Amazing fuel consumption

[PhilBolton]

Don't know about being a Charlie Boorman wannabe, (I was touring Europe when they were still in short pants) but in regard to this
"presence on the road" thing, since I got my GSA last Saturday I have noticed that I seem to be noticed more on it, than when was on my GS.
I've only done about 550mls as yet, but definitely feel the tin boxes are more aware!
Maybe size does matter?

Just an observation!

Phil

 

[Dainese Brave]

I am not sure why any conversation about panniers or Rallye Pro 3 kit is bound to bring up the hoary old chestnut of trying to look like a global traveller/Charlie-Ewan wannabe.

The point is that most of us revel in the pleasure that the GS brings and part of that pleasure is its massive road presence which is not only a major safety point but is also tittilatingly and smugly satisfying. And there is no doubt that a pannier-equipped GSA is even more imposing and noticible. So what does that prove or disprove? Nada.

Whether you ride with the panniers on or off should be purely a matter of personal preference and if there are those who prefer the looks with the panniers fitted, why not? I find them bloody useful even for local trips as I can leave the helmet in the topbox, a rainsuit, first-aid kit, fluo jacket and safety chain in one of the panniers leaving the other free for shopping or WHY.

My only comment was based upon a trip of 50 miles or so without the panniers and the surprising diference in fuel consumption. Now that's a valid point of discussion I reckon.

I totally agree......I find it hard to understand some peoples reluctance, and annoyance, to accept that other people do things differently to them, and might want different things out of life.........but then some people are ALWAYS right!!!!

To be honest, I bought the GS for many reasons, and love the fact that while riding it I have the ability to carry what I like in the storage that it has!...I've done the stuffing things down jackets/bungee corded cargos/can't get it home scenarios...and it's one of the reasons I've panniers...to carry things, or the ability to carry things.....not cos I think I look like Ewan/Charlie!!

Back to your thread though.....I'm not suprised they effect mpg at all...in fact I'd be suprised if they didn't!...they're not exactly stream-lined

Ride the bike how you want...looking like you want it...it's a bike, so enjoy it

 

[FY7]

Hi, I'm new to the GS world & this forum.

I got a set of panniers with my GSA but mainly for when I go touring. I don't particularly like the look of any bike with just a top box on & prefer not only to keep weight low down but also like the look of the panniers alone. However the panniers are bulky & for shorter legged beings like me do make it harder to get your leg over (I can hear your thoughts already!). Does anyone know of any smaller waterproof bags available to fit in place of the top box or panniers or passenger seat that would provide useful storage space without adding too much bulk? I already have the handlebar bag from Wunderlich but it's not waterproof.

 

[Allan F]

Fuel Consuption

Wow amazing !! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz !

 

[Bryn]

Hi, I'm new to the GS world & this forum.

I got a set of panniers with my GSA but mainly for when I go touring. I don't particularly like the look of any bike with just a top box on & prefer not only to keep weight low down but also like the look of the panniers alone. However the panniers are bulky & for shorter legged beings like me do make it harder to get your leg over (I can hear your thoughts already!). Does anyone know of any smaller waterproof bags available to fit in place of the top box or panniers or passenger seat that would provide useful storage space without adding too much bulk? I already have the handlebar bag from Wunderlich but it's not waterproof.

Welcome to the site Try Ortleib or Exped bags for waterproof storage... put either into the search box at the top of the page

 

[pathfinder]

Hi, I'm new to the GS world & this forum.

I got a set of panniers with my GSA but mainly for when I go touring. I don't particularly like the look of any bike with just a top box on & prefer not only to keep weight low down but also like the look of the panniers alone. However the panniers are bulky & for shorter legged beings like me do make it harder to get your leg over (I can hear your thoughts already!). Does anyone know of any smaller waterproof bags available to fit in place of the top box or panniers or passenger seat that would provide useful storage space without adding too much bulk? I already have the handlebar bag from Wunderlich but it's not waterproof.

I use a waterproof roll bag,looks alright too,from hein gerick

 

[GSband]

I find this waterproof bag from Wunderlich does the trick. I've had it for 4 years now, it's seen large parts of Europe.

How to fix it to the bike ? On my bike it's zipped to the optional wrap around the pillion seat. If a pillion comes along the bag can be worn as backpack. Or loose the pillion seat and zip it to an optional strap fixed onto the cargo area. Or just tie it down.

More info at http://www.wunderlich.de/frame.php?...1&lay1=2&lay2=16&lay3=7&lay4=1&prodid=1250206

For fixatures, klick 'zubehör'.

 

[Yonkyo]

Don't know about being a Charlie Boorman wannabe, (I was touring Europe when they were still in short pants) but in regard to this
"presence on the road" thing, since I got my GSA last Saturday I have noticed that I seem to be noticed more on it, than when was on my GS.
I've only done about 550mls as yet, but definitely feel the tin boxes are more aware!
Maybe size does matter?

Just an observation!

Phil

Now that’s interesting because i'm finding the exact opposite

I picked up my new Grey GSA (with aux lights) last week. Now, I've only done 800 miles and i've already had two very near misses, with cars trying to wipe me out, pulling from side roads.

I've been riding GS's now for over 7 years, the last one being a Yellow 1200GS. now in all those years, i don’t recall anyone pulling out on me.

Oh BTW my GSA is currently averaging 40.5 mpg mostly fully loaded with SWIMBO and panniers.

 

[Prattapillar]

Hardly rocket science is it? It's not just the cross sectional area presented to the front that will result in a higher drag coefficient, the greater reduction in efficiency results from the vacuum created behind you, which is effectively pulling you backwards. The rear of those hulking great boxes are hardly shaped like the aft end of an F1 car are they?

 

[spock]

Don't know about being a Charlie Boorman wannabe, (I was touring Europe when they were still in short pants) but in regard to this
"presence on the road" thing, since I got my GSA last Saturday I have noticed that I seem to be noticed more on it, than when was on my GS.
I've only done about 550mls as yet, but definitely feel the tin boxes are more aware!


Just an observation!

Phil

Or,it could just be that your bike is the only one that made it home...

 

[Deleted account 210516001]

Panniers help if you are going to drop it. A "gentle" lay down on offside and all that contacted the road was the plastic on the front corner of the pannier, the engine crash bar and the handlebar guard. A small bit of tape on the engine guard and the pannier corner covered my embarrassment and the cosmetic rash on handlebar guard is now covered by stick on Ripspeed Black Flexible Mirror Guards from halfords for £1.

 

[Bighorn]

Going off topic, but picking up on not wanting the stock top box. I use a peli case, which can be bolted through the rack on a GSA. I fabricated an ali bracket so the case is quick release.

hope this helps

 

[High-Tower]

I seriously worry about people who know their bike's MPG to within half a mile per gallon.
Well actually no, I don't.....but perhaps they should worry about themselves
FFS

I'm with you on this one Fanum. All I know about my fuel consumption is that my bike has a yellow light that comes on to remind me there ain't much left. Sometime in the next 20-40 miles I find a petrol station, fill the tank and empty my wallet. FFS it was costing over £40 at times last summer. To fill a bike!!!!

Panniers, tall rider, pillions, etc must all make a difference (for the more expensive) but if I was that bothered I'd ride a CG125.

Or walk everywhere.