| Author | Message | ||
     Jk651 |
When I'm riding two-up with my wife I get like 55mpg. When I'm riding solo, I only get like 40mpg. I can't seem to figure it out...  | ||
| Crusty |
Your bike likes your wife. | ||
| Argentcorvid |
maybe you unconsciously are smoother on the throttle and ride at a 'less spirited' pace with someone else on board? | ||
| Hughlysses |
Your wife is obviously light as a feather and improves the aerodynamics of the bike when she rides with you... at least you should tell her that.  | ||
| Rwcfrank |
It just "seems" like your going further with your wife on board...... | ||
| Pnw_uly |
It just "seems" like your going further with your wife on board...... Now, that's funny ! ! And true. . . | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Your front wheel is 250 lbs lighter. Just kidding. | ||
| Jk651 |
You guys all have some pretty good theories. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the wheelies, 12 second 1/4 miles, and 110mph dashes through the canyon that I can only do solo. That just doesn't make sense. I took my TDM for a ride last weekend. I haven't been riding it much because I'm kinda sorta trying to sell it and I want to keep the tires new. It's no wonder that people have given the nickname tedium to the TDMs. It's a great bike that does everything well, but with no style or flare. It pretty much does the same thing as the Ulysses does, but without the flash and excitement that the Uly brings with it. They're so similar and so opposite at the same time. | ||
| Biffdotorg |
JK, I get similar results. I do find myself pulling the true Froggy methods while carrying a passenger. Short shifts, easy accel/decel. All the good things that help with mileage. But that being said, I can't seem to reproduce it solo. It sort of shoots the theory of my solo weight too. | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
This summer I took a weekend off and rode through seven states with my mother riding pillion. I'll pause here and say that this was one of the coolest motorcycle experiences I've had. Not many 50 year old mothers are willing to just jump on a bike and explore the country on little more than a whim. Anyway, the Uly averaged 52mpg for the trip. This was about an even split between 2-lane backroads and interstate. We were in the neighborhood of 300 lbs between rider, passenger, and luggage. (skinny runs in the family) 99% of my riding is solo with empty luggage or the bags removed altogether, and I average just over 47mpg. My every day use consists almost entirely of 2-lane back roads. That's an '09 XT, FYI. Keep in mind, 06-07 bikes typically produce better fuel economy numbers. |
