Author Topic: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World  (Read 10123 times)

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Offline Bankerdanny

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Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« on: June 19, 2012, 01:26:19 PM »
Egan's column in the most recent CW is about his recently acquired '75 CB550.

I feel like I need to (a) send him a note about the Relay Rally and (b) tell him that 31mpg is terrible mileage for a 550 and he should check his carb setup.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline Duke McDukiedook

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #1 on: June 19, 2012, 01:42:54 PM »
That is crap mileage for a 550.
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Offline ekpent

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #2 on: June 19, 2012, 01:43:58 PM »
Hey Dan posted a snippet about that awhile ago. Like old Egan and his stuff but do not think anybody here,maybe it costs to much,gets good ole' cycle mags anymore. Probably reading the wife's 'Woman's Day or People' while sittin' on the Golden Throne. What are you riding now that Goldwing? What kind of mileage did you get on that huge ride around the Great Lakes with the Lizard.? That was a sweet 550 you had.  Good to hear from you.   Eric in Kazoo
« Last Edit: June 19, 2012, 01:46:59 PM by ekpent »

Offline Scott S

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2012, 02:17:05 PM »
 Then why, when I had a three page thread about my 550 also getting similar crappy mileage, did everyone say that was about right for the ~'76-ish bikes and that they were never known for mileage?

 I hear Egan isn't on the computer much. I'd love to be able to email him or at least contact him through a forum, etc.
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Offline ekpent

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #4 on: June 19, 2012, 02:21:58 PM »
Since he now has an old 550 and he lives in Wisconsin like a regular guy you know he is a lurker on the best site on the Web for these bikes,right here.  He will see this so let's call him out.  PETER come to the light and say Hello  ;D   It does sound like he get his hands dirty like the rest of us  ;)
« Last Edit: June 19, 2012, 02:23:29 PM by ekpent »

Offline Duke McDukiedook

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #5 on: June 19, 2012, 03:03:42 PM »
Then why, when I had a three page thread about my 550 also getting similar crappy mileage, did everyone say that was about right for the ~'76-ish bikes and that they were never known for mileage?

 I hear Egan isn't on the computer much. I'd love to be able to email him or at least contact him through a forum, etc.

Probably didn't read it but I would think a 550 should get as good or better mileage as my 750 does. I get about 42mpg.
"Well, Mr. Carpetbagger. We got somethin' in this territory called the Missouri boat ride."   Josey Wales

"It's Baltimore, gentlemen. The gods will not save you." Ervin Burrell

CB750 K3 crat | (2) 1986 VFR750F

Offline ekpent

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #6 on: June 19, 2012, 04:16:14 PM »
I have got over 50 on my 750 on some tours.Do not think the 550 was ever known as a super great gas sipper per say.Smaller dispacement and less power does not alway equate to better mileage.

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #7 on: June 20, 2012, 04:48:06 AM »
I'm getting crazy awesome gas milage on my '74 550 since my last tuneup. High 40s for sure. All stock except Dyna ignition and an old non-branded 4 -1 exhaust. It felt pretty lean in the spring, but now in this weather, it feels less so.

Offline bender01

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #8 on: June 20, 2012, 05:50:03 AM »
 Yah 31 is crap mpg. I get 34 around town. ;D  Did get 44 once on a non stop straight through tank.
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Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #9 on: June 20, 2012, 05:57:57 AM »
If my memory serves me well I think I got around 40 mpg. It certainly didn't go as low as the 30's.
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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #10 on: June 20, 2012, 09:39:08 AM »
Eric, yes riding the GoldWing (and seriously missing my 550), I got 33 mpg on the GW Sunday during my 380 mile round trip to see my father for Father'd Day, and that's a 500+ lb bike with a Vetter and full Bates bags/trunk setup.

The 550 got between 45 and 50 mpg during the 1400 mile ride around the lake last Summer. And that was with my 225lb self and another 50 pounds of gear on it.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline ekpent

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #11 on: June 20, 2012, 10:02:01 AM »
Yeah Dan ,you had that 550 packed pretty well for that long trip, Think if I remember I saw a kitchen sink on top of a pack  ;D  Good mileage on it.  Glad you are still out riding around--Goldwings welcome also    ;)

Offline Really?

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #12 on: June 20, 2012, 01:39:10 PM »
Is that typical hwy mileage for a GW for those years?  Just curious.  My Venture is an 800lb'der with a little bigger motor and i usually am about 42mpg.
I don't have a motorcycle, sold it ('85 Yamaha Venture Royale).  Haven't had a CB750 for over 40 years.

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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #13 on: June 20, 2012, 07:03:43 PM »
Really?: No, it should be better, I am still sorting out my carburation. Most of the other early GL1000 guys (mine is a '77) I have talked to get around 40 on the highway.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline brooze72

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #14 on: June 20, 2012, 07:17:06 PM »
If my memory serves me well I think I got around 40 mpg. It certainly didn't go as low as the 30's.

Exactly what I get too.
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Offline Tews19

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #15 on: June 20, 2012, 07:34:09 PM »
I got around 41-43 once I did my carb clean and rejett. On my 78 550k it was worse. Ever since on the 75 550F I am getting mid 30's.. I may need Dan to drive his wing up here and help with mine! I do remember the thread Scott. Everyone stated their 550 wasn't as friendly on gas as the 750. Ranged from low 30's to mid 40's....
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Offline dave500

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #16 on: June 20, 2012, 11:30:14 PM »
mines 5 litres per 100 klms mostly,ive managed 180/200 and 220klms before switching to reserve.,i care more for range than actual consumption,39-47 miles per us gallon!
http://www.calculateme.com/cGasMileage/LitersPer100kmtoMPG.htm
« Last Edit: June 20, 2012, 11:34:26 PM by dave500 »

Offline Mooshie

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #17 on: June 21, 2012, 08:40:08 AM »
I have been getting between 50-53 on my 550.  It dropped down to 49mpg in the last 2 weeks or so and am trying to figure out why (I went from premium gas to 89 and wonder if that could be doing it?  Also, seems to be idling high so that could be a factor)...but the point is I was concerned about getting 49-I would be beside myself if I was only getting gas mileage in the 30's   ;)
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Offline Accolay

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #18 on: June 21, 2012, 08:53:58 AM »
550 mileage all depends on the rider's suspicion of radar speed detection and monitoring :)
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Offline scottly

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #19 on: June 21, 2012, 09:04:48 PM »
I have been getting between 50-53 on my 550.  It dropped down to 49mpg in the last 2 weeks or so and am trying to figure out why (I went from premium gas to 89 and wonder if that could be doing it?  Also, seems to be idling high so that could be a factor)...but the point is I was concerned about getting 49-I would be beside myself if I was only getting gas mileage in the 30's   ;)
Hey Lisa, how hot has it been in SB the last 2 weeks? Hot air makes less horsepower. I wouldn't be concerned with such a slight change in MPG. Sounds like the pods are working well for you. ;D
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Offline Mooshie

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #20 on: June 22, 2012, 09:24:29 PM »
Hey Scottly good to hear from you again...Can't say its been particularly hot.  I think it has to do with the idle (I set it to 1250 so now turned it down a bit). Going to give it a spin tomorrow and see where I stand.  I know it is not politically correct but I do love my pods.  I recently switched from the Emgo to K&N and my 550 runs like a champ.
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Offline scottly

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #21 on: June 22, 2012, 09:41:46 PM »
I hear "June Gloom" has made it's annual appearance in SM; don't know if it extends that far south? We could use some gloom here in AZ, as it's been HOT!  :o
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #22 on: June 22, 2012, 09:52:57 PM »
I love to hear pod success stories. I recently put pods on my K5....Shhhhhh don't tell anyone!
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Offline scottly

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #23 on: June 22, 2012, 10:03:23 PM »
(I won't tell anyone if you don't ;D)
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Offline scottly

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Re: Peter Egan's column in the current Cycle World
« Reply #24 on: June 22, 2012, 11:03:02 PM »
I know it is not politically correct but I do love my pods.  I recently switched from the Emgo to K&N and my 550 runs like a champ.
Were you still running the Emgo pods last time on the track at Willow Springs, or had you already switched to the K&Ns?
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....