The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Patrick_Krivacka on May 09, 2010, 05:30:29 PM
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how many miles per gallon y'all gitttin'? Sorry if this is a old question, I did do a search.
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Right now, my average is 40 mpg (17km/l), 200 miles (328km) to reserve, this is surface streets and urban expressways .
I can do better on rural interstate highways, if I keep the speed down to 60-65 mph (98-107km/h), it's about 45 mpg (19km/l) .
But at posted speed limit of 75 mph (123km/h, 36-38 mpg (15-16km/l)is more the usual .
I lost at least 5 mpg (2km/l) when 10% ethanol was added to the fuel supply here in Phoenix, back in 2002 .
When the national speed limit was 55 mph (90km/h), and no alcohol in the fuel, I could average low 50's mpg (22-23km/l) on rural interstate highways .
With 83,000 miles on the bike, I wouldn't be surprised if the compression is down from a new engine .
Also the '81 R65 is jetted the richest of the twin shock R65's .
I need to find the smaller jets that I got with the '84 LS, I think they are 138's the same that came with the LS version bikes, the jets in the '81 are 145's .
The 1150 oilhead, gets 48 mpg (21km/l) in the usual city commute, and 58 mpg (25km/l) at 75 mph (123km/h) on rural interstate highways .
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I seem to be at just over 30 mpgallon. I shift 5-7K and seem to be in the brisk speed limit zone.
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Thanks for the replies. very interesting. Anyone else?
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If I'm not fighting a headwind or going much over 70 MPH, I generally get 42-46 MPG. I once got as high as 50. My worst was probably around 38, fighting high winds and averaging 75 MPH on the interstate for hours, complete with ~120 pounds of camping gear, etc.
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At 55-60 mph I get about 45 mpg (US).
At 75 mph I get about 38 mpg (US).
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I have been getting about 40 - 50 mpg. I got 50 mpg for sure on a longer trip loaded down with camping gear. It was highway miles, but mostly slower 2 lane roads and not the big super slab. When I checked my miles and the gas I used it came to exactly 50 mpg. I was surprised it was that good.
I usually try to get gas at least by 180 - 190 miles, or sooner. But then my riding partner and I like to stop somewhere just to stretch our legs every hour so we make sure to get gas every 2 hours.
I haven't checked the mileage on shorter rides. I'll have to do that. With the newly rebuilt upper end the mileage may be better. I'll check it out when I get it back - hopefully this week!
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At this time of year with mixed driving, no highways the Wh8la2 makes 240 miles on a full tank (21.5 liters~5.68 gallons)~42.26 miles per gallon.
On highways with an average speed of 75 mph the consumption is about 35-36 miles per gallon~15 km per liter
greetings from a too cold but sunny and windy north
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I Measure every tank from reserve back to reserve again and my average over 3 years on a mix of predominantly short commuting runs with some longer runs is 62 MPG (52 MPG US)
In the summer when I do more Longer runs I easily average 66 MPG (55 MPG US) although I rarely exceed 60 MPH
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I don't know. :) I really, really need to get a trailtech vapor gauge installed.
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I used to get a really consistent 45 mpg regardless of how fast I drove. Then my odometer quit working and I now get zero miles per gallon.
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I haven't checked since last year but as I recall I was getting between 55 and 60 mpg (Imperial Gallon). I ride mostly on the highway at 90 to 110 kph (around 55 to 65 mph).
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I get 40 mpg on average.........that is with a side car.
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I'm getting about 40-42 mpg. I'm a little bummed about it. In my research on this model I was lead to believe that I'd get more like 50- 55.
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It's often said that worn needles and needle jets cause poor consumption so they may be worth looking at.
My own view is that the idle settings are crucial to good economy. Most of our riding even at highway speeds is done on between 1/8 th - 1/4 throttle where the idle circuits are still contributing significantly to the mixture. This means that if your idle settings are too rich it will hurt overall economy by more than you might think.
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When I ride with 75 mph I get 40+,but if I keep it under 65 mph I get 50+.This is a lot better than my R1100S,but hey who ride S under 85 :D
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Crossrodes and I are alike...55 - 62 MPG IMP.
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Sue, and everyone else who gets 50+mpg, can you give some insight as to why your mileage is so good? Most have indicated that how fast they ride plays a part, but is there some mechanical reason?
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Sue is stating her mileage, in Imperial gallons, not US gallon .
An Imperial gallon is around 4.55 liters, a US gallon is around 3.83 liters .
Depends on what jets are used as well .
My'81 R65 has 145 main jets, the '84 LS has 138 main jets .
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Bob, could you talk (write) a little bit about jet sizes? I assume (uh oh) that the smaller jet let's in less gas, there fore increases your gas mileage but decreases power? How low can you go? And what Mpg would you expect from it? I really love my r65 (in spite of it's frankenbeemerness) but I was hopein' for a little better mpg.
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My '81 came with 145 main jets, starting with the '82 model year bikes, they switched to a 138 main jet .
There is a correction chart in the Bing manual, to compensate for higher elevation, and differences in air temperature .
I'll have to check the manual when I get home from work, but I think the bikes were set up for sea level elevation, and 50 F. temperature .
You are correct, the smaller the numerical value of the jet, the less fuel it will flow .
If you can get the numbers off of the carbs, it's stamped into a vertical flange at the front of the carb, I can get you what the carbs were set up for at the factory .
Should read something like : 64/32/325 .
Then you can check the jets that are installed in your carbs to see if a previous owner has messed with them .
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thanks Bob. I'll get back to you with that info.
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the number on the flange is---64/32/304
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I'm at work now, so it will be this evening before I can get you the numbers .
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+45mpg today on a newly rebuilt top end and completely restored bike - 200 mile trip through Julian, Ramona, Lake Henshaw, Cuyamaca and over the Lagunas. Very strong winds today and pushing the bike at a pretty hard pace. I LOVE this bike. Carves like a snow ski and handles so incredibly well - and the brakes have surpassed my wildest imagination.
What a treat this bike is, life is good! Didn't want to stop today.
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The table in the Bing manual, shows that your carbs were originally intended for an R80, not an R65 .
I'm assuming your other carb has the numbers : 64/32/306 on it .
The main jet size is 145 .
The needle position is not correct for an R65, it shows that the carb had the needle set to position 4, the R65 normally uses position 3, this is numbered with the highest position being number 1 .
The manual also shows that the bikes are set up for sea level elevation, and 60 F. (15C) .
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Here's one for you Bob, I have the 64/32/325&326 Bings. I've been experiencing horrible flat spots in the low and mid range. I've tried enrichening the mixture screw to the rich end while maintaining a smooth idle. The bike ran fabulous at 3,000 and 4,000 feet in elevation today. But down by sea level it feels lean. In fact I was running the choke at 1/2 detent position at sea level and it responded better. I'm currently running the metering rods at the #3 position per the Bing manual. I'm thinking it could go to #4 by what it's telling me on today's extended ride. Another tid-bit is the Bing manual calls for a static idle mixture setting to be at 1/2 turn. Won't run there at all. I'm at about 1-1/2 turns currently. I'm thinking lifting the rod will solve some of the problems I'm dealing with. Anyone else experiencing any of the same?
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r80? will the surprises never cease with this bike? what are the implications of this discovery?
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With the needle set to position 4, it's running a lot richer than it needs to be for an R65 .
And that's if the needle is set to position 4, in your case it's an unknown, until you check it yourself .
After hearing the other odd things you've found on your bike, who knows what size main jets you have currently installed .
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Mike, I have the same carbs on my bike, I have not experienced a flat spot .
What main jets are you using the 145's ?
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I believe their 145's. Can't remember off hand, I'm going to check in the morning and get back to you.
I can't help but think something is not right , did I foul something up? If I was operating this bike at 4,000 feet the way it's currently set up I would be happy. And 45 mpg with the grades, speeds and agressive riding today? That's a little suspect too.
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I want to pull my main jet out and see what it is. I don't want to take the carb off, can i just drop the bowl? anything going to fall out? can I check the needle setting with the carb on?
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Remove the float bowl, and I think a 10mm wrench or socket will get the jet removed .
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is there some number I should be seeing? I don't see any. also, one of my plugs looks good, while the other is black and smells of gas.
a note of interest. I never seen such dirty carbs on a running motorcycle.
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iman,
The main jet is shown in the center of the carb (pictured) with the flat washer. The number will be stamped in the exposed face, probably 145.
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thanks mike. I looked again after reading your post, and with the help of two magnifying glasses, I was able to see the 145. I guess i need to pull the top and see where the needle is set, huh?
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iman,
I would suggest measuring the length of the needle where it protrudes from the bottom of the slide before removing it just so you have a check for both carbs and make sure you know where you are during disassembly and reassembly. You should probably be at the #3 position or notch from the top of the needle (counting down). Check with the Bing Manual if you have one. Place some rubber tubing over some needle nose pliars not to damage the needle or put on some rubber gloves to get a good grasp on the needle if you choose to use your fingers. The notches are staggered from one another so twist the needle in 90° increments while you pull on the needle, you'll feel and hear the click of the retainer as you go. Twist the needle another 90° and repeat until the needle is removed from the bottom of the slide. Keep count of your clicks. Try not to bend the needle even though it's plenty tough and resilient. You'll get the hang of it. Be sure both sides are set the same. This link(s) may help -
http://s428.photobucket.com/albums/qq8/gruntyman66/81%20R650%20Restoration/Bing%20Carb%20Left/
http://s428.photobucket.com/albums/qq8/gruntyman66/81%20R650%20Restoration/Bing%20Carb%20Right/
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thanks mike. you guys are great!
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Ok, I've been thinkin' (look out!). my left cylinder is running rich (black plug/smells of gas.) what's the best way to cure this? If the needle is in the 4th spot, then there's no adjustment there, correct? so that would mean I'd have to change jets. the right side looks good. Would I leave it alone, or change jets on that side as well? what would this do to my nice tan spark plug? too lean? then what?
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Just move the needle to the correct number three position, if it's not there already .
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to change/check the needle, I'll have to pull the carb? and if I pull the carb, i'll have to re-sync the carbs?
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All you need to do, is to remove the top of the carb, then remove the diaphragm and slide .
Unless you move the adjustment screws, you don't need to do a carb synchronization .
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Thanks Bob. I'll try that when I get home. Thanks for all you do, Bob. Your very generous with sharing your knowledge and experience.
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i-man, If you measure the exposed needle length before removing or adjusting them as Mike V suggests and you want to check if the the two carbs are set differently you will find the distance between settings is approx. 1.8 mm.
I thought I had the actual measurements for each needle position somewhere but I can't lay my hands on it at the moment.
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that was a good tip, barry & mike, they were different. I moved the shorter one (rich/black plug) a notch, making it longer. I rode the r65 to work today, and it ran great. This is nothing new, it's always run great, but at least I didn't mess anything up. I'll have a look at the plug when I get home and see what it says. thanks again for all the help.
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Just checked my consumption on this weekends ride 200 miles half of which was motorway rest country roads, the bike was being hammered on some of the high peak sections too.....used 15 ltrs / 3.3 gall(UK) thats 60 mpg??? ill check the plugs to see if there lean.
I have just balanced the carbs with the Mark 4 texas Guage though.
Lou
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I've been following this thread for two months. What began as, to me, a rather dull "What's your mileage?" thread has evolved into a carb tuning conversation. Much more interesting.
I now have something to add. I'm traveling in reverse with comments to the recent posts.
It's often said that worn needles and needle jets cause poor consumption so they may be worth looking at. My own view is that the idle settings are crucial to good economy. ...if your idle settings are too rich it will hurt overall economy by more than you might think.
Very true. Barry reinforces the importance of correct mixture and idle stop screw balance above most all else. All other adjustments are built upon this primary foundation. Good mileage is one result.
I'm getting about 40-42 mpg. I'm a little bummed about it. In my research on this model I was lead to believe that I'd get more like 50- 55.
If the mileage expectations came from factory literature, sorry. 112 pound BMW test rider Gunther wore his skivvies and a t-shirt as he half-coasted around a flat test track with tire pressures near explosion levels and a mileage test fuel bladder holding a single gallon of fuel. Jawohl, mein Hauptmann. Fifty-five miles per gallon!
Reading through the mileage posts, I note differences in the R65's load, type of road, terrain and wrist action. We're discussing a 650cc motorcycle that has a factory spec weight of 452 lbs (R65) or 456 lbs (LS) with full fuel and a tool kit. Both bikes are rated for a maximum load of 423 lbs for an average of 877 pounds! Big load out equals a big grab of throttle for hiway cruising.
The Bing manual shows five different models of carburetors fitted to various R65s. The 1981 runs 325-326 while the 1983 has 335-336 seres Bings. Both bikes deliver around 43-46 mpg, my style.
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40 - 45mpg highway at 65 - 75mph highway speeds, with bags. Just got back from 1000 mile roundtrip to Southern California and back, mileage didn't drop below 42
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Hi guys,
Just returned from first long flawless trip on LS. Changed oil and readjusted carbs right before departure. The bike ran perfectly on ALL roads; I was even comfortable at speed on the interstate, and in a chest to tankbag/legs on rear peg postion, aerodynamics at 75mph were slick.
3 days of riding: 762 miles averaging 39.7 miles per gallon, with best tank being 44mpg and lowest 35.6. I enjoyed twisting the throttle and pushing the LS on the great roads and hilly terrain offered.
It was fun, roads of NY/Mass/Vt were ideal, as were conditions. Ass was soar as were knees at times. And, it was chilly 6-9am in the mtns and I would have prefered my leather to textile during those hours.
Will plan next LS trip to W.Va.
Peter
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Reopropf - were you at the RA rally in VT? I missed you somehow - perhaps you saw Sue (in a red R65 hat)?
I just checked my records from my riding to/from/around the rally this weekend - my "best" mileage was toodling around some country roads at a sedate 55 MPH with very little luggage and netted 48.2 MPG. Worst gas mileage for the weekend was a bit more spirited riding and with all my camping gear on - and much more mountainous roads - 42.8 MPG - these are US gallons, not Imperial. Tillie ran very well all weekend - I was actually fairly impressed how well she hauled up a long mountain grade at 75 MPH+ with Sue's new Triumph right behind us.
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New plugs, new carbs, valves adjusted to spec, carbs adjusted, short trips (20-50 miles) and speeds from 30-90 mph on different kinds of roads averaging 44 mph gives a consumption of 40.2 MPG
greetings from a sometimes sunny north
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flh6.ggpht.com%2F_IG1zYdpfI5U%2FTFbzGjv5nhI%2FAAAAAAAAPRo%2F11JDbPwXfxk%2F02082010-2.jpg&hash=de0814ea8cd9352b64dc98aa088634d04a50700b)