Posted by WD on July 16, 2003 at 11:10:29:
In Reply to: Yes, Let's talk gas mileage!! Help, Max posted by Richard D on July 16, 2003 at 05:25:21:
This is actually possible with the Savage. Longer road trips on mine have seen 80-85 mpg at 45-65mph. However, this was on southern states gas. Gas in the rest of the country tends to have more additives, some of which decrease performance. Good fuel (91-93 octane), steady speeds, correct tire pressures and loading patterns, the right oil (bikes are like people, some like a different formula than others), and proper tuning (plug, air filter, valve clearances) give consistently decent fuel economy.
My bike has the white spacer and the air screw is turned out an additional turn and a half over stock. Plug is one heat range hotter than stock. Valves have never been adjusted. Tires inflated to sidewall specs, not owners manual specs. Runs on regular fuel, not premium. Castrol 20W50 oil, not synthetic, blended or bike specific. My old commute was 85 miles per week, so the bike barely would warm up before it was shut back down. Average fill-up: 1.2 gallons. Or in simpler terms, a bit over 70 miles per gallon.
It can be done.
-WD