OzSTOC

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: BigTed on December 17, 2019, 09:18:53 AM

Title: Summer riding == better fuel economy
Post by: BigTed on December 17, 2019, 09:18:53 AM

ok folks - the data is in. I've had my ST13 for over 8 years now, just clocking over 144,000 km. I have OCD when it comes to logging my fuel - every litre has been captured since purchase.

Here's a plot of my fuel consumption - I've highlighted an upward trend that spans the near year (ignore the aberration that represents my lap of Oz 2yrs ago).

(https://www.otterpotter.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ST1300-fuel-consumption-summer-trend.jpg)

Here's a bit of an explanation: here  (https://www.schworervolkswagen.com/blog/what-happens-to-fuel-economy-in-hot-weather/)

So, what that really means is ... if you want maximum fuel economy - don't ride in Winter! Nope - that's crazy talk.

Title: Re: Summer riding == better fuel economy
Post by: CallMeSteve on December 17, 2019, 09:25:04 AM

Intriguing!   Thanks BigTed.   That's it - from now on I will only ride in January and February     :H

Title: Re: Summer riding == better fuel economy
Post by: ruSTynutz on December 17, 2019, 03:09:05 PM

Makes sense to me...  :think1

In January/February it's stinking hot...
Stinking hot equals sweating your guts out in full bike gear which equals losing weight.
Less weight equals better fuel economy...SIMPLES!    o:)   :nahnah

Title: Re: Summer riding == better fuel economy
Post by: Gadget on December 18, 2019, 03:43:50 PM

And I would have theorized that the colder air was more dense, and therefore contained more oxygen per gulp.

However, that graph does reflect my own experience on the ST1300.

My other theory is that the colder weather invokes more 'choke' mapping of the EFI, using more fuel.

Now to go read the explanation.

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Title: Re: Summer riding == better fuel economy
Post by: Biggles on December 18, 2019, 04:07:54 PM

That referenced explanation will help no end.  I'll just ride with the aircon turned off and the windows wound down a little.    :crackup

Title: Re: Summer riding == better fuel economy
Post by: Bodø on December 18, 2019, 04:35:22 PM

Quote from: Gadget on December 18, 2019, 03:43:50 PM

And I would have theorized that the colder air was more dense, and therefore contained more oxygen per gulp.

If the air was more dense would it create greater wind resistence?

Title: Re: Summer riding == better fuel economy
Post by: Gadget on December 18, 2019, 04:50:45 PM

Quote from: Bodø on December 18, 2019, 04:35:22 PM

Quote from: Gadget on December 18, 2019, 03:43:50 PM

And I would have theorized that the colder air was more dense, and therefore contained more oxygen per gulp.

If the air was more dense would it create greater wind resistence?

Yes.

I just thought more oxygen per intake stroke would provide a better burn and thus more power.

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