Trike Gas Mileage

[FRR]

I very recently converted a 2004 Wing to a CSC conversion. Since I've only had it 12 days I have only been able to put 1000 miles on it; but my mileage has been all over the place. When it was on two wheels my bike got 40 to 41 MPG. Since I've converted it, I've gone from 35-40. I've ridden it on hills, in wind, on great days, single rider, 2 up, every way I can. I was told before I converted the bike that I could expect anywhere from a 2 to 5 MPG reduction, and I was prepared for that. I just can't figure why it isn't more consistent.

What are some of your experiences in this area? As always, thanks for your comments.

 

[mhgoldwing]

I have a Roadsmith. Riding locally in the Arkansas twisties two-up I average a consistent 37 mpg. Fully loaded on trip with highway speeds of 60-70 mph average drops to 34-35. Has to do with weight and, IMO, pushing air with those big rear fenders. Even though I have the trike wings, these machines are not aerodynamic The higher you get over 3,000 rpm the faster the fuel economy drops. So riding style also plays a big part in the fuel economy.

Quite frankly, I've quit worrying about the fuel economy and just enjoy the ride.

 

[turboman1354]

I have 01 wing with 2011 CSC conversion and get between 31 to 34 mpg with
Mine

 

[Gorilla]

sounds like your MPG is about where it should be.

 

[cmore]

I have 01 wing with 2011 CSC conversion and get between 31 to 34 mpg with
Mine

About the same here. I get a little less than 29 (pulling a camper) to a little over 32. Depends a lot on speed and head wind.

 

[oahe]

I keep meaning to check my mileage but am always so eager to get back on the road I forget to check the trip meter. Who cares? It's not like I'm going to cut back on my rides due to poor mileage anyway! :GL1800:

 

[Shimpy]

I have a Roadsmith. Riding locally in the Arkansas twisties two-up I average a consistent 37 mpg. Fully loaded on trip with highway speeds of 60-70 mph average drops to 34-35. Has to do with weight and, IMO, pushing air with those big rear fenders. Even though I have the trike wings, these machines are not aerodynamic The higher you get over 3,000 rpm the faster the fuel economy drops. So riding style also plays a big part in the fuel economy.

Quite frankly, I've quit worrying about the fuel economy and just enjoy the ride.

You hit the nail on the head mhgoldwing. On 2 wheels we were more aerodynamic so mileage stayed fairly constant. Now on 3 with that wide frontal profile we are more sensitive to higher speeds which causes more drag.
A few less mpg isn't really that much in dollars unless you are talking about a trip cross country. It always gets me when a rider will ride a few miles out of his way because the station there is selling gas for 4 cents less. On a 5 gal fill-up that saves him a whopping 20 cents.

 

[rmrc51]

I have a Roadsmith. Riding locally in the Arkansas twisties two-up I average a consistent 37 mpg. Fully loaded on trip with highway speeds of 60-70 mph average drops to 34-35. Has to do with weight and, IMO, pushing air with those big rear fenders. Even though I have the trike wings, these machines are not aerodynamic The higher you get over 3,000 rpm the faster the fuel economy drops. So riding style also plays a big part in the fuel economy.

Quite frankly, I've quit worrying about the fuel economy and just enjoy the ride.

I also agree with everything mgoldwing stated. Especially,, his very last statement, lol. ThumbUp

 

[Short Bus Bob]

My 02 Wing was pretty close to 40 MPG on Road Trips. Now with the Motor Trike Kit I get as low as 26 MPG and as high as 33 MPG. It is a much bigger drop than I expected. It's not the $$$ that bug me. It is asking my Two Wheel Friends to stop at 130 - 150 Miles when we used to easily go 175 -200 miles an any tank. I just wish I had an auxiliary fuel tank.

 

[Jim Smyth]

The wife's usually on back and we average in the low 30's for MPG.

 

[paws]

Living in West Texas there are times when on back roads that you won't find a gas station when you need it.
With the 2-wheelers we never worried, always had plenty of gas to get to the next station.
With the trikes we now carry a one-gallon gas can in the trike trunk when we take those sparsley-populated jaunts.
We still never worry - just enjoy the trip!

 

[wiredgeorge]

27 mpg on IH20 riding two up in heavy winds at 75-80 mph on my new-to-me GL1500A2 Roadsmith conversion in ice cold conditions. That is about a 1000 mile test... I am getting too old for 2200 miles in 5 days. Wind blew us all over and we were overloaded to boot.

 

[bikerbillone]

I've heard that the large Baker Wings mounted on the front crash bars will help deflect the wind around those pesky wide fenders.

 

[bikerbillone]

Whoops, failed to 'subscribe'....

 

[Chazzman]

I just hit 500 miles on my 2012 GL1800 Viper and last tank was 35MPG with some spirited riding in the mix.

 

[bassfisher]

My 05 GL1800 Motortrike averages right at 30 MPG city. Have not taken it out on a long highway trip yet.

 

[smartin436]

Get 36 on a good day.............avg 34..........