New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Pain In The Gas Tank

I am sure we all have been shocked at the gas prices we are now paying at the pump. Our frivolous Goldwings have suddenly become economical transportation. But our econ-barges can do even better and even be safer if we maintain them as we should. Safer motorcycle and better gas mileage, who could ask for anything more?

Tire pressure

Tire pressure that is too low can be a safety hazard because the tires run hotter which will cause premature wear. This will also cause you to lose 10% or more in gas mileage. Check your tires each week or before your first ride if you have not ridden in a while. Make sure you have an accurate tire gauge and refer to your manual so you know the correct tire pressure.

Wheel bearings

Check your manual to see when to check or change your wheel bearings. If they are going bad, they will drag and reduce your gas mileage. Bad wheel bearing also can cause handling problems and can be dangerous if they fail. Raise you wheels and give them a spin, if they are making noise or are dragging, you are losing gas mileage. Bad wheel bearing also may be prone to locking up your wheels. We all know how ugly that could be!

Brakes

Check your brakes while the wheels are in the air. If the brakes are dragging, this also will cause a loss of gas mileage because your engine has to work harder. Dragging brakes may cause your bike to run hotter as well. This condition may also cause your motorcycle to pull in one direction. One way NOT to check them is to go very fast and take your hands off the handle bars to see if they pull in one direction. Your next direction may be on the way to the hospital for evaluation. Now THAT can be a drag!

Excessive weight

Carrying too many things in our Goldwings will reduce gas mileage. Those items also may be not evenly balanced in our saddle bags or trunk. which can cause handling problems. Occasionally go through your bike and see if you really need all the stuff you are carrying. Throw out that left over food stash that you put there in the spring of 2001. It doesn't get better, it gets older! Also, if you are a bowler, don't carry the bowling ball to the bowling lanes on your Wing!

Tune up

Make sure you bike is tuned for optimum performance. Sparkplugs, air cleaner, recent oil changes, etc. all add up to better performance, increased gas mileage and a safer riding motorcycle.

Excessive accessories

I know that sounds like an oxymoron to most Gold wingers, but 'safety chrome' and other items that add weight or hang in the breeze will reduce your gas mileage. All you really need is your knees in the breeze, not the excessive accessories.

All of these things can add up to safer riding, better gas mileage and a satisfied feeling that we are not wasting our gas resources. It also helps to reduce the pain of payin' at the gas pumps.

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter "W" Educator

10-4-05