It's just nice knowing about how far you can go on a tank. I think my son's has a 5.3 gallon tank so a safe bet is he can go about 100+ miles per tank. With mine it's a 6 gallon tank, so I figure I can go about 90+ miles or so per tank. Just a good reference.

 

All I'm saying is that unless you ride the same trails all the time, you can get totally different mpg readings depending on terrain..For example, rock crawling, mudding, snow, etc, obviously you will get a less mpg than if you are on hard pack trails...I agree it would be nice to know how far you can go on a tank but I think it's not always gonna be accurate if you are riding new trails and terrain...

John

 

That's how we feel. Mostly, we ride trails where you might average 10 mph. If it's really slow we start thinking about gas much earlier than, for example, the trails up in Northern Maine that are more wide open.

 

Unknown mpg is just one more reason to carry extra fuel. I've got a rotopax can now and glad to have it. One place a group of us go every year, You might only ride 20-30 miles all day long but you'll still burn a full tank of fuel due to the terrain.

 

Exactly what I am talkin about...

John

 

I will never mention gas mileage again. What a stupid thing to even bring up.

And who would have ever thought that your riding style, speed or the terrain would affect it.

 

Moose, they will run 40 in low, makes a big diference in the snow, more wheel speed, havent actually had a 550 that fast but my 850 will do it and according to Polaris so will the 550

 

Well it appears that comment was aimed my way...I never said I was stating the unknown...so lighten up...


John

 

Sorry John, if I could delete that post I would.

Gas mileage.

I know my 550 averages 12 mpg when I'm playing in low range a lot and do a lot of stop and go riding. I know my Rubicon averages 14 mpg when I'm playing in low range a lot and doing a lot of stop and go riding.

I know my 550 gets 20+ mpg when out taking long rides. I know my Rubicon gets 24+ mpg when out taking long rides.

That’s about 60 miles playing and 100 miles riding for the 550 and about 50 miles playing and about 80 miles riding with the Rubicon. Both machines gas mileage is fairly consistent.

Do I need to carry more gas or not?

I personally don't find gas mileage figures misleading at all but rather quite helpful when planning a ride. If I'm going on a long ride somewhere for the first time I will be prepared.

I think it's a great idea to carry extra fuel but I don't want to always carry extra fuel. Why would I want 4 gallons of gas strapped to the front of my machine if I'm not going to need it?

In the 17,000 plus miles I have ridden I have yet to run out of gas. I just plan ahead.

I guess we strayed a little off topic Moose. You can't let your threads get out of control like this .

 

The XP has a better handling chassis I would bet, but in power do not expect 50cc from a 4 stroke to make a big eye opening difference.