HHmmmm... I will apply for a govt grant to describe "high is up"... get back to you on that... +

BUT.... did you "hear it on the internet"?.... that is the only source really trust worthy...

BTW... if we are going to keep having these conversations, you are going to have to drop the "plethora" type words.... dang it man, I can't even pronounce that one... is the p or the h silent? it is obvious that you are not from Arkansas.

Given that I usually ride between 70 to 83mph, should I expect better mileage from a J. Costa versus the stock variator?

Hammy... are you superstitious or something.... 83mph? Where did that come from . .. and in spite of Dales reluctance to define "fast" , if my wife was riding with you, THAT WOULD BE 'TOO FAST'.....

Just kidding EVERYBODY... my meds are wearing off.....

83mph was just before the tach went above 6000rpm... Trying to figure out how to get my mileage back. Cosmic Jumper came over to my place to help me with Senora, and I got to ride his Swing. VERY different feel with his setup (hyperpro springs and HiT clutch and darkside tire) -- felt a lot tighter and more steady whereas Senora bobs up and down because of the softer stock springs.

I guess I'll find out whether the new spark plugs will make any difference. I measured the gap in the old plugs and found that one of them was at 0.041, which is more than what it's supposed be (within 0.031 to 0.035). Dunno if that might be why I was getting the low mileage I was getting, even when going slow.

My stock plugs didn't look fouled nor did they have a white ring or anything or any noticeable degradation. Then again, I don't know much about spark plugs or what else to look for. I've got everything changed for right now that needed to be changed and current setup is:

NGK Iridium plugs
Shell Rotella T6 5W40 oil
Stock shield (just cos I love that wind... NOT!)
New belt
26g Sliders

I'll have to put in a good run at 6000rpm, 5500rpm, and 5000rpm to see what my mileage becomes. I was just wondering why riding 25 to 40mph would only net me 50mpg. I'll try again and see what figures I get. Guess I'll just have to live with whatever I get cos I love how the Silver Wing rides and I don't really care to alter how I ride. Guess it'll just be more expensive!

Bigbird, thanks for your explanation. It was as clear as it could be. I appeciate that. Now I know the tradeoffs. Hawk

Thanks again, Bigbird, I give that some thought and research. I'm off on a 10 day scoot up the Redwood coast into B.C. and back through the West, so I'll have plenty of time to consider my options. hawk.

I'm wondering is how far someone can safely go on a gas tank. So far I've gone 179 miles and when I filled up it took 3.5 gal. That tells me there is still .8 gal still in the tank or possibly another 30+ miles. I don't always run that low as a matter of fact when the gauge starts blinking I get scared and fill up (most times). But I need to know if I get into a situation just how far I can go.

Once when I was riding my Reflex in New Mexico I checked the map and thought I would run up on a gas station in plenty of time only to find there wasn't a gas station at that location and had to run on fumes for another 25 miles.

Keith

This topic has been pretty much beaten to death already.
Start here:

http://www.silverwing600.com/t1860-mileage

Keith,

That is exactly what I get within a mile or two. Now averaging about 53 mpg, I fill up when the last bar flashes even though I know I have at least 40 miles left. Last year doing the last leg of the Scooter cannonball run we were between checkpoints and the light started flashing. When I did get a chance to fill up I put in 4.0 gallons even...way too close for comfort!
To answer your question you can go pretty far after the flash starts.

I just checked the other link and agree with Gary that after fillup reset your trip odometer. When the first solid bar goes away that is a close indication to your mpg. I have done this many times and it works for me.