Petrol prices over here in Melbourne Australia are at an all-time high at around $1.40 per litre, which works out to roughly $US4.00 per gallon. What is the average price of petrol where you live? I guess most people on here are over in the USA, does the price fluctuate much from state to state?
I'm in Vancouver... Depending where you are in the city/price jumps its anywhere from a buck a litre to a buck fourteen.
just paid $2.89 for regular unleaded. I have seen it (of course after I had already gotten it) for about $ 2.77
it's a dollar eight point nine right now, but i think we're going to see a buck fifty by peak of summer. cost me 45$ to fill up my car the other day! eeps! i've been waffling on whether or not to buy a diesel as my next vehicle to at least give myself the option of running on greasel.
I have a diesel truck that gets about 14.5 mpg when used for cross-town commuting. Diesel costs ~$2.30 a gallon in NJ right about now. Unleaded that I put in my Yammie Venture costs around $2.15, and I get around 35 - 40 mpg on the bike. I already have both, so total costs don't enter the equation for me, but if they did: truck $42k+, bike $14k, insurance is almost a wash on the vehicles +/- 20% or so. Maintenance costs are definitely in the bikes favor. But inasmuch as they are both parked at my house, and with the cost of fuel heading up, I am using the bike more often for commuting (good excuse to ride). I have ridden all year 'round a couple of years because I couldn't afford a car, so they are definitely cheaper, especially when insurance is factored in. Remember, I am in New Jersey and currently paying about $700 for the bike, $1000 for the truck, full coverage all year round.
this is a great thread. thanx, one and all. i have been interested in mpg since the mid-60's. i find it fun to collect my own data every chance i get. it may come as no surprise that all my stuff was/is collected in the real world. nearly every vehicle i have has gas receipts with milages and notes kept on the results and any special conditions as to why mpg might vary. a mid-60's small block V8 chevy driven at the legal 70mph x-way limit of the day with the windows rolled up and the AC off would give 28mpg+ IF the driver didnt go goofy with the gas pedal when passing. a step-thru honda cub (50cc) driven (sedately?)in a surburban setting where mph was 35 or less would give about 150mpg. if wrung out in the same setting, the mpg might drop to 100. after 40yrs of collected foolishness, the only significant factor over the long term is driver usage. regardless of the vehicle's capability, mpg is only as good as the user can extract it. therefore, i propose a challange to one and all: 1. keep some decent records. its not enough to just fill up and record the numbers. make some notes as to what kind of riding is being done and what the prevailing winds and speed limits were. note if economy is at the fore or if exhuberant fun is at the fore. those of us who commute can easily compare/separate that drudgery with the pleasure riding. 2. if you have a gps or bike computer, use it to record avg. mph./ max mph. 3. once we have a baseline of data, start changing riding habits. try a couple of tankfulls without big handfulls of throttle. this is a great time to practice "motoflow" and long range riding smoothness. great habits to get into that allow passing at slower speeds and lower stress levels. 4. use the bike at the track and collect the same data. a smoothly ridden wing at the track will still be in the 30's mpg. the same bike poorly ridden will be down in the 20's with slower lap times. 5. once reliable mpg figures are attained, add or remove the aero stuff to see if it really makes a difference. 6. if you have cruise control or a throttle lock, note when/where it gets used. try and separate that data out. if you cant beat the cruise numbers with your hand set at full manual, maybe you need to think about how much control over your riding you really have?
My old '02 Ninja 500R (Dyno-tuned, V&H full exhaust, ignition advancer, K&N air filter, & Denso Irdium Plugs): 60-65MPG My '05 ZZR600 (Stock): 45-55MPG
Your mileage can be very effected by how you ride too. I have a 600cc that can get between 60 and 45 MPG __________________ MSF Instructor
Nothing wrong with walking but dont try that in a big city like this 1 . you would need camping gear,extra food , to get across town . and in the summer 90 F. degree temp is normal here.
Just a week ago gas was in the lower two dollar range around here. At the start of this week it has been nearing three dollars per gallon. I am sure glad I do not drive right now. I am probably going to cry the first time I fill my car up.
My car my little Fiat Punto 55SX 1.1 takes £35 approx to fill it up.. It is £1.01 per litre.. Regards The_Warden
I call bullshit. Most if not all stations charge more than Premium for diesel. I live just across the bridge (Pa) and the lowest you can find right now is about 2.75 for regular. While they are charging like 3.20 for diesel. Did you wear your glasses when you were checking prices?
A Fiat! lord have mercy on this poor soul. "it was not meant as being a cheap guy" Just the Fiat reputation or did they finally figure out how too built a good car?.
