I'm wondering what's the optimum speed for riding long distance, i.e. on autobahn or a highway?

I've noticed that when cruising at 170-180 km/h the fuel consumption is increased exponentially, compared to 140-150 km/h, on behalf of the increase in drag, which necessitates stopping for fuel more often, and thus losing time.

Is there any views on the forum on this? Is there perhaps even a way to calculate it?

 

Drag at 70 MPH is, I'm told, double that at 50 MPH, and at 100MPH the drag increases to 4 times that at 50, so it doubles every 20MPH or thereabouts, give or take a bit.....so at 180KPH (112 MPH the drag's supposed to be about 6 or 7 times what it is at 50.
I've been able to achieve 190 miles before hitting reserve, travelling at a steady 80 MPH, around 11 miles to a litre or 48MPG. This was fully loaded with 3x 48 Litre Nonfango hard cases and a tank bag, climbing from the coast to 5000ft altitude over 180 miles.It was even better on the return, around 50MPG at same speed, dropping to the coast.
I'd say this is pretty much the best balance I've been able to achieve between time versus speed over distance calculations.

 

I think it depends on how low you are prepared to hold yourself in the wind.

I normally dont worry about fuel that much so sit on 160-180kph. But if I am woorying about fuel economy I sit on 140-160.

My girlfreind has a 250cc Virago that does 130kph flat out and its painfull having to tour with her.

 

140-160 KM/H seems to work nicely for me. It's just like that the whole bike just comes together at 160 KM/H, and the balance of the whole bike is just perfect!

 

Shadow you need to get out more. Or less. You should eb called Einstein not Shadow!!!

Personally I find the best speed is as fast as you can possibly go! (or 70mph if the cops are about!) I normally stick at under 1000mph on a motorway (as they ban you here for doing 30mph over the limit)....

 

1000MPH ? ..........whotcher flyin' ???? Must be one of those new Eurofighters, no wonder you keep nabbing poor defenceless bikers......Should be ashamed of yourself, you being a member of the Constabulary, and all....As for getting out more, I had my bike up to 265 KPH weekend before last (165 MPH he says, doing the Einstein thing) ! he he
How fast have you been on a Hurricane ?? Let's start a new thread......

 

Does anyone know the drag coefficient for the Hurricane?

 

Nope, and PLEEEZE, Cosmobob, ditch the smoochy skull and hit rewind to your last pic ! he he

 

Wow! you must have a rocket strapped to the side of her to be going that fast!

Yes, loose the goofy skull Cosmo. Pick something more like the "front-end" that Shadow has. The "other" best thing to ride than a bike is.....lol

Who has the bestlooking picture of agirl sitting on a CBR??

 

Probably the best one I've seen......