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Post by jeridhill on Oct 13, 2012 9:53:23 GMT -5
I just purchased a 2008 Linhai Aeolus with over 8,000 miles from a dealer. I've done my research on it and so far am very pleased with the performance. I took it out on the highway and it handled extremely well and was able to keep up with traffic with no delays. I've been thinking of upgrading it for a tad better performance, but outside of that, I'm very pleased.
The problem I'm up against at this time is the MPG. I calculated it to be around 46 MPG and from everything I've read, I should be able to get much better than this. I don't ride it hard, but was surprised. I felt possibly 60, but not as low as it's indicating. I'm 240 and live in Florida where it's very flat.
Since I'm new to scooters, I really could use some ideas of what to look for to upgrade to help increase the MPG. Any direction is greatly appreciated! I have some ideas, but figured I'd ask others who may have experienced the same.
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Post by musikron on Oct 13, 2012 10:31:56 GMT -5
At 240 lbs you are nearly exceeding the maximum load for these things. Scooters are not good choices for the obese. I would return it and get something more suitable to an over-sized person.
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Post by jeridhill on Oct 13, 2012 10:40:25 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply, although this is not what I was asking. First off, I'm 6'2" with some muscle, I would not be classified as obese. Second, I researched scooters and this one is able to hold up to 450 pounds, so I could add another person with no worries.
I expect some MPG to be lost due to my weight, but not dropping down to 46 MPG. I should also note, this is a 260cc (257). Anyone else with suggestions?
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Post by inuyasha on Oct 13, 2012 10:52:47 GMT -5
At 240 lbs you are nearly exceeding the maximum load for these things. Scooters are not good choices for the obese. I would return it and get something more suitable to an over-sized person. Hi Not very diplomatic, are we  theres no cause for a reply such as that. Take care and ride safely Yours Hank |
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Post by inuyasha on Oct 13, 2012 10:56:32 GMT -5
I just purchased a 2008 Linhai Aeolus with over 8,000 miles from a dealer. I've done my research on it and so far am very pleased with the performance. I took it out on the highway and it handled extremely well and was able to keep up with traffic with no delays. I've been thinking of upgrading it for a tad better performance, but outside of that, I'm very pleased. The problem I'm up against at this time is the MPG. I calculated it to be around 46 MPG and from everything I've read, I should be able to get much better than this. I don't ride it hard, but was surprised. I felt possibly 60, but not as low as it's indicating. I'm 240 and live in Florida where it's very flat. Since I'm new to scooters, I really could use some ideas of what to look for to upgrade to help increase the MPG. Any direction is greatly appreciated! I have some ideas, but figured I'd ask others who may have experienced the same. Hi Welcome aboard Pleased to meet you Does she have a carburetor or EFI? and look into fine tuning your cvt for your performance needs Take care and ride safely Yours Hank |
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Post by musikron on Oct 13, 2012 10:57:08 GMT -5
www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1108048103230.html I don't see the issue, any medical evaluator calls that obese. I wasn't being rude but practical. My bike says it will carry 300 lbs but anything over 200 and the suspension scrubs and the damn thing will wreck you. No way I could ride 300lbs on that thing.
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Post by inuyasha on Oct 13, 2012 11:02:40 GMT -5
Hi
Im 5 10 and 205 according to your link im obese
I have a 32 waist 46 chest run 5 miles a day and can bench press well over my body weight
I consider myself to be in tip top shape charts be damned
Take care and ride safely
Yours Hank
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Post by jlee on Oct 13, 2012 11:08:09 GMT -5
www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1108048103230.html I don't see the issue, any medical evaluator calls that obese. I wasn't being rude but practical. My bike says it will carry 300 lbs but anything over 200 and the suspension scrubs and the damn thing will wreck you. No way I could ride 300lbs on that thing. No "medical evaluator" will make a diagnosis over the internet, either. Did you bother to adjust the preload on your shocks? Your scooter should easily be able to carry its rated load when the suspension is adjusted properly. |
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Post by jeridhill on Oct 13, 2012 11:13:39 GMT -5
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Post by jeridhill on Oct 13, 2012 11:18:17 GMT -5
Did you bother to adjust the preload on your shocks? Your scooter should easily be able to carry its rated load when the suspension is adjusted properly. Not yet, I haven't done anything to it except ride. It has get up and go with no issues, so I believe it's handling the "weight" just fine. I want to tweak everything for the best performance and so far appreciate all of the help. |
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Post by jlee on Oct 13, 2012 11:21:58 GMT -5
The problem I'm up against at this time is the MPG. I calculated it to be around 46 MPG and from everything I've read, I should be able to get much better than this. I don't ride it hard, but was surprised. I felt possibly 60, but not as low as it's indicating. I'm 240 and live in Florida where it's very flat. How did you calculate your mpg? I've found over the years that us big guys especially need to calculate mpg as an average over several tankfuls - instantaneous mpg varies wildly as the weight-to-engine size ratio increases, and scooter tanks are too small to get an accurate average reading after just one or two tankfuls. |
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Post by jlee on Oct 13, 2012 11:25:14 GMT -5
Did you bother to adjust the preload on your shocks? Your scooter should easily be able to carry its rated load when the suspension is adjusted properly. Not yet, I haven't done anything to it except ride. It has get up and go with no issues, so I believe it's handling the "weight" just fine. I want to tweak everything for the best performance and so far appreciate all of the help. Oh, that reply was not meant for you, jeridhill, but for the person I was quoting. As far as tweaking for best performance, I believe someone else already suggested tuning the variator roller weights. That's where I would start. |
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Post by musikron on Oct 13, 2012 12:39:47 GMT -5
I have non adjustable shocks on my scoot unfortunately. |
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Post by torque on Oct 13, 2012 12:43:50 GMT -5
what speeds are you running? I am 6-2 and 165lbs, running 35-55 mph I ran around 59-63mpg.
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Post by musikron on Oct 13, 2012 12:49:03 GMT -5
Wasn't trying to insult anyone, but with something like 65% obesity rate here in the states, if you look "normal" then chances are you are obese or close to it, at the very least overweight. The maximum passenger load my car is rated for is something like 800 lbs, but as soon as I approach even half that mileage drops through the floor, the brakes over heat and the thing drives like a mud boat on skates.
Okay forget the obese thing and lets pretend you are Mr.Universe, at 6'2" and 240 lbs, the issue still remains, too heavy a load for the power made available from the machine.
The point I was making is you JUST bought it from a dealer and it does not seem to be suited to your purpose, which is why I suggest exchanging it for something bigger that can handle a large rider without pushing the machine to or past it's limits.
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Post by prodigit on Oct 13, 2012 13:39:05 GMT -5
Well, for one, he's talking about the Aeolus, which is a hell of a good machine! It's not like a 50cc scoot. I would think he has made an excellent choice in scooter!
I would say, unless you're willing to buy and install an EFI system on your bike, you may not be able to do much about the numbers, other than taking it easy on the throttle when starting from a dead stop.
Another thing is to always try to be cruising at ~45MPH speed.
My BMS TBX 260 is very similar to your bike (except it has an EFI instead of a carburator), would get 65 driving highway, or below 30MPH. It gets over 80MPG when driving in that 40-50MPH window.
Basically what you need to do is drive on the largest gear ratio of the CVT system. THat way, your bike's tachometer will be as low as it can get for a certain speed.
Eg: at 20MPH, your tacho does 3k RPM. At 30 MPH, your tacho does 3,5k RPM. At 40MPH, your tacho does 4k RPM, and at 50MPH, your tacho does 4.5k RPM.
Now, it's easy to see that the tacho would work best at 50MPH in that scenario.
Usually when driving faster than the max gear ratio, the numbers would be eg: Like this:
at 60MPH, your tacho does 5.5k RPM, at 70 it does 6.5k RPM, and at 80 it does 7.5k RPM.
So the engine RPM increases faster with increased speed from 60-80, than from 30-50MPH.
Driving in that speed range, and driving intelligently (eg: drive with ~4 seconds distance behind the car in front of you), sometimes allows you to engine brake, instead of using your real brakes.
Engine braking is good, because virtually no gas is used in that moment.
Especially with weight over 200LBS, using slow-to-normal acceleration instead of WOT, and using engine braking where possible, can save you lots of MPG's on your trips!
And lastly, it may be good to take your bike to a mechanic, and install new piston rings if that's necessary, and do a valve adjustment.
It may be that the last user did WOT from the beginning, and the bike didn't have a good break in.
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Post by jeridhill on Oct 13, 2012 16:49:01 GMT -5
Great, thanks for the advice, it's very helpful. I did hit the highway where I was cruising at around 70. I'll try working with these tips and then average it out over several hundred miles and see what kind of difference it can make.
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Post by prodigit on Oct 13, 2012 19:17:05 GMT -5
do a check up on the sparkplug and fuel/airfilters too, and a battery test would be advised!
Battery is not going to do much on MPG's, however if it's still the stock battery from 2008, or 2010, it may need replacement some day.
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Post by unclebuggies on Oct 13, 2012 19:42:57 GMT -5
If you were quoted a mileage estimate of 60 it may have been optimistic. I don't think the EPA does official tests on these, so the salesmen or website can say pretty much what they want. And at 70mph with a tall rider there's a lot of wind resistance. You'd do better on mileage at 45 MPH. And while I hate to go back to the weight thing, keep in mind that a 240 pound rider equals about a 10% total weight increase (combined vehicle and rider weight) versus a rider of 180 lbs. So count on 10% lower mileage, or a greater discrepancy at higher speeds. I know I don't do better than 50 MPG on my Linhai. But I hope you enjoy the scooter! Can't wait to get mine running again.
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Post by prodigit on Oct 13, 2012 20:24:07 GMT -5
weight only affects MPG's in acceleration, which is only a very small part of driving.
Some of that can be regenerated with engine braking (a heavier driver is able to longer do engine braking than a lighweight driver).
At a constant speed, weight makes very little difference.
Weight makes a lot of difference when accelerating at high speeds, but from a standstill to say 20 or 30 mph, the mpg difference is lower. The gearbox scales down the effect of mpg loss due to inertia, when you go into smaller gears.
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Post by trigger on Oct 13, 2012 22:23:07 GMT -5
Welcome aboard jeridhill.  Your bike should be more than capable of getting close to the numbers you desire. 70 MPH is a little fast for best mileage, but doing 60 mph will help. As for the bike itself, check the brakes there will be some friction with the discs, but the wheels should turn with only a little resistance, especially the front. A problem with all bikes is an inaccurate speedometer, and sometimes an odometer. See if you can verify the odometer with a GPS, or note the odometer reading and ride 10 miles down any highway with mile markers. See if your odometer lags behind the mile markers. Welcome and congratulations on the new ride. |
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Post by cloudsifter on Oct 13, 2012 22:51:27 GMT -5
jeridhill, I weigh well over 240 but not quite 300. There is a link to my Aeolus 300 in my sig if you want to see what gas mileage I am getting on each fillup. There are a couple other Aeolus users on Fuelly who are still tracking their fuel mpg currently. Here's a link www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/linhai/aeolus%20300 I'm the cloudsifter one. I got my 2008 new and began tracking from the first tank thru now. I have used sea foam and this (not at the same time) www.stp.com/products/fuel-additives/complete-fuel-system-cleaner/ and have to say that within 10miles of putting an ounce or two of the stp in my tank I noticed a big difference about a month ago or so. Can't make any promises to you, but you might consider it. I got mine at autozone. I have not changed anything mechanically, yet. And I buy 92 octane gas most of the time. I think it's recommend for atleast 90 octane for this scooter. But, also I think I saw someone on this forum mention that the way Chinese gasoline octane is figured is differently, so Chinese gas is equivalent to a lower octane number here in the U.S. I don' t know, but guess I am always covered when I buy 92. Click on some of the other aeolus' at fuelly. Then scroll down and see their gas mpg's and click to show 100 at a time which will show all or most of their fillups. Read the note beside them. Sometimes there was a change "added an electric fuel pump" that seemed to have the mpg's drop a few within a tank or so. I don't know, just trying to give you ideas. James |
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Post by prodigit on Oct 14, 2012 10:52:55 GMT -5
I have to agree. I ran some miles on 91 fuel, and 89, and my bike also recommends 90. 89 works best for me though.
Another thing about mpg, is that most bikes have an incorrect speedometer. If your speed is off, your odometer's miles might be off too.
Your MPG result will always be more, than when you measure your distance with a GPS.
I get 80+MPG's on my bike, but in reality, it'll be closer to 75MPG. I just base my readings off the odo.
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Post by mpgandfun on Oct 14, 2012 11:03:03 GMT -5
I cruise at 45 mph on the Chinometer, and my Linhai 150cc Aeolus gets about 62 mpg now. I have close to 16,000 miles on her and haven't had any mechanical issues outside of the safety switch on the brakes you need to squeeze to start it up/turn the engine over.
I think if you slow it down (on roads where it doesn't pose a danger) by 15-20 mph, you will see a big improvement in your mpg.
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Post by 4950cycle on Oct 14, 2012 14:53:01 GMT -5
No Prodigit, Unclebuggie is at least partally right. If a tall man as I is sticking almost a foot above the windshield It will no doubt cost him at least "some mpg loss" at any speed lets say above 30 mph. Thats about when any "real" wind resistance starts. Why do you think they call it risistance ? All resistance COST at least some MPG. So if as Prodigit says, It cost Jeridhill some mpg upon accelleration because of weight (240 lbs.) He will also lose a bit of MPG upon attaining and holding cruising speed because of the extra wind resistance of his torso and head sticking out in the wind causing again, wind "resistance". If anyone argues with this they know 0 about fisics. The only arguement here is How much MPG ? Not a ton I bet . But I bet a measurable decrease in MPG. Like up to 10% in some conditions as has been said.
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Post by prodigit on Oct 14, 2012 17:06:35 GMT -5
4950cycle: If you look carefully at the windshield, you will notice that the top of it, is curved. It literally blows the air a few feet above the windshield, so that nomatter how fast you drive, the majority of the wind will go over your head, even if you're sticking out 1 ft. Believe me, I'm 6'3", and I drive a similar bike, and most wind only tugs at the top of my helmet, or top of my scalp when I'm driving without helmet. 
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Post by cloudsifter on Oct 14, 2012 17:16:47 GMT -5
Yah, my Chinameter reads about 3mph low. So when I want to go 35 I just keep it a little under 40mph indicated. I have to agree. I ran some miles on 91 fuel, and 89, and my bike also recommends 90. 89 works best for me though. Another thing about mpg, is that most bikes have an incorrect speedometer. If your speed is off, your odometer's miles might be off too. Your MPG result will always be more, than when you measure your distance with a GPS. I get 80+MPG's on my bike, but in reality, it'll be closer to 75MPG. I just base my readings off the odo. |
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Post by unclebuggies on Oct 14, 2012 20:32:49 GMT -5
Pro digit, I'm gonna have to check out a taller windshield like yours when I get my spark problem figured out. Where's ya get that one? Most I see don't have the upward curve to them. I have the little OEM sport-style windshield on mine.
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Post by prodigit on Oct 14, 2012 20:45:34 GMT -5
That's not mine, however mine is the same shape. Mine is lower though, comes to about the same height as the mirrors. The picture above is of a 2011 model (I believe). Perhaps parts of that model can fit your model. Actually, this is my bike (exactly same model, and color):  Eventhough my windshield is smaller, I still stick like 1ft above the windshield. Only when it rains, do I need to lower my head little less than 1 ft to be reasonably protected by the windshield. |
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Post by scootnwinn on Oct 14, 2012 23:24:09 GMT -5
You should be able to do better than that,my 400 gets consistently between 60 & 65. I would start with a basic tune-up I.e. all filters, oil , spark plug, check brakes, lube everything and all that long before any modification.
It looks like you are well with in the limits of this machine so major modification shouldn't be necessary. When you replace the plug check to see if you are running rich that may be part of the problem.
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theres no cause for a reply such as that.
