RobG

I'm heading to far Southern Nevada next week and I taping my motorcycle with me. It's a Suzuki DR650, a dual sport bike of about 400 lbs. I could put it in the truck bed, where it'll stick up above the cab about a foot, or I can put it on a hitch mounted carrier where it'll stock up above the tailgate 8 to 10".

Which method do you think would meet better fuel economy? I'm leaning towards the carrier but I doubt really know. Since I'll only get 14 to MAYBE 16 mpg if I'm really lucky, every little bit counts. I won't be going over about 65 mph either for the same reason.

Thanks.

Rob

Sent from my Galaxy Note 10.1 2014.

jstone44720

In the bed - never noticed a drop over unloaded MPG. Also, I just don't trust those hitch mount setups.

Numidian

If fuel is such a big concern, why not ride the bike and leave the truck at home

I don't think you'll see a difference one way or the other. Setting cruise at 55 and driving like a blue hair will do more for your mileage than anything else.

SOhappy

Ditto, fold the mirrors down on the bike if you're worried about it. Oh, and Happy Riding!

RobG

I've been considering riding instead of driving... $80 miles each way is better than $275 each way. But during winter? Sure I have heated gear and I know I'd stay warm.. but I'm worried about winter weather conditions that could creep up.

I'll probably put it on the hitch carrier since it's a lot easier to deal with than trying to load it into the bed. I'll remove the mirrors and stuff too.

The hitch carrier is nice. It's an eBay cheapie I got on Craigslist. I rewelded the whole thing and reinforced it so it's very sturdy. I also use straps to help make it sturdier so it's not just the hitch itself doing all the work. I've used it many times before and it's always been great.

Rob

RobG

Followup -- back from the trip. The new FCA and PRV must have helped with MPG, because my overall trip average was about 18.5 mpg (hand calculated)!!! I've NEVER gotten mileage that good. And that was running 70 mph most of the way.

On a couple of legs, I actually averaged over 20 mpg. On one leg in particular (80 miles' worth) I got 22.5.

Rob