Fuel consumption Silverwing

Hi new to the silverwing, introduced myself today.
My first good ride today of 100 miles, I worked out my fuel usage to be about 13 miles to the litre.
Does this sound about right?

Tommo.

Come on mate we're British, we convert it from metric back to Imperial and work out fuel consumption into mpg.

A shade under 60 MPG.
I'd be happy with that as general rule.

I got about 60 loaded up (as you see in my avatar pic) and taking it easy on secondary roads no more that 50-55 mph.

I get around 50 mpg, give or take a couple of mpgs. I don't baby it but I don't beat it either. I'm happy with the mileage I get.

We get this from time to time. Fuel consumption depends mainly on your riding style. As Meldrew says we Brits work it out m.p.g. If you ride to the speed limits in UK (as I do) I usually get 64 m.p.g. This does not mean I tootal along ,if is 50-60 m.p.h. that is what I travel at and aim to keep that steady speed all the time including on the bends. If you want to be a boy racer you won't get anywhere near that

The other thing in the long running Silver Wing fuel consumption saga is whether you're riding a thirsty early model or a more fuel efficient later model, and the OP has so far hasn't mentioned what year his Silver Wing is.

I noted that when I filled up on the way to Hull for the ferry a couple of weeks ago it was 63 mpg riding in the North Yorkshire area. The next fill up was 154 miles later at a Dutch motorway services it was 68 mpg. That converts to 52 mpg and 56 mpg US if you're over in the Colonies.

These figures are no different from what I've recorded in the past on similar runs. I've now got me a pair of those fancy NGK Iridium plugs which I'll get round to fitting one of these days.

I fitted iridium plugs at 8,000mls in my last Silver wing, and was still getting 64m.p.g. when I sold it with 40,000 mls. I put iridium plugs in this wing at 2,000 mls and, as they are reputed to last 50,000 mls I will not need to bother with new plugs for some time yet.

I decided to get the Iridium plugs after what you'd said about them earlier, fit and forget. Mind you I bought a box of those little bottles of Redex from Halfords because you'd used it in your other scooters for years. Then when I had a little bottle under the seat ready for my next fill up, you posted that you'd had second thoughts about using it.

I'd put a bottle in my grown up step kids Christmas stockings to use them up, but as I've brought back some small bottles of that German Jägermeister herbal digestif as stocking fillers, they might think it's a trendy exotic drink!  

Sorry I forgot to mention, my SW is a 2008.
Looking at all the replies, I seem to be in the right area.
I normally ride 50 to 60 mph unless on a Dual or M/way.
Still pulling left hand lever for clutch as I come to a stop at junctions.
I'll get there.

My 2005 gets about 45-50 mpg US, average. I watch my mileage every fill-up, thing to do with numbers. In general, it is 5 litres to 100 km. As for Imperial it would be about 56 mpg. I do these calculations in my head and they are not precise but ball park figures. Your calculations may be slightly different.
I ride the speed limit mostly, occasionally chase Corvettes and Harleys on the highway and when I have to purge the system of toxic build-up.
Jay.

Quite right Meldrew, I did put Redex in every tankful but, when I had fuel problems on the swing and I read in the Manual DO NOT put any fuel additives in, I believed that could have been the problem so, stopped adding it. I calculate my fuel consumption by dividing the number of litres by 4.54. to give me gallons then divide mileage by that figure. I avoid motorways if possible, preferring country roads.

Old Limey wrote:

I fitted iridium plugs at 8,000mls in my last Silver wing, and was still getting 64m.p.g. when I sold it with 40,000 mls. I put iridium plugs in this wing at 2,000 mls and, as they are reputed to last 50,000 mls I will not need to bother with new plugs for some time yet.

I changed my plugs at 8,000 miles with stock replacements and when I last checked them(52,000+Mls.) they were still good. The only time my mileage went down was fixed by cleaning the air filter.
I use regular grade oxygenated gas and have never added any fuel treatments or octane boosters and my stock plugs have always burnt clean.
I reset one trip meter every time I fill up and get anywhere from 46 to 56 mpg US. My right hand, and the roads/speed control the mileage I get.
I'm happy with the stock plugs. I don't know that iridium plugs are worth spending the extra money for me.

Iridium plugs in UK about same price as standard plugs. Both NGK.

My 03 SW got 45mpg when I first got it back in the summer and not gets 50. I changed my riding style and slowed it down a bit as I was just coming off my 919 Hornet too. Now I'm back to slowing down and enjoying the ride. Did same thing with my diesel pu truck and improved mileage 3mpg, going from 12-15 unloaded with my Duramax in town.

DanB wrote:

My 03 SW got 45mpg when I first got it back in the summer and not gets 50. I changed my riding style and slowed it down a bit as I was just coming off my 919 Hornet too. Now I'm back to slowing down and enjoying the ride. Did same thing with my diesel pu truck and improved mileage 3mpg, going from 12-15 unloaded with my Duramax in town.

Saves on Tyres as well, surprising what a more gentle approach to the throttle has.
Happy days, enjoy the view.

I get 53 give or take. Usually I am at 6000 rpm on interstate ( 76mph) and speed limits posted in town.

I know this topic is mainly about fuel mileage but the subject of Iridium spark plugs has been brought up several times here.The reason Iridium is used on modern spark plugs is to prevent erosion of the center electrode and maintain the standards that the particular engine was certified with and not fuel mileage. Save your money and put it in the gas tank. Howard

Meldrew, My milage really falls off when I am on Interstate 10, East to west highway across North Florida. Nothing to see up there and very light traffic, Not a very profatable area for the fuz, So I run an indicated 100 MPH about 7500 RPM when I cross up there. The 40 MPG at that real 90 MPH isn't so bad because I can stop every hour and a Half for Hi Test and a 5 minute Walk around. These Bike Speedometers are all about 10% fast so that some of the Idiots do not Kill themselves trying to see big numbers. I run only on that Silver wing Speed rated Bridgestone Bike Tires, No funny stuff. When you have Driven your Race Cars every week end 165 and some time 200 MPH, Doing 90 really isn't scary or Dangerous if your equipment is in good shape. I do not wear Short Pants since I was 5 and I am not a Sandal type of Guy. Happy motoring lloyd193.

Model28A, If you will try Irridium plugs, They last more than 50 thousand miles, Then you can regap them and run them another 50 Thousand. Plus All those changes and the possibility of Cross threading one of your plugs is Illiminated. Happy Motoring lloyd193.

Old Limey, Four ounces of lacquer Thinner in a full tank of gas every several thousand miles will keep your fuel system clean and remove engine Deposits and restore your Milage. I save used Lacquer Thinner Filter it thru a coffee filter and use it in the Bikes. Happy Motoring lloyd 193.

Hello Tommo,

I hope the group will forgive me for reposting info from one of my 2016 posts on fuel economy. I measured before and after a windshield change.

I would also note that in Canada where I live, we use the Imperial Gallon which is larger that the American gallon, so comparing fuel economy figures between the two requires keeping this in mind. The American gallon is 7/8 the size of the imperial gallon.
I fill the tank in exactly the same manner each time - to the filler bar only, and on a level surface.

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Hello group!

I thought it may interest you in how my fuel consumption changed, after changing out my factory Honda OEM windscreen, and replacing it with a Givi 214DT full height screen.

I ordered the screen from Twisted Throttle Canada and paid a reasonable $125.87 plus taxes (free shipping by FedEx). I also ordered the installation kit, at $18.89, but did not find any reason to use it. The install kit consists of 2 small metal plates with pre-drilled holes to match the OEM mounting points, and 4 replacement hex head bolts, that are slightly longer than factory bolts.
As I opened the sealed bag the install kit as in, I cannot return it. If someone requires it I can send it their way, unless I can be convinced I need it on my bike. The windscreen remains very solidly mounted, and has given me no issues, even in winds of 53KMH.

Install photos are here: https://1drv.ms/f/s!Ags0n2CJN4h4rRzEpvCSkRcABbeR

When I sit on the seat (I am 5' 8"), I am looking through the windscreen at a distance of about 3" down from the top. WOW! Talk about quiet riding now. For our Saskatchewan fall riding, translate that to very cool, it is great. I will likely revert to the factory screen in the spring when the weather warms up.

As I log every fuel fill with a computer program called Car Trak 4, and fill up in the same way every time (fill on sidestand, level surface, and only to just over the small cross bar visible in the fuel tank neck), I feel my fuel numbers are fairly accurate.

I went from using 4.692 Litres/100KM with the factory screen, to 4.981 Litres/100KM with the Givi screen, or a change of 0.289 L/100KM.
In Imperial measure, these three numbers translate to 60.2MPG before, to 56.71MPG after install of the new screen, with a difference of 3.49MPG increase.

Most of my driving since purchase of the bike averages 4.84L/100KM, or 58.36MPG. Most of my driving is freeway over a 30Km distance, at speeds 110KMH. I feel pretty good about these numbers, but would be interested in feedback from the group.

Thanks for letting me share with you.

lloyd193 wrote:

Old Limey, Four ounces of lacquer Thinner in a full tank of gas every several thousand miles will keep your fuel system clean and remove engine Deposits and restore your Milage. I save used Lacquer Thinner Filter it thru a coffee filter and use it in the Bikes. Happy Motoring lloyd 193.

lloyd........I was thinking of using some rocket fuel in my Silver Wing. What's your thoughts on that ?

Old Limey & MelDrew, You guys are talking about Ridex, That stuff is for Septic Tanks, Not Scooters. Happy motoring lloyd 193.

Terrior, Sounds like a great idea, Let us know how the trip was.

lloyd193 wrote:

Old Limey & MelDrew, You guys are talking about Ridex, That stuff is for Septic Tanks, Not Scooters.

I have absolutely no idea what you are referring to, why you're resurrecting topics from a couple of years ago,  or what Ridex is. I do have some small bottles of Redex that I bought a couple of years ago, I still haven't used it.

Lloyd I for one am fed up with you keep making comments on topics we discussed years ago. It is like going to watch a play, when somebody comes in half way through and thinks the play should start again because he missed the begining. Do not expect any replies from me as when I see your name on topics I will not be reading them.

Old Limey wrote:

Lloyd I for one am fed up with you keep making comments on topics we discussed years ago. It is like going to watch a play, when somebody comes in half way through and thinks the play should start again because he missed the begining. Do not expect any replies from me as when I see your name on topics I will not be reading them.

My thoughts exactly - he's as bad as the bloke who got banned from the Muppets for stirring things up!

Old Limey wrote:

Lloyd I for one am fed up with you keep making comments on topics we discussed years ago. It is like going to watch a play, when somebody comes in half way through and thinks the play should start again because he missed the begining. Do not expect any replies from me as when I see your name on topics I will not be reading them.

Hey guys.......
Coming late to the party might be an issue for some.  For other's it's an opportunity to mentor and pass on useful knowledge.  

I've never owned a scooter before and I very much appreciate folks covering the basics again.

Why? There's all sorts of useful knowledge and tips you could pick simply by searching through and reading the numerous Silver Wing topics already on the forum.

Yes, we have a Search window (above left) but it's not always user friendly unless you use the right  sequence of words for a previously posted topic. Absent that there is nothing wrong with a new member posting a question here.

No need to get all curmudgeonly. Not all of us have omniscient powers and the intolerance to berate a newcomer's question.

We were all new here once.

Tim

Now to return to the topic: I recently returned from Lake George, NY and got 206 miles on one tank of fuel. Yet with half of that ride at 75-80 mph on I-87 I still managed to get 54 mpg.

Tim

Who's getting curmudgeonly, I assure you I'm not and for once I resent your remark.  l was just agreeing with Mr Sylar, and Mr Winger 61. We have a handy online reference source on on here for just about everything subject you're likely to be curious about as a new or experienced Silver Wing owner.

I also know the Search facility on here isn't always user friendly, and why is that considering it's the same phpBB set up that's used on most other forums? Maybe that's why there's constant rehashing of the same questions and topics.

Away from here, it's easy enough to find out about just about every subject I'm even remotely curious with very little effort about just by spending a few minutes Searching.

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

Yes, we have a Search window (above left) but it's not always user friendly unless you use the right  sequence of words for a previously posted topic. Absent that there is nothing wrong with a new member posting a question here.

No need to get all curmudgeonly. Not all of us have omniscient powers and the intolerance to berate a newcomer's question.

We were all new here once.

Tim

Exactly right.  

For those unable or unwilling to suffer the ignorant and foolish, my grandmother would say you need more fiber in your diet.

I DID search.  Most of my searches result in "No topics or posts met your search criteria"

So,

Is 40mpg-US at 75 mph on an 2005 SilverWing normal?  I understand the 2005 has no Oxygen sensor for a closed loop operation so it is programmed rich. It runs strong across the power band and burns no oil so I don't think anything is wrong.

Even at 75 mph 40 mpg sounds a bit low. What kind of rpms are you doing at 75?. How are the variator weights? If showing wear or flat spots, change them. Nothing wrong with OEM roller weights, but Dr Pulley sliding weights (aka "sliders") are better and will drop cruising rpms by ~500 rpm. You might also want to check the spark plugs and possibly change them to irridum plugs (better spark, less strain on old coil).

Sorry about your frustration with the "Search" feature. I get the same results. Sometimes it's better to click on Forum on the toolbar and then go to Honda Silver Wings topics and noodle thru that for info. My 2¢

Tim

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

Now to return to the topic: I recently returned from Lake George, NY and got 206 miles on one tank of fuel. Yet with half of that ride at 75-80 mph on I-87 I still managed to get 54 mpg.

Tim

What kind of magic is this? What year is your SilverWing?

I get about 145 to the tank, another 60 would be glorious!

Gustafa wrote:

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

Now to return to the topic: I recently returned from Lake George, NY and got 206 miles on one tank of fuel. Yet with half of that ride at 75-80 mph on I-87 I still managed to get 54 mpg

What kind of magic is this? What year is your SilverWing?

I get about 145 to the tank, another 60 would be glorious!

No magic: Steady hand on the throttle. 2009 SW, so it has the O2 sensor. Dr Pulley 28gm sliders.

However, it could also be that when I filled up in Lake George for the return trip is was with "real" gas, not the 10% ethanol stuff we get in this area. Oh and I always fill the tank up to the very lip of the fill tube --even wait a few moments for that fuel level to drop as the trapped air is vented out-- then add a bit more.

Normally given the traffic, neighborhood congestion, and ethanol blend fuel in these parts I usually need to refill at 145-160 miles

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

Gustafa wrote:

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

Now to return to the topic: I recently returned from Lake George, NY and got 206 miles on one tank of fuel. Yet with half of that ride at 75-80 mph on I-87 I still managed to get 54 mpg

What kind of magic is this? What year is your SilverWing?

I get about 145 to the tank, another 60 would be glorious!

No magic: Steady hand on the throttle. 2009 SW, so it has the O2 sensor. Dr Pulley 28gm sliders.

However, it could also be that when I filled up in Lake George for the return trip is was with "real" gas, not the 10% ethanol stuff we get in this area. Oh and I always fill the tank up to the very lip of the fill tube --even wait a few moments for that fuel level to drop as the trapped air is vented out-- then add a bit more.

Normally given the traffic, neighborhood congestion, and ethanol blend fuel in these parts I usually need to refill at 145-160 miles

I have an 06, may be the difference.

You dont get any spill back into the charcoal chamber that burns off that lovely sweet gas smell when you fill up that high?
Im not arguing or debating, simply just learning and asking. I want your gas mileage! LOL

04, stock pulley, Givi Windscreen, Givi Case Removed, Michelin Tires, smooth throttle, town driving 52 mpg, 70 mph interstate 56 mpg. Refill about 145 to 150 miles.

[/quote]<>You dont get any spill back into the charcoal chamber that burns off that lovely sweet gas smell when you fill up that high?
Im not arguing or debating, simply just learning and asking. I want your gas mileage! LOL[/quote]

No overflow into the emissions chamber because the tank vent is at the highest point of the tank and is inches above the fuel level even when the tank is filled to "overflowing". Pausing between those last few fill-up splashes allows that trapped air to bleed out of the pocket of air in the top most part of the tank so yoi can squeeze more into that fill. There is no way that you can get any "spill back" into the emissions chamber --only vapor.

Also I forgot to mention that all of that 206 mile tank was a level ride. If it had been in Tennessee with its many "hills" that economy would have different.

Tim

Yea levelness helps. I used to fill up the tank to near the edge of the cap, past the stop bar for the pump, I dont like the smell that doing that gives off during the hot Memphis summer.

Tearing the whole bike down now for a repaint and maintenance, so maybe Ill eak a bit more mpg out.

I drive my Silverwing 42 miles round trip each day. I ride on the Beltway toll road here in Houston and usually run 85 mph for the length of the toll road until I get off and hit the side streets. I am averaging 35-37 mpg and if I ride 75 mph I get about 40 mpg. just sharing the info...it runs well and I do not hold back on the throttle. On my old Yamaha roadstar 06 model I ran 90 mph all the way from the beltway toll road to Sealy Tx on 1-10 and only got 27 mpg as it was a non fuel injected engine and with a 4.5 gal tank their was no touring range so I sold it. On my Kawasaki Voyager at 90 mph plus I got 38 mpg fully loaded touring bike 800 pounds plus rider.>it all depends on how you drive..at 85 to 90 I am getting passed by cars >>

My First Generation SW gets 50 mpg riding little old lady style around town, 45 mpg if I ride on faster 55-65mph secondary roads and if I am riding spiritedly I will get down to about 40 mpg.
If I'm on I-95 or I-75 where the traffic is running 80mph and above, I've gotten 32mpg!

Keep in mind my SW has a significantly "lower" gearing due to CVT tuning for acceleration.
When it was stock I got between 53mpg and 58 mpg...and ONE time, trying real hard, I got 60 MPG!!!

Sidewinder Pilot wrote:

My First Generation SW gets 50 mpg riding little old lady style around town, 45 mpg if I ride on faster 55-65mph secondary roads and if I am riding spiritedly I will get down to about 40 mpg.
If I'm on I-95 or I-75 where the traffic is running 80mph and above, I've gotten 32mpg!

Keep in mind my SW has a significantly "lower" gearing due to CVT tuning for acceleration.
When it was stock I got between 53mpg and 58 mpg...and ONE time, trying real hard, I got 60 MPG!!!

Any chance you could share your RPM @ MPH figures at those "around town", "spirited riding" and Interstate speeds?

It would be interesting to see the effects of CVT tuning have on RPMs v. MPH.

While ideal fuel economy is at speeds between 4000 and 5000 rpm, economy diminishes at speeds of 5000 rpm and higher. You could almost view the tachometer as a gauge of inefficiency; fuel economy is 50% less efficient at 5000 rpm, 60% at 6000, 70% at 7000, etc.

Tim

I really appreciate all the information being posted on this thread.

I'm a bit of a worrier. MPG is a significant indication of how healthy your engine and drive line is. Piston rings, valves, wheel bearings, brakes, fuel, spark, air filter, and final drive all impact fuel mileage. I was a little worried based on hearing 50mpg from some.

I'm pretty sure there is nothing wrong with getting 40 mpg on the interstate if Honda decided to run the fuel a little rich instead of A/F 14.7:1 because the early SilverWings don't have closed loop. Guys were running their air cooled Harley's at 13.5/1 because richer is cooler and leaner is hotter.

So it sounds like there is roughly a 10% improvement in mpg if you have an '07 or later because of the O2 sensor.

Thanks!

First, I am now running a 25% over contra spring and 10% over clutch springs (with new clutch shoes and bell with a fresh belt 5000 miles ago), as well as the 26gr sliders.

Second, the bike is always at Honda's maximum weight capacity, more after shopping or on a trip.

Thirdly, I define spirited riding as 50% full acceleration starts and 50% half-throttle, frequent passing, hard braking (sometimes at the traction threshold) and hard acceleration out of the curves and corners. Mostly riding between 45mph and 75mph.
(Basically riding like someone stuck on a scooter during his mid-life crisis!)

I had only made limited measurements of performance parameters while in stock configuration, but, values were consistent with those reported by other members.

Acceleration performance over stock as measured by accelerometer.
Peak when stock = .26G
Peak with tuning = .40G
(I have measured up to .48G, however .40G was the highest consistent measurement.)

Seat-of-the-pants improvement in traffic was significant.

Clutch engagement when stock was beginning at 2200rpm, now begins at 2000rpm
(Likely influenced by fresh friction components.)
Full stall engagement (stopped) is at 4500 rpm
Full rolling engagement with neutral torque is 3000 rpm

Full throttle acceleration from stop: 3000rpm (0mph) to 5200rpm (35mph) in 2-3 seconds, CVT holds rpm at 5200 rpm until 65mph, (approximately 9 seconds) then rpm rises with mph.

Full throttle torque reaction rpm rise at 60 mph cruise is 500-1000rpm.

V-Light falsing is minimal.


RPM:MPH @ steady speed (indicated) with CVT stabilized:

3000rpm=20mph

3500rpm=26mph

4000rpm=40mph

4500rpm=55mph

5000rpm=65mph

5500rpm=70mph

6000rpm=80mph

7000rpm=90mph

*90mph=32mpg!

** My indicated speeds are 3 mph optimistic from true at 50 mph **