Posted by Max on July 16, 2003 at 17:05:43:
In Reply to: Yes, Let's talk gas mileage!! Help, Max posted by Richard D on July 16, 2003 at 05:25:21:
WD pretty much explained it, conservative constant speeds, knowing your fuel blend, rider weight, bike accessories - windshield, large bags, legs out or in, tire inflation, front to rear wheel alignment, tire tread, road surface condition, # of starts and stops and how fast you accelerate. remember it is a relatively low compression engine and spins pretty fast going down the road at 60 MPH(100klicks). I noticed a mileage drop in mine with the full fairing and wider hard bags, they also add some weight in addition the scale said I gained about 10 lbs when I was at the Dr. yesterday. All adds up to take more energy to move it down the road, oh and don't forget prevailing winds, only tail winds help. My brother commented on how fast the Savage will move out from a stop sign, he says he has to wick his HD Road Kink up to keep up, I just like to hear the sound of the thumper and often shift early but with lots of throttle to hear it. I'm pretty deaf also. Also wish it had a wide gear ratio transmission and a lower final drive to slow the engine down at road speed. Still a great bike.
Don't think GTO's had CV carbs, most had Carter AFB or Rochester Q-jets, throttle was direct to the primary butterflys and some secondaries were direct operating, others were kinds like a CV in that they were vacumm operated only when the engine could use the extra air and fuel.Also were high compression and had more control over the spark timing, fuel was pretty hi octane to go with the high compression in those days. twist lightly, shift early, and keep the speed lower for a tank to two and see what you get for mileage.