increasing gas mileage

[see ten]

Originally Posted by mrein3

Before you all run out and buy a donor cycle er I mean a motor cycle, please don't if you have a family. I hate seeing a young, now single mom try to raise a family with the bread earner in the family splattered on a guard rail.

I know a doctor who does call them donor cycles. Usually they are crashed by 20-something males full of healthy organs. And they usually come in with just a head injury so just about everything is usable.

Besides I understand donor cycles only get 30-40 miles per gallon. You can do that in a Cavilier or an Escort.

My little brother had a loss of traction on his GSXR about a week ago. When he hit the pavement he slid about 40ft and the bike crossed three lanes of highway. He walked away with a bruise about the size of a half dollar. He was wearing top quality gloves, jacket, boots and helmet. If it hadn't been for his leather his injuries could have been much worse. I realize bikes are dangerous and I won't try to deny that. I do feel that their danger is blown out of proportion. You hear about someone crashing a bike and everyone goes "that's why I don't ride""they are dangerous""donor cycles". You never hear about someone dying in a chevy truck and people saying "Chevy trucks are dangerous, you won't get me to drive another one!". People tend to take something that is unfamiliar to them (bikes) and make it out to be something terrible. A month ago my stepmother was thrown from a horse. She suffered a concussion and broke several ribs. It's funny she was one of the first people to vocalize how dangerous she thought bikes were. She never once mentioned the danger of horse back riding. Anyway, long story short. Life is very DANGEROUS. Make an effort to enjoy it. And yes, bikes are excellent on gas. Why else would all of these second and third world countries be full of them? They are affordable to purchase, maintain and keep gas in.

Check out this link for some pictures of my little brother taken the weekend before his crash.
http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/...turtle&b=10016

By the way he rode the bike 150 miles home after it went down. He had no front brakes due to the loss of a lever but aside from that it was still rideable.

[hgs_notes]

I agree with see ten. I've owned two bikes in the past. I had my fun with them and sold them. Not because of the several close calls, or the couple times I layed it down and walked away. It was because I live up north and had limited space for storage over the winter. Then I just didn't ride it enough to justify keeping it around.

Now I could use that same exact logic on my truck. I hardly ever drive it, it takes up a space in the garage I really could use for my car (wife gets the other indoor spot). But I just love it too much. It was my first car, I've had it since 1983. It was my dads before that for about 8 years. It was my grandpas before that back in like 1973 or 74. It will be my sons way too soon.

Anyway, I had my misc. cars and trucks in the ditch way too many times, my fair share of fender benders, and it seems that everytime I get into the Minneapolis area I've got someone cutting me off, pulling into my lane with me in it, people on cell phones, kids listening to boomboom so loud they couldn't hear a siren, etc, etc,.

If you are afraid of the risk on a bike, you shouldn't have one. If you are comfortable with them and are careful, you will probably be OK. If your not OK, don't blame the bike, accidents happen no matter what you drive.

I'm done ranting (rambling) now. I feel much better. Nice deep cleansing breathe.

HG

[rwgregory]

I am 50 years old and have owned somewhere between 40 & 50 motorcycles over the
years. I can honestly say that motorcycles are not dangerous. It is the unskilled
people riding them that are. Before going out and buying a 1200cc "roadburner", for
God's sake learn to ride!! There are many instructional schools offered. USE THEM!!
Start on a small bike first and then move up to a larger one as your skills progress.
Dress for the crash, ride sober, and ride aware. You will find that motorcycles are a
great way to commute and save on gas at the same time. Besides, with all the money
you save, think of all the cool parts you can buy for your truck!!

[4x4Poet]

[/Donor Cycle Hijack]

Originally Posted by 71chevylongbed

is it possible to detune a motor to get better fuel mileage. now that gas is over $2.50 a gallon for regular i no longer care about going fast

You mentioned "detune," but how 'bout a tune up?

1. If applicable, are points gapped right? Dwell meter check? Convert to Petronix II [~$120] and Flamethrower II coil [~$40]? Or M&H version to maintain stock wiring apperance?
2. Do your rotor and cap have brass terminals? Not too many miles?
3. If you're using oem ignition wires, have you checked them for breaks (high resistence)? Or just replace them if over ~20k miles.
4. Spark plugs gapped right for engine's ignition system? Good plug color? <20k miles on them?
5. Is the choke high idle rpm right, i.e., not too gas guzzling high?
6. This Winter, plug in engine on timer to save gas since choke will open sooner. I'd expect you'll still come out ahead on the electric bill vs. gas bill.
7. Does the engine have a hot air stove to warm the carb? Again, to make the mixture-enriching choke open sooner.
8. Do all vacuum lines seal well? No leaks?
9. Does booster vacuum line seal well?
10. Do PCV hoses seal well? Clamps used? PCV good? Cheap to replace once a year. I've read that even if the ball moves when it's shaked, it can still be "bad."
11. Fresh air filter? Use a good AC/Delco or NAPA/Wix filter or other good paper element filter and replace every 3-6 months. This makes a big difference, especially if you often travel Idaho's unpaved roads. For commuter trucks, bi-annual replaceable filter replacement is always a good idea. More frequent air filter replacement is affordable at today's gas prices. A vacuum gauge could help you discover when the filter is hindering airflow. Check right after replacing the filter when the engine is warm and then when it has 5-10k on it. Watch out for ambient temp change effects on readings.
12. Switch to synthetic PS fluid for less engine drag? [just throwing that one out there for kicks.].
13. Install a vacuum gauge to monitor the effects of the weight of your right foot.

[DEFIANT NCC-74205]

I'm Considering A Water Injection Unit. It Allows For Advanced Timing Without Detonation.

[DEFIANT NCC-74205]

Also An Electric Fuel Pump Helps Shave Off A Little Hp Draw. Electric Fan And Electric Water Pump Too.