Poor Gas Mileage...?

[JackC]

I only checked the fuel consumption after I read the thread. I am running in so it was easy to recall the miles and the fuel consumed, but I still got it wrong!!!
Over 347 miles during run in I used 7.64 UK gallons (34.71litres) giving 45.4 mpg. Standard trim as she left the showroom 3 weeks ago. Don't know what buttons I pressed on the calculator to get 27mpg before, but it doesn't matter what the fuel consumption is when I am riding for fun and it is fun.
I had a KTM 625 SMC with an Akroprovic titanium exhaust and geared for acceleration ( wheelies) that did 19 mpg on a 1.5 gallon tank. I didn't go far, but that was wild more than fun. Replacing underpants got more expensive than fuel so it had to go

 

[hegels]

based on this thread i rode very spirited to see what i could get the mileage down to. i know if i ride on the freeway i get about 35. last tank i got 127 miles on 5.6 gal.

 

[Gkiller]

Hello all. I placed the original post expressing my concerns about my Rocket getting somewhat poor gas mileage compared to what I had read on the forum...I was getting 23-25 mpg under normal driving conditions. My concern was not the actual gas mileage (although avg 24 seems low for a bike of any type), but that there might be some mechanical issue causing poor mpg. Many fellow members chimed in - some with useful responses, others with the typical smart-ass comments - but I am glad to say that I took my bike in for the 10,000 mile service (which was overdue by about 3,500 miles) and mileage has improved on my last two tanks to 30-31 mpg which seems much more the norm. The tech did perform valve adjustments, replaced the plugs, replaced the fuel filter, as well as other normal service functions...so whatever he did definitely improved how the bike runs and it's overall performance.

Based on this, I would recommend that if your bike is getting substantially lower mpg than what would be considered average or normal....don't just accept it, as the problem could be mechanical or a deficiency that can be and should be repaired. Just my 2 cents...

 

[HellFire]

There must be math errors being made, an R3 doesn't get 45mpg US.
Mid 30's are good for riding like a conservative and mid 20's for racing around in town. The gas gauge can't be trusted for fuel level display let alone mileage.

 

[hegels]

on my roadster... when the fuel gets low enough it says zero miles left (just before it said 20 miles) only when going around a corner. i just fill up then.

 

[HellFire]

You all know you can ride an R3 for weeks without ever twisting the throttle past half way, then one afternoon you get a bug and twist it hard for a few miles. That is a HUGE difference in fuel delivery .... how can anyone who rides one for what it is get consistent mileage?
Mine varies as much as 20+mpg from tank to tank, the filters are clean and it runs fine. I still find it hard to believe gas mileage is even an issue, I only know my estimate so I don't run out of gas in the middle of nowhere because even my low fuel light is worthless.

This is NOT the bike to be worrying why you got 5mpg less than the last tank.

 

[hegels]

i didnt get mine for mileage. I have a jetta tdi that gets 56mpg on the freeway. its no where near as fun as the r3. if i want good mileage i'll drive the jetta. if i want fun i'll ride the rocket.

 

[UNCLE JESSE]

Things I have noticed about today's gas, as I was growing up I noticed if you spilled gasoline on your clothes the smell did not go away until you wash your clothes now you can be covered up in gasoline 30 minutes its dry and smell is gone. I have also noticed the quality of gasoline from state to state is quite a bit different. I have always been told Kentucky is the dumping ground for bad gas and I can believe it. but cannot complaint a lot when I walk out of the Shellmart with a $1.30 pack of doughnuts and $1.65 bottle of water, always wonder what the profit margin is on the water ????

 

[JRCollings]

Unless I REALLY hammer it, I normally get 30-33 MPG (US). WOT is no stranger to me, so I am guessing you might get 35 if you rode it really gently.. I have a friend with a Hardly Ableson that does that when we go riding - and I get pissed - to me the point of having the bike is NOT to see how many MPG I can get, but to see how many thrills per minute I can enjoy... if you want economy get a scooter... the R3 is primarily for enjoyment - but I am NOT dissing anyone with a mileage concern - I monitor mine ALL the time as an indication of potentials issues and if mine suddenly went AWOL I would be concerned too...

 

[motolink]

On my first test, the bike is brand new, only done 400km,16.45Liters per Km which is about 38.5MPG. But remember thats at running speeds.