G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile


Buell Motorcycle Forum » Quick Board Archives » Archive through June 28, 2008 » Unexpected benefit of high fuel prices » Archive through June 19, 2008 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jaimec
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 05:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

It was subtle at first. I think on an unconscious level I "noticed" it, but it didn't really register till this week. With the popularity of those big, stupid trucks everyone was buying having a clear, unobstructed view of the traffic ahead was not easy. If you backed off far enough from the vehicle in front of you, four more just like it would cut in front of you blocking off your view again.

But this weekend I finally noticed... I can see WAAAAY ahead on the highway again! Once again, just like in the "Good Old Days" I'm head and shoulders above MOST of the vehicles around me and I can see what's coming up far in advance.

Looks like gas FINALLY got expensive enough for people to leave those damned trucks at home and drive CARS again! Don't know about you, but I'm enjoying the view!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Thumper74
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 05:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I just noticed that this morning on the Turnpike... It's mostly cars and minivans!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellinachinashop
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 05:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm thinking of bagging my farts for future sales.

Seriously, I've seen the same thing and I've also noticed that people are driving alot slower now on the express way. I make a 590 mile round trip to northern wisconsin and home about twice a month.

I've seen a substantial savings in fuel by slowing down from 75-78 at 2100-2300 rpm to 70 at 1800 rpm in my v8 Dakota.

I don't care who you are, fuel prices are high enough to make you think.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bads1
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 05:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My Brother is selling his 03 Navigator because of it and he's in the Gas biz. Nice truck.... 65,000 miles 14 grand takes it away and it still sits. Go back 6 months and it would sit a day at that price. It priced below wholesale. Hes taking his wifes 07 BMW suv and she's buying a BMW clubman Cooper.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Glitch
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 06:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

There sure are a lot more bikes around here, that's for sure. Thankfully I've not had to make the dreadful commute into the city for a while, but I did have to work in Alabama yesterday, and did notice a lot less big vehicles on the road.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ferris_von_bueller
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 07:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I've noticed more motorcycles but not less SUV's
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Johnnylunchbox
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 07:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm with Ferris. Here in the NY metro area, gas guzzlers are still the norm for the commute into NYC, but I've seen more bikes.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Birdy
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 08:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Farmers still need their trucks here BUT there are less Soccer Moms drive the Beast around it seems. Guy at work parked his Chevy Duely because of gas prices.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Prof_stack
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 08:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

In Seattle many people still drive like gasoline is cheap, but less than before. I've seen more of these:

Best gas mileage


Which brings up another unexpected benefit: better exercise and health.
The bicycle has almost as many HP as the Blast.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Teddagreek
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 08:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Schools out here so that is a big factor as far SUV's...


I see no lack of SUV's or Trucks like my Big Ole Dodge Ram on the road.. I mostly commute with the bike..

I have noticed more people commuting on 2 wheels... Its kind of cool what people are dusting off in garages and putting back on the road..


You will lose your ass trading out of a newer Truck or SUV... If you do the math in most cases you don't ever get ahead..

My buddy just bought a $1200 beater civic so he doesn't have to drive his truck as much..
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellinachinashop
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 08:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"I've seen more of these"

You wait, those suckers will either be taxed to high heaven or Big Oil will buy the patents and sink them all.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Froggy
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 09:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Am I the only one looking to buy a sub 20mpg vehicle?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Firebolt32
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 09:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I live in Polk County...or as they say "Poke" county. The good ol boys around here aren't forfeiting their pick um up trucks for nuttin. Many more bikes though.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bigdaddy
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 09:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Froggy, My daily 4-wheeled transportation is a 1977 Chevy truck w/big block : ) Loud, obnoxious, lovely piece of American ingenuity.

I believe when the gas hits $5.00 per gallon they'll be hard pressed to move the Suburbans and I'll be in line to pick one up cheaply.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Nevrenuf
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 10:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

if i want to keep on doing what i'm doing, i'm gonna have to get me a fifth wheel toy hauler. which means i'll have to get a truck that's big enough to haul it around.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

M2nc
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 10:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I've been working at my present employer for the last twelve years. When I started, I had a 300ci straight six F-150 that would take $16.00 to get to and from work for a week. Now it still just takes $16.00 to get to work for six to seven days so gas prices have not effected my commuting cost. Of course the F-150 is gone and I ride the bike to work now.

I do have a Suburban. It has almost 190,000 miles and still runs great. With a 42 gallon tank I just can not see commuting with that truck even if the truck would go to and from work for a month on a tank of gas. So it sits in the yard. When we need it we drive it, but for the most part it just stays parked.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Oldog
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 10:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Reminds me of the Jeff Dunham spot where he talks about fueling his Hummer and then pushing it home.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Froggy
Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 11:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Carlos, at my dads gas station we have a customer that has a suburban like yours with the 42 gallon tank. $170 it took last time, he put it on his tab.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bill0351
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 11:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I think it's funny how many '80s Japanese cruisers and standards I have see dusted off and put back into duty. This has to be great for all the little indy shops that still know how to clean and sync a set of carbs.

Bill
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Djkaplan
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 11:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"I can see WAAAAY ahead on the highway again!"

It's really been noticeable in the city I live in. A lot less traffic out there.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cowboy
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 12:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I live near one of the largest lakes in the U.S.A. (toledo bend) It is sure quiet now the fools with the 2 and 3 mpg boats have all but disapeared.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cityxslicker
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 01:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Ive parked my truck, it only gets used for dump runs, shopping that cant fit in the saddle bags and the occasional furniture moving expedition. I drove it less than 600 miles last year, and that was before gas prices got gonzo
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Naustin
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 03:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

: ) I couldn't be happier too. I hope it goes to 5 bucks by the 4th of july. : )

I want to get a sticker for my saddlebag that says "50mpg." : )
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jaimec
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 03:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Naustin, Aerostich sells license plate frames that say "50 mpg and one less car." I had one for awhile, but it didn't fit right on the XB12Ss so I got rid of it. Maybe if I try the other style (a more traditional frame as opposed the the "plate" that I bought).
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Azxb9r
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 04:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I have seen a huge increase in the number of scooters on the road, but no decrease in the number of trucks.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Froggy
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 06:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Jaimec, it fits the SS fine. I need to get a pic of it on mine, but here it is on my 06 X
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Thumper74
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 06:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

60mpg on a Uly?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jaimec
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 06:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

That's the one I had (but mine was 50 mpg). I was too lazy to lower the reflector so it wrapped around it and eventually started to crack.

I haven't managed to get anywhere NEAR 60 mpg. Low to mid fifties has been it. And I don't flog the bike, either.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Froggy
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 06:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

To bad they didn't make custom ones, it should say 58mpg, so I just rounded up : )
I don't know why, but my SS does worse than my X, yet they were both modded the exact same, and the SS is a bit lighter, and possibly a bit better aerodynamically.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Thumper74
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 06:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hmm... the max I've gotten from a bone stock XB12S is 43 ish.
« Previous Next »

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration