90 mpg from a Suzuki?

**Chooky** · 25th October 2009, 17:06

Today was our annual oldies economy run.
[ really just an excuse for a ride in the country and a cup of tea and a yak later ]
Some take it real serious, and others like me just go for the ride.
Anyway, a Suzuki 800 Boulevard won with 90mpg, 38.3k/l,or 2.6l/100k, however you want to say it.
I managed last, [as usual] with 36mpg, 15.3 k/l, or 6.5l/100k.
But that was on my 1978 CBX1000...

I think 90mpg is an amazing figure to get out of a big bike.
Wot you reckon....?

**Pussy** · 25th October 2009, 17:08

What speed was it cruising at, Chooky?

**Chooky** · 25th October 2009, 17:18

Dont know what speed but when I talked to him later, he said he kept it at 1500rpm and only changed down a few times for the hills.
I said fark my machine idles at 1500.
I give the CBX heaps, they all like the sound of a six doing 9000rpm.

**ducatilover** · 25th October 2009, 17:32

Originally Posted by Chooky

I give the CBX heaps, they all like the sound of a six doing 9000rpm.

Demonstration please? I'll supply the tea and scones, you make the music.

**p.dath** · 25th October 2009, 17:33

That's impressive mileage. Was it mostly a down hill course, or was it on the back of a ute?

**Chooky** · 25th October 2009, 17:45

Originally Posted by p.dath

That's impressive mileage. Was it mostly a down hill course, or was it on the back of a ute?

Ha... na start and finish same place....
Some others got close to that mpg too..

**rok-the-boat** · 25th October 2009, 17:48

My DR500 gets 25km/l which I think is about 70mpg. I have fitted taller gearing for the road. No way an 800cc can beat that unless he has a sail on it.

**Ixion** · 25th October 2009, 17:48

I reckon it's piss poor really. Not to disrespect the rider who did it, but pointing the finger at manufacturers.

50 years ago that would have been considered ho-hum economy from a fast (by the standards of the day) bike. Especially allowing for an economy run always turning in better figures than day to day.

Improvements in engine design , and the prevalence of fairings SHOULD mean that bikes today are more economical than back then. Instead they're much worse.

**Chooky** · 25th October 2009, 17:51

Originally Posted by ducatilover

Demonstration please? I'll supply the tea and scones, you make the music.

It does have a howl to it...

**sil3nt** · 25th October 2009, 18:00

Over at the ninja 250 board people are boasting about 100mpg. Silly americans use engine off coasting to do this which is taking it a bit too far IMO!

**ducatilover** · 25th October 2009, 18:18

Originally Posted by Chooky

It does have a howl to it...

That is just too cool! I must hear it

**Pussy** · 25th October 2009, 18:23

Originally Posted by ducatilover

That is just too cool! I must hear it

That CBX sounds GREAT!

**ducatilover** · 25th October 2009, 18:35

Originally Posted by Pussy

That CBX sounds GREAT!

I would imagine it would be almost as amazing as the old Hooonda rc162

**98tls** · 25th October 2009, 19:08

Originally Posted by Ixion

I reckon it's piss poor really. Not to disrespect the rider who did it, but pointing the finger at manufacturers.

50 years ago that would have been considered ho-hum economy from a fast (by the standards of the day) bike. Especially allowing for an economy run always turning in better figures than day to day.

Improvements in engine design , and the prevalence of fairings SHOULD mean that bikes today are more economical than back then. Instead they're much worse.

Lets not forget that by 50 years ago standards performance figures have improved somewhat thank god.
Was asked once to go on with of these economy runs,at the time i thought it must be some kind of wind-up but no it seems its actually a done thing.I declined due to the fact i had some paint to watch drying.