My bike has ALWAYS gotten 70 to 80+ miles per gallon. I commuted on it last week, and at the 94 mile mark, took on 1.8 gallons and still had empty space.

I changed the oil and filter. Rode for a week.  Didn't notice any leaks or abnormal smoking.

I dumped in about 2 ounces of 2 stroke oil. Rode to the gas station, took on .482 gallons.  It had been ridden about 4 miles since the 1.8 gallons went in.

Got home, checked the oil level. Took 5 ounces to top it off. The front tire took on 30 POUNDS of air, it maxes out at 41 pounds, which is what I fill to. The rear took on at least 30 pounds, the thing maxes at 40 pounds.   Now I know why the oil and fuel consumption were in the toilet... Funny thing is, the bike rode AND handled fine... ???

What do you think, 8 years sufficient on the front tube/tire, 6 years on the rear tube?   Front wheel hasn't been off since I bought the bike in February 1998. Got a new rear tire in 2000, rear tube in 99 (I think, I ran over a broken beer bottle in Mobile Alabama). Not bad for a front tire that according to the weather checking was garbage in June 98.
-WD

I am 200 pounds and I run 29 psi /front and 34 psi/back.

I would think that having them both in the 40 psi range would be like driving a streetcar.

Sounds like a rough ride to me.


cheers


Michael

I always fill to the highest recomended pressure on the sidewall. Regardless of brand. The tires and tubes last a lot longer, there is less heat build up in a full tire. Mine usually weather check to the point os scrap long before the tread wears out. My front tire is 8 years old, has 50% tread. The rear is at least 5 years old, has about 85-90% tread.

It actually rides better with them full. At least to me, seeing as I have always ridden rigid Big Twins before I bought the Savage.

With them as low as they were, it seemed to ride and handle fine. Remember, I've been out of the saddle for over 3 years until last week.
-WD

With those high pressures you will lessen your contact patch and incur premature centerline wear.

I worry about it when I see it going flat, or when the bike performance just sucks and I think it may be the problem.  Other than that, I just ride the dang thing.  

Kind of like WD did at the opening of this thread.

Way to go, WD!  Too many cars, trucks, and bikes at my house to stress over the exact pressure.  

WD wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05:


Huh?  I don't get it, and I don't mean to be argumentative, but...

You must have the only Savage to ever get 70-80 mpg.  How you think you do that I have no idea.   At this time, 1.8 gallons at 94 miles and you added almost 1/2 gallon after 96 miles.  That is about 42 mpg and if you ride a Savage hard, it can be that low.

What the heck is the idea of running your bike like a 2 stroke with an oil mix?  Does this allow you to have "normal smoking"?  Maybe this is why you have to change plugs so often.  Do you also put oil in your lawn mower and auto gas?

And Why?  Why are you inflating your tires to level printed on the tires?  That is the tire manufacturer's maximum and not the recommended pressure by Suzuki.  That tire may be used on many different bikes with different weights, and therefore the pressures are different for each bike.  You should be using the pressures printed on your steering head label.

What do I think?  Your front tire is old.  If it isn't bald, then it's cracked and rotten.  I've changed both of mine once already in 5 years, and they will be due again this fall if not sooner.

As I said, I don't get it.  Everyone understands the reason for using a manual and manufacturer's specs.  We are constantly encouraging newbie riders to get a manual and follow the book.  Sorry, but the wierdest part about this topic are the maintenance practices I'm reading.

Paladin. wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05:


EXACTLY!!!