now I drive it like a gentleman and feel great about smooth shifts and my wife loves it also plus I save a ton on my gas bill when I practise what I preach.

[admin]

It's hard to stay out of that throttle because it feels so darn good to feel that pull and that breeze in you face but it's your dollar so enjoy it to the max.

[SIR tricky]

Quote"-driving style, this is a big one, it's fun to make our 1200's accelerate and blaze away from stoplights but this drinks gasoline. If you can keep the RPM's down under 3500 you will go a long way in increasing your fuel economy. Rather than going for the screaming redline try shooting for ultra smooth clunk free shifts at lower RPM's and you will soon see your fill ups lasting much longer than they ever did before.

Also you may find your rubber lasting a few more miles too

[admin]

In some cases Tricky. If you carry the front tire off the ground quite often it really saves on wear and tear. :lol:

[SIR tricky]

Ahhh yes but placing the 900+lbs on one tire you might need to run @ 80lbs pressure :oops:

[admin]

Maybe, but never 81 PSI. :lol:

[Doug]

Me thinks you'se guys' are suffrin' from accelerated "post depression postin'" :lol:

[bluewing]

Nice looking bike Angela.

[sailorchuck]

Hello Vic---where can you get the plugs that you were talking about and do you have a # for them. I ride a 85 wing. Thanks

[SIR tricky]

Motorcycles

1987-1984 HONDA GL1200A 1200
Spark Plug......Part No........Stock No........Plug Gap
Iridium........DPR8EIX-9........2202...............0.035

Ask your Napa Dealer he probably can order them if they are not in stock


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[admin]

Most other auto parts supply stores can order these spark plugs as well as they are common items but may be special order.

[jacko]

hey guys and gals, just go to sparkplugs.com, i find plugs there, name brand, and for a lot less money

[Bill]

hey guys and gals, just go to sparkplugs.com, i find plugs there, name brand, and for a lot less money

The prices are good but the shipping will HURT. I just put plugs in my GL1200 but looked at what it would be for my GL1500. Plug prices were great but the shipping ARGHHHH

NGK Traditional spark plug 5129 DPR7EA-9 6 $2.24 $13.44
Subtotal: $13.44
Shipping & Handling - UPS Ground: $11.72
Grand Total: $25.16

[jacko]

i also have a 92 suzuki bandit 400, and those plugs are over $8 each around here, on that site the same ones are only $3. and even if the shipping was $10 i would still save $10 over buying locally.

[Skymajic]

I average about 35 mpg. I assumed the newer 1800's would get better milage.
Not true?