48 mpg on GL1800 (two up)

1735 Views 20 Replies 16 Participants Last post by Foodman, Sep 10, 2009

Shiny_side_up

Discussion Starter · Sep 8, 2009

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I don't want to tell you the embarrassing reason why, but last weekend we rode for four hours at 45 mph. To my surprise our fuel consumption during that stretch was 48.1 mpg! I know - it makes sense - cruising in 5th at around 2000 RPM. But I never rideit that way for long and never had the occasion to calculate fuel consumption under those circumstances. I felt like a "high miler." Just thought I would share.

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AZgl1800

· #2 · Sep 8, 2009

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Am I allowed to guess? :cheeky1:

I've driven over 150 miles at 40 mph in a Dodge Ramcharger 4x4 once. Let's just say that I took off on a long trip at 2:30 in the wee hours, left Albuquerque and didn't remember to fill it up with gas before leaving town :shock:

When you are out, like way out, in boonies, and no gas stations anywhere closer, it is pucker up time. :waving:

Shiny_side_up

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 8, 2009

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Oh we were in the boonies alright, but we had plenty of fuel. Good guess, though.

Foodman

· #4 · Sep 8, 2009

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Need gas ??

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BenMC

· #5 · Sep 8, 2009

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48mpg is very good.

GSMacLean

· #6 · Sep 8, 2009

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I drove 25 miles to a Ford Dealership at 15 mph in my old 94 Explorer once after taking it out on the beach, putting the transfer case in low range to get it out of a hole, and having it stick that way.

Stuck up north, no tools, the dealership was the only option. They fixed it (dirty/wet connector) for free. I'd mention the name of this wonderful dealership, but Ford saw fit to shut them down.

D-Rod

· #7 · Sep 8, 2009

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GSMacLean wrote:

I drove 25 miles to a Ford Dealership at 15 mph in my old 94 Explorer once after taking it out on the beach, putting the transfer case in low range to get it out of a hole, and having it stick that way. Stuck up north, no tools, the dealership was the only option. They fixed it (dirty/wet connector) for free. I'd mention the name of this wonderful dealership, but Ford saw fit to shut them down.

That's a shame. Like they say, "no good deed goes unpunished."

Oregonwinger

· #8 · Sep 8, 2009

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We got 48.3 mpg one trip to coast. I was shocked.:shock: But, that's with the oem tire, which skews the speedo off a bit. In actuality, it was more like 47.xx. . Oh well............, I guess I can live with that. Running the 70 tire, the speedo is right on the money, according to odo test sign, and gps.

I read of one guy with over 50 mpg. Probably with off speedo, but, still, pretty decent.

Geezerglider

· #9 · Sep 8, 2009

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Shiny_side_up wrote:

I don't want to tell you the embarrassing reason why,

Aw, come on Shiny. Nobody here will laugh at you. :cheeky1::cheeky1::cheeky1:

wda-83wing

· #10 · Sep 8, 2009

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Foodman wrote:

Need gas ??

:shock:and thats on a interstate too --i`ll bet.

Foodman

· #11 · Sep 9, 2009

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Yep across Nevada and that sign was about 70 miles from anywhere..

tdbieber

· #12 · Sep 9, 2009

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Hey Bob, where ya been? Of course you might say that about me too! We just made a two day run on the coast and got 40. I'm happy with that. Of course we were running a bit faster than 45 mph. Went down through Humbolt State Park...Ave. of the Giants. It was a wonderful trip. We need to get a ride together again before the weather turns!

mzandmywing

· #13 · Sep 9, 2009

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Hey Found out today my 79 had a transplant of a 75 w/carbs, What kinda mileage should I get? I heard they were a little pep-p-er then the 79. Probably same gearing?Different carb settup then 79 so I was just wondering?????

rgbeard

· #14 · Sep 9, 2009

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4 Hrs at that speed? How did you stay awake?????

Shiny_side_up

Discussion Starter · #15 · Sep 9, 2009

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Okay, Okay...I shall confess. It all started with the famous last words: "The rear tire is a little thin, but I think we can get one more ride out of it."

So, after getting to the farthest, DEEPEST, point from home in the Ouachita Mountains (S.E. Oklahoma), I begin to feel a wallowing sensation coming from the rear. I find a wide spot in the road and get off to see cords showing.

I really felt like a heel for making a stupid decision to ride on that tire and worse, for putting my wife's safety at risk. But here we are in the middle of nowhere late on a Saturday afternoon. We could have called a tow, we could have called any of several Wingers who have mounted tires sitting at home, but she was in the mood for excitement. So we aired it up firm to keep it on the center rubber and drove at a speed that I felt I could handle if it suddenly blew.

I guess God truely does watch after fools because we made it home safely despite my foolish choices. I learned a lesson the hard way - replace those tires when the indicators show.
P.S. I was amazed at how quickly that sub-tread base rubber wore away. The tire was a Dunlop 250 and it had SOME tread showing when we left home but it ground down FAST! We had just ridden the Talimena Scenic Drive which is a bunch of twisties but rubber left that tire fast. It makes me think that the base is a softer compound?

Oh, I feel better now. Confession really is good for the soul. Now you can throw darts.

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rgbeard

· #16 · Sep 9, 2009

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Secondary rubber is soft and thin. You got lucky, mah boy!!

I can't throw a dart your way. Done the same thing .... with my wife on board too!!

Someone else other than I will have to come beat you senseless, then they'll have to pick up and take me on next.

vtx1800

· #17 · Sep 9, 2009

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The one without sin cast the first stone.

ScooterTramp

· #18 · Sep 9, 2009

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That's doing good! The best I've got, so far, is 44 and change. That was riding double, fully loaded, doing 75/80 down the slab.

choppas

· #19 · Sep 9, 2009

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The absolutely best mpg I got was 44, all Interstate riding between 55-65mph and not being heavy handed on the throttle.

Bamaeagle

· #20 · Sep 9, 2009

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Hey just glad you two made it home safely.

Yes the inter rubber is softer. It is that way on all tires. I use to work in a truck tire plant.

So when you see the wear indicator run out it is time to change them!!

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