Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Joined: Mar 11, 2013 13:12:11 GMT -5
|
Post by gitsum on Jul 6, 2013 11:42:31 GMT -5
The TU is known to be geared too high. A sprocket change could give you better top end. Also, it's a single cylinder. From the specs, it's more fuel efficient, but has less torque than the dual cylinder Honda. It's only to be expected... Just for reference, my 127cc sports bike rides between 55 and 65MPH depending on the wind, so your 250cc, being double the cc's, can definitely go faster than 60MPH! It's common knowledge, with every bike, that you run at top revs, WOT, that MPG goes down, not up. Like said, do a sprocket change, say from 40T to 36T, and you should have 10% better MPG, and most likely between 5% and 10% higher top speed. OK, let's try to get this straightened out. First of all the Suzuki TU250x is geared a bit too low, not high. Lower gearing requires higher rpm's to maintain the same speed. A single cylinder engine that is the same displacement as a twin has more torque, because it has a larger cylinder/piston. One large piston has more torque than two small pistons. That's why dirt bikes are all thumpers. Where did Honda get into this? The Virago/V-Star 250 is a Yamaha. There are some bikes that are geared quite tall, so running WOT does not produce maximum revs and does not cause a dramatic drop in MPG. Taller gearing does not always guarantee better gas mileage. If your bike is geared relatively low and doesn't have much torque, and you ride it mostly in stop and go city conditions, taller gearing will not help gas mileage. If your bike has plenty of power to push the taller gearing efficiently, then it will help fuel consumption, especially at higher speeds. If your bike can't spin the engine up to the horsepower peak in top gear, taller gearing will reduce your top speed. And whoever said the TU250x was struggling to maintain 60 mph, are you sure that wasn't the Suzuki GZ250?
|
|
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 6, 2013 16:06:54 GMT -5
The TU is known to be geared too high. A sprocket change could give you better top end. Also, it's a single cylinder. From the specs, it's more fuel efficient, but has less torque than the dual cylinder Honda. It's only to be expected... Just for reference, my 127cc sports bike rides between 55 and 65MPH depending on the wind, so your 250cc, being double the cc's, can definitely go faster than 60MPH! It's common knowledge, with every bike, that you run at top revs, WOT, that MPG goes down, not up. Like said, do a sprocket change, say from 40T to 36T, and you should have 10% better MPG, and most likely between 5% and 10% higher top speed. OK, let's try to get this straightened out. First of all the Suzuki TU250x is geared a bit too low, not high. Lower gearing requires higher rpm's to maintain the same speed. A single cylinder engine that is the same displacement as a twin has more torque, because it has a larger cylinder/piston. One large piston has more torque than two small pistons. That's why dirt bikes are all thumpers. Where did Honda get into this? The Virago/V-Star 250 is a Yamaha. There are some bikes that are geared quite tall, so running WOT does not produce maximum revs and does not cause a dramatic drop in MPG. Taller gearing does not always guarantee better gas mileage. If your bike is geared relatively low and doesn't have much torque, and you ride it mostly in stop and go city conditions, taller gearing will not help gas mileage. If your bike has plenty of power to push the taller gearing efficiently, then it will help fuel consumption, especially at higher speeds. If your bike can't spin the engine up to the horsepower peak in top gear, taller gearing will reduce your top speed. And whoever said the TU250x was struggling to maintain 60 mph, are you sure that wasn't the Suzuki GZ250? Yes, I meant low geared instead of high, used a wrong word. 2- Single cylinder has less HP, less high RPM, less torque in the high revs. 3- I don't see where I talked about Honda in this post; and if I did before, it's just to compare. 4- Running WOT on ANY bike causes a DROP in MPG! Don't know where you got your info from, but it's clearly incorrect! Ideal MPG is in highest gear, ~35-45MPH. Anything below or above lowers MPG. 5- Taller gearing almost ALWAYS guarantees better gas mileage, under these conditions: a- You're riding, not constantly start-stop traffic, but even in start stop traffic, taller gearing lowers MPG very little, especially compared to the gain you get at higher MPH's. b- Your RPM is as close to ~1700-2000RPM without lugging the engine. 6- Not necessarily true. You can always upshift and get in the torque band, and use the final gear as an OVERDRIVE! It's been used since the '60's, it just requires the rider to have more than a peabrain, and upshift to second last gear in order to reach for top speed, if needed. But very few times does one really need top speed out of a bike. Anything above a 150cc, generally has sufficient speed to surpass the speed limits on level ground, since the interstate is about the fastest road in the country, where top speed is capped at 60MPH (even though people are going 80 on it). If you want to go 80, get a 250, if you want to go 100, get a 500-600cc bike.
|
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Joined: Apr 8, 2013 11:38:56 GMT -5
|
Post by bwader on Jul 7, 2013 12:59:32 GMT -5
Its funny how a lot of motorcycle riders seem to have it in their heads a 250cc bike is underpowered for the highway. Must have 1000cc's or more.......
I'm just saying it helps to have more horses. The way I think of it as most go a few miles on the highway at 55-60mph so going 65mph or 70 at most. 250's can do it just the rider has the issue they GOT to have 600cc's or more to attempt the highway.
Seems there are some riders with "little man got to ride in a big bike to feel confident and big and bad on that highway".
I don't think anybody gets 250's for the sole purpose of highway travel.
Just like people get a 50cc-150cc scooter because they ride in the city or slower speed limit streets.
|
|
|
Post by scootnwinn on Jul 7, 2013 17:04:58 GMT -5
I run my 200 (ok it's kitted with 210 giant cc's and it's a 2 stroke) on 10" rims and I pace or pass "real" bikes all the time. I have no major issues running into 30 mph head or cross winds except I have to tuck in. The 10's aren't squirrelly like people say at 70 even. Makes a difference when they are attached to a solid chassis. I run mine round trip 40+ miles most if it between 60 & 65 mph and I can even pass. My bike is old I'm sure a modern 250 will do the same with out issue.
|
|
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 7, 2013 19:13:31 GMT -5
To go on the interstate with a 250 is pushing it. It's not only because of power, but because most these bikes are running at the tops of their revs going 75-80MPH, which wears them out faster. For that reason a 500cc is recommended, because you can gear a 500cc bike so that you'll be riding at 3-3,5k RPM going 70MPH, and 5k rpm going 100MPH, where most bikes would probably top out.
Sure, a 250 can do it. I even take my 127cc Roketa on the highways, though I'm barely making 55-65MPH, depending on the wind.
My 150cc is noticeably more powerful, but it's geared lower, it's top speed is 60MPH, so it's less affected by head winds., but with a strong head wind, and up a bridge, my speed could drop to 45MPH. Just as long as you can maintain 40 on the highways, or 50MPH on the interstate, you could ride there, even if it's with a 50cc with BBK installed that's geared right.
|
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Joined: Apr 8, 2013 11:38:56 GMT -5
|
Post by bwader on Jul 7, 2013 23:08:52 GMT -5
I was pretty content going 55-57 as a top speed on my old scooter. Sure I wanted to go faster but I only had 4 miles of 55mph to ride on a trip.
The guy that I sold it to, is running it at 8500! rpms with the 15/37 gears I had on a velocity motor. He didn't tell me how fast he was going maybe he didn't have gps on him to know for sure. I told him he could easily put in even taller gears and go even faster if it can pull 8500-10000 rpms.
So I'm just getting my head wrapped around different motorcycles and the whole shifting gears thing, being a scooter rider for over a year. Even been to the MSF motorcycle basic course.
|
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Joined: Mar 11, 2013 13:12:11 GMT -5
|
Post by gitsum on Jul 7, 2013 23:12:28 GMT -5
But very few times does one really need top speed out of a bike. Anything above a 150cc, generally has sufficient speed to surpass the speed limits on level ground, since the interstate is about the fastest road in the country, where top speed is capped at 60MPH
What country are you from? No, I mean what planet?
Are you trying to say the interstate speed limit is capped at 60 mph?
Somehow I think you meant something else, just not sure what. . I won't say anything else about your twisted logic and incorrect facts. If someone wants to believe your idiotic drivel, that's their problem.
Sorry for busting your chops, I apologize and stand down.
|
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Joined: Apr 8, 2013 11:38:56 GMT -5
|
Post by bwader on Jul 7, 2013 23:24:36 GMT -5
Ok, I hear tell now that the V-star is a pain to change the oil filter because of having to remove the exhaust. Man just hearing something so routine as an oil change not being easy makes me think very hard about wanting one.
I already don't like the idea of having to check 2 spark plugs and 2 cylinders and the one is pointed right at your crotch!
More exhaust pipes required to deal with.
I'm still looking at those Utube videos and watched one with the guy with a TU250X doing a front sprocket change and it looks pretty simple. Just adjusting the chain afterward might be a little tricky at first to get right, learning curve an all.
I'm pretty set on a 250cc motorcycle mainly because its fast enough for me and still can get great gas mileage. It will be my first motorcycle so I know its best to buy used because often times you drop your bike once the first year or so owning it. Also like a lot of people get tired of it after a year or so then upgrade to a bigger bike.
For me though I'm just looking for a good motorcycle and I don't have plans for getting a bigger bike. Unless it can get as good of gas mileage as a 250.....which I'm sure they don't. 60mpg maybe I don't know.
|
|
|
Post by scootnwinn on Jul 7, 2013 23:36:36 GMT -5
I rode a lot of big fast bikes. I still have a Suzuki GS1100. I actually prefer smaller bikes not everyone gets bored. My last bike was bigger than my current one. 200 or so cc's is just about right for me
|
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Joined: Apr 8, 2013 11:38:56 GMT -5
|
Post by bwader on Jul 7, 2013 23:53:51 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by prodigit on Jul 8, 2013 0:02:34 GMT -5
For the suburbs where I live 125-150cc is about right. Hopefully soon I'll move to Orlando, where probably a 250cc motorcycle is more desired, because of more and longer highway riding. gitsum: You have issues man! Seriously! Over here in FL the top speed on just about ANY major road is 60MPH. Not that many people keep themselves to those max speed regulations, as they most of the time are going 75-80MPH on them, but legally, the highways are 50-55MPH top speed, with 40MPH minimum, and interstates are 60MPH with 50MPH minimum.
|
|
|
Post by scootnwinn on Jul 8, 2013 0:15:51 GMT -5
I really don't know what the mileage is. I think it's somewhere in the high 60's. I haven't checked since I down jetted recently. To be honest I don't know that I care it's a freakin kick in the pants to ride. I do know I run it 40 miles a day 5 days a week and I spend less than $15 a week on fuel. Maybe I'll check.
|
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Joined: Mar 11, 2013 13:12:11 GMT -5
|
Post by gitsum on Jul 8, 2013 11:22:39 GMT -5
gitsum: You have issues man! Seriously! Over here in FL the top speed on just about ANY major road is 60MPH. Not that many people keep themselves to those max speed regulations, as they most of the time are going 75-80MPH on them, but legally, the highways are 50-55MPH top speed, with 40MPH minimum, and interstates are 60MPH with 50MPH minimum. OK, I wasn't going to say anything else, but you are right. I do have issues... I have issues because I just can't stop myself from reading your pathetic drivel, even though it makes me want to puke. About the speed limit drivel. You didn't specify what state, it's not in your signature, and Florida is not the only place that people ride in this forum. I live out west and the interstate speed limit is almost always 75, sometimes 80 mph. Two-lane highways are anywhere from 55 - 65 mph. You can't make generalized statements like they are some kind of universal law. Be more specific and precise, give more information pertaining to the circumstances. If I were to say something like "all people like to drink chocolate milk", I would sound like an uninformed @sswipe. Just because I like to drink chocolate milk, it doesn't make it some kind of universal/generic preference or fact. When you are spouting off universal statements about gearing, certain rpm's, fuel consumption, top speeds, horsepower, engine efficiency, ect, you cannot make specific statements that are supposed to apply to everything. There are too many variables and exceptions, they don't always follow your universal statements and trying to say so in a factual manner makes you sound like an idiotic wannabe mechanic that doesn't know Jack. Just like that piece of junk 127cc motorcycle you bought. Not only is it the biggest waste of $1050 ever, you are incredibly inept at trying to get it to run correctly. You still have no freakin' clue how to get the carb tuned, but by god you sure as heck don't hesitate to give out advice here like you're some kind of a mechanical guru. I think my favorite is how you constantly give out advice on motorcycles and scooters you've never even ridden, much less owned, acting like you're an expert. Oh yeah, and when you are doing research online to come up with your expert opinions, how do you know you aren't reading something that an idiot like you posted, spouting off inconsistent and incorrect drivel? It's pretty obvious you don't I'll give you credit for being an incredible optimist though. 'Cuz if I lived in your world of piece of crap machines that ran like , I sure wouldn't be able to pretend like I knew what I was doing ;D
|
|
|
Post by scootnwinn on Jul 8, 2013 11:41:30 GMT -5
Gitsum I think you realize this by now but expecting Prodigit's reality to even remotely reflect ours is unreasonable. Any expectations to that effect will cause you severe discomfort. My only hope is that most people recognize his "advice" for what it is. Unfortunately if you don't know anything what he he says is compelling as it seems to be factual. Anyway give up I have unless he is telling someone to do something, then I defend reality but I never try to convince him of anything anymore he is unteachable...
|
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Joined: Apr 8, 2013 11:38:56 GMT -5
|
Post by bwader on Jul 8, 2013 11:50:11 GMT -5
From my experience living my first 18 years in WV next to the ohio river the speed limit is usually 60-65mph most of the time.
Now there are some stretches in WV next to a cliff in the mountains there are speed limits of 70mph and some 75mph as well as some places where it says 55mph and you'd be crazy to go around that rock at more than 30mph.
In Virginia I've lived for the last 7 years. speed limit is 60-65mph on I-64 of course most go 70-75mph.
Main thing is as long as I can maintain 70mph for a stretch if I need to once in a blue moon I'm good.
Often driving the cage I drive the speed limit in the slow lane. I'm in no hurry.
|
|