Would you trade 10% less horsepower for......

....20% better fuel economy?

I voted yes, but really it depends on the bike. For instance, if I traded 10% of the horsepower of my '95 DR 250 I don't think it would have enough left to be able to move under its own power

89 hp instead of 98 for 54mpg instead of 45? no brainer.

but I don't think you can do it.

I'm looking to do a tu-250 cafe as a work commuter. And the CBR250 is looking kind of nice too as gas price rise.

I voted somewhere in between.

For my bikes, probably no as they already get good mpg and aren't that powerful to begin with.

Now for my car, I might give up 10% hp for 20% better mpg. And I don't drive a fast car.

My bikes are for sport. My car is for transportation.

Rick G

It depends on the type of bike. Did not answer the poll. I do not ride motorcycles for fuel economy. I ride them because I like riding. F/E does not ever come to mind or enter the equation when I am looking for a bike. But neither does HP.

Yes, but there's a lot of things I'd trade horsepower for:

- better price on the bike

- better, fully adjustable suspension

- more instrumentation


In other words, pretty much everything that I have to add to the bike because the manufacturers are too cheap to make it the way I want it.

Voted yes. The FZ1 would be just fine. My old TU250, however, I would've voted no for that.

I'm building a LD 1250S Bandit. Was thinking of asking Dale Walker if he had a FI module that maximized mpg over anything else.

I had a FJ12 that V&H once rejetted for max range. Went from 190 per tank to 230.

No for my Ural, but yes for every other motorcycle I have ever ridden.

No. I get plenty good MPG. I'd rather have more HP.

I'd trade it for a hand job but it's late now.

Mike, you live in Washington. Ride a bicycle to work and stop killing the rainforests.

I would trade 10% of my horsepower for hydraulic valves that I wouldn't have to adjust

It annoys me my Harley riding friends get better mileage than I do. Of course they give up like 40% of the power

Lets ask about the REAL big expense of motorcycles

Would you give up 10% traction for 20% longer tire life

The darkside riders already know how they will answer.

Hijack off

No!

Wow, couple good points w/regard to trade-offs here.....

I've reached a point in my life when 'power' bragging rights, conspicuous consumption, and "bigger is better" will soon be taking a back seat to fewer maintenance intervals, overall economy... to include fuel efficiency, a lower seat height, and overall comfort.

Soooo..... 10% less horsepower means NOTHING in the overall scheme of things. But not having to adjust valves, more consistent economical fuel efficiency, and something more befitting my aging back & softer butt.... are things my current quest for the perfect mid-size bike may be seeking.

-- HOWEVER --

I am convinced that the single biggest factor contributing to fuel mileage is the pilot's riding style. During the years of piloting a 1200cc Sporty, a couple 2005 Bonnevilles, SV650, 988cc Fizzy, 1255cc Bandit, RSV1000, etc. etc....., my riding style continues to return me a consistent and predictable 38 mpg; with 30 mpg on my SV650 as the lowest end of the spectrum, and 55 mpg from my unmodified first generation FZ1.

It seems the only engine/fuel injection combination that is reportedly returning riders predictably higher gas mileage numbers are these BMW/Rotax 800cc parallel twins.

Maybe

Why is it late ? :) You can always detune an engine :) so the only part of the equation that's not working ... well, probably age takes it's toll on everybody :))))