Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > KTM Tech
Tuning for fuel economy. Tuning for fuel economy.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
KTM Tech KTM Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to KTM riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Feb 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Posts: 126
Tuning for fuel economy.
I'v seen lots of treads about how to take a 40 liters of fuel with you, but i'm more interressted is tuning the engine so that you dont need thost 40

Has anyone tried and perhaps succeeded in tuning the 950 ADV to be a bit more economical, i want to, even if it will cost me some of it's performance. It has way to much for me anyway

Currently a litre in 12 kilometres is more rule than exeption. 1 in 15 is the absolute best i've done so far.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Feb 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
the single best way is to modify the way your engine management system works. No not the black box stuffed full of electronics, but the thing on the end of your right forearm .
Seriously, a gentle right hand can make enormous difference. When tuning carbs, be careful not to over weaken them. I found with short stroke Triumph engines fitting a smaller bore carb made huge difference in mpg. Switching to CV type would probably help too. With real engine management, sometimes it is possible to get 'touring' chipsets. is always worth checking your air filters are not choked. do not be tempted to remove them.
run the ignition as advanced as possible without pinking. A real engine manage ment system will do this and compenasate for varying fuel quality. Mechanical units work fine ifthe fuel quality is fairly constant. The old idea of teh advance mechanism operated by cable was useful, but being manual needed rider input... not an in thing.
you could switch to a diesel bike, these all do in excess of 100mpg . see here for an idea DieselBike.net - Diesel Motorcycles
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Feb 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Posts: 126
Yes, diesel bike's are great and fortunately i can follow the EVA bike closely couse it's built 'around the block' here. It would consume a lot of the budget though and i dont trust it (yet) like my KTM.
Right now i have my bike tuned for Power, it works quite well but consumes more. I wonder if there's a tuning way to reduce this fuel consumption.
Ignition timing is on the edge with the 950 and it has 2 CV carbs on it.
Perhaps in reducing the Air box intake channel perhaps you can tune it a bit?
Exhoust is open right now, air box standard. All the emission crap is of.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Feb 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 219
evaproducts
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw View Post
....you could switch to a diesel bike, these all do in excess of 100mpg . see here for an idea DieselBike.net - Diesel Motorcycles ...
This company (evaproducts) has developed, besides this promising dieselbike, alot more interesting products for overland-travelers.
Crashbars, scarvers, tankprotection etc. or how about 2wd drive for your ktm? But more realistic: sumpguards, centerstands and luggagesystems, some in prototype-stage some ready to mount. Brows their sites evamotor.
__________________
bart & sophie
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Apr 2008
meat popsicle's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Saint Clara, CA
Posts: 2
StevenD,

The best way is to have a tuner put it on a dyno and optimize the air-fuel mixture. Your tuner should be able to recommend airbox and/or exhaust system modifications to improve the mixture and therefore the efficiency of the engine.

Then, as one person already said, it is up to you and your wrist. I can give you one tip on that: once you have your dyno sheets (HP and torque) note where peak torque is on the RPM range because that is where your engine will be most efficient. If you don't do the dyno route, or you just want to try this out find the stock HP/torque curves for the 950 and note peak torque. It should be close enough to help.
__________________
Looking for info on the LC4s? Try the KTM LC4 (640) Thread Index on ADV
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Posts: 126
i did not and still dont trust any tuners and most mechanics with my bike. So i ended up installing a second air filter, modifying the carbs and adding some more shielding on the exhoust exit.
Getting steady 15 to 18.9 km's per liter now after all of africa and half of the arabian peninsuela.n I'm happy with that!!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Apr 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
If you don't trust your right wrist control, a throttle stop that decreases your availble throttle travel will work. (reduces accelleration and top speed).

Most dyno tuners are only intrested in top speed - throttle wide open .. not cruise .. and definatly not economy.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ultimate fuel economy -- what bike? blueron Which Bike? 47 9 Mar 2007 00:02
Africa Twin fuel economy LordStig Honda Tech 12 19 May 2006 00:08
fuel economy and exhausts futronix Yamaha Tech 5 18 Sep 2003 22:02
Fuel affecting Fuel Economy? AJ Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 2 7 Feb 2003 17:18
economy DAVSATO Yamaha Tech 6 31 Oct 2001 18:15

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:38.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top