Semi-Scientific Fuel Mileage Statistical Analysis from my InZane Trip

[f-Stop]

Was cleaning up my travel gear today and kinda got a little distracted after finding all my gas receipts from the trip to Eureka Springs neatly tucked away in my tank bag.  I had deliberately recorded mileage on each receipt for future analysis, but got super busy with work the day after I got home from InZane and completely forgot about what I had done -- until today.  Anyway, here goes my Semi-Scientific Fuel Mileage Statistical Analysis from InZane (SSFMSAI).

Dates:  July 23, 2012 through July 27, 2012

Total Miles:  1413.3

Average Miles Ridden per Day:  282.66

Average Overall Fuel Mileage:  28.397 mpg  (12 fill ups)

Average Fuel Mileage traveling to InZane:  27.766 mpg  (5 fill ups)

Average Fuel Mileage While in Eureka Springs:  32.78 mpg (2 fill ups - 100% Gas)

Average Fuel Mileage traveling Home:  27.452 mpg (5 fill ups)

Best Single Tank Fuel Mileage:  33.52 mpg (1st leg traveling home from InZane - 100% Gas)

Worst Single Tank Fuel Mileage:  23.76 mpg (Between Clayton, OK and Sulphur Springs, TX - traveling home)

I'm calling this "Semi Scientific" because I didn't record things like average speeds.  Of course, I always ride at the posted speed limit...not...OK...on the road I hit speeds near 100 mph while passing and would cruise at 75 mph - 85 mph when the road permitted.  In the twisties -- by myself -- I'd hit the throttle pretty hard coming out of turns, but while group riding I took it real easy.  I do have time and mileage between fill ups, but that doesn't account for bathroom breaks, photo ops, breakfast or lunch breaks, etc.  Other factors that could be taken into account might be, weather conditions, road conditions, sea level, etc.  And the biggest reason that this is being called "Semi Scientific" is the fact that I am not a scientist...not even close!

Just looking at the raw mpg stats, it appears that the 100% gas in Eureka Springs yielded the highest fuel mileage.  What's your SSFMSAI?

[Rams]

Thanks for posting that info.  Scentific or not, it's still good information.  I also track my fuel mileage pretty closely.  Going to Inzane from Frankfort, KY, I rode with two other bikers, one was on a Valkyrie, the other was on a Harley-Davidson.  We rode a very constant 62-65 mph for two legs through three fuel stops, they both got fuel twice, I didn't until the third fuel stop (300 miles).  I averaged 38.6 mpg for those three legs.  

We separated at that point (I was meeting up with another group and they were taking a different route to Eureka Springs.) where I kicked the speed up to about 75 for another 100 or so miles.  I refueled at that point even though I didn't need to just so I could check my fuel mileage.  On that leg of the trip, I dropped to 32.3 mpg.  I rode some at Inzane but, no where near enough to need fuel and honestly, I didn't check the fuel mileage because I don't care much what mileage I get in town with all the stop and go traffic and didn't go on any of the scheduled rides.  Regardless, I fueled up the night before I departed for Kansas and rode that leg at differing speeds according to the speed limits and what traffic would allow.  I averaged 34.5 mpg.  I was very happy to finally see that gas station, I had just switched to reserve a few miles back and I don't like traveling on reserve.

While in KS, I rode out to see a friend in Russell, KS. About 150 miles from where I was staying. Spent most of my time riding about 10 over the posted speed limit (between 80 and 85 mph).  Fuel mileage dropped to 30.2 mpg.  I refueled in Russell.  Leaving Russell, I really tried to stay at the posted speed limit (70 mph most or the route) and again, mileage picked up to 34.3 mpg.

The trip back to Kentucky from Kansas was the best achieved.  I kept strictly to the speed limit and only used 1/10 of a gallon of fuel in just under 700 miles.  Pretty good huh?  

Actually, my mom decided she wanted to come back to KY with me so we loaded the Valkyrie up on a trailer and towed it back.    It was a great trip and I can safely say, keeping my Fat Lady under 3K rpm is the key to getting better fuel mileage.

Ron