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Display Mesage #97456


25000 miles later on the VT1100 experiment
Written by spacetiger_j... on 9/30/2010 at 10:16 am

Dave,

Just curious on the cost of the conversion. I got my final drive for $29 +
shipping. So even though the mileage is modest, it helps offset the cost.

If you told me I could spend about $40 to achieve a more relaxed bike at highway
speeds, many would do it. If you frame it as a gas mileage improvement, then I
think most rides (getting about 45-50 MPG) would not.

Jerry

--- In ipcrc@yahoogroups.com, "dave_hiett" <dehiett@...> wrote:
>
> Got 18,000 now on my VT1100 rear. Something about hitting 60 mph to find -
another gear! Holy Smokes, Batman! Priceless! The reduced rpm at high speeds
makes the PC800 into quite a little interstate eater. At lower speeds I honestly
don't feel a difference except I did have to move my shift points up to keep it
in the 3K - 4K range. For example, she cruises very nicely in 3rd at 35 mph. I
have had absolutely no issues with the change, clutch or otherwise.
>
> If you are curious what your RPM's would read with the VT1100, I posted some
pictures in the photo section under 'VT1100 Speedo-tach'.
>
> Gas mileage? Oh, it's a bit better, but sure wouldn't recommend it just for
that; you'll be a long time getting your money back. (My complete record since
the conversion is on www.Fuelly.com)
>
> Not saying anyone else should do this, I'm just reporting that my experience
has been pretty good. I kept my old rear 'just in case', but I'm not going
back.
>
> Dave Hiett '90PC800 'Happy Dog' '94 GL1800 'Lucy'
>
>
>
>
> --- In ipcrc@yahoogroups.com, "athet94703" <aflcio@> wrote:
> >
> > I've now had the thing 3 years and put just shy of 30000 miles on it. As the
first person to do the VT1100 final drive swap, (and that I haven't checked in
here for a while...) I thought I'd give an update.
> >
> > First of all, it's the same old cam-seal leaking, dodgy 3rd gear bike its
always been. The VT1100 gearing gives a consistent 45mpg, and that's with no sub
airbox lid and a lot of rejetting, leading to 51hp.
> > I'm a few hundred miles short of 100000, and will probably be putting a
replacement engine in it this winter, as the transmission has been shaky the
whole time I've owned this bike. That said, it hasn't gotten any worse in 30k
mi...
> >
> > So if you are thinking about re-gearing your PC, I would recommend it, with
the caveat that some rejetting and perhaps some stronger clutch springs would be
a good idea.
> >
> > If you spend a lot of your riding time in town it might not be worth it, but
if you do many highway miles it extends the mileage and comfort zone 5-7mph,
which is enough here in the SF Bay area to be adequate in traffic.
> >
> > -Anton
> > 1990 PC800 99780mi 'Junk in the Trunk'
> > 150/90/15 ME880, VT1100 3.08 gears, 152/155 main jets, needles shimmed 2mm,
air box sub lid removed, stock pilot jets, fuel screws 4 turns out. Front lower
bodywork by TAP Plastics, Rifle screen.
> >
>

Message Thread for message #97456