Fuel economy and tire wear

[jim oneill]

My 2013 is consistently averaging over 50mpg according to the readout I,m getting over the control center. Yesterday I actually got 51.4 MPG on a 318 mile ride. This is my 3rd new FJR and even with my 05 and 08s I consistently got in the 48 + MPG range.

Additionally on my 2 previous FJRs I averaged 10k miles on the rear tires. My 2013 now has 3000 miles on it without any appreciable rear tire wear

I regularly read here where folks are getting considerably lower MPG and much less rear tire wear.

I readily admit I do not push the bike all that hard but do not baby it either.

Does anyone else out there get what I,m getting?

 

[RadioHowie]

Can't match your mileage....I get 42mpg consistently, but I'm kickin' yer ass on rear tires...I'm currently at 38,000 miles at about 50% wear, so I should see 60K with no problem.

 

[extrememarine]

My opinion is that MPG and tire wear are directly related to throttle aggressiveness.

When I was commuting, I got 45-48mpg consistantly and tires lasted reasonably well.

My trip to EOM this year was loaded, 2up, running an above average pace most days - my average MPG for the trip as 38mpg and the rear tire was done at 2175 miles. One day of solo empty play time netted 32mpg and worn the tires evenly from shoulder to shoulder.

I would say you have a very smooth and conservative riding style that contributes to your MPG and tire life stats. The FJR is happy in any roll between that and the other end of the spectrum.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I agree with extrememarine about throttle aggressiveness vs. tire wear and economy. If you have a 2013 which "mode" are you using? If you are riding in "Touring" mode rather than sport you probably will get better economy and tire life.

Warchild posted exceptional tire life which he attributed to riding in Touring Mode.

 

[900gc]

Can't match your mileage....I get 42mpg consistently, but I'm kickin' yer ass on rear tires...I'm currently at 38,000 miles at about 50% wear, so I should see 60K with no problem.

I keep suggesting that you darksider guys should run a car tire on the front too so they'll last a lifetime (although your life may be shortened greatly with that setup

).

 

[RadioHowie]

Can't match your mileage....I get 42mpg consistently, but I'm kickin' yer ass on rear tires...I'm currently at 38,000 miles at about 50% wear, so I should see 60K with no problem.

I keep suggesting that you darksider guys should run a car tire on the front too so they'll last a lifetime (although your life may be shortened greatly with that setup

).

As noted before, point "us" to a 120/70-17 ZR car tire, and we'll give it a shot!

I'd love to never have to buy "tahrs' again.

 

[VMaxChuck]

Hi!

I am averaging 45-51 MPG on my 2013 and got 7,500 miles/ front and 10,000 miles/ rear from the original tires. Hoping for better with the 023 GT's on it now.

Virtually all those miles were in touring mode.....

 

[Top_Speed1]

Hi!
I am averaging 45-51 MPG on my 2013 and got 7,500 miles/ front and 10,000 miles/ rear from the original tires. Hoping for better with the 023 GT's on it now.

Virtually all those miles were in touring mode.....

Woha, dats a lot of miles with your original tires (most likely the Bstones).

Out of the crate, my bike went only 4K on the BStones, side tread worn down so badly that once I dove in a turn there was a drop off thump. Kind of lost my faith w Stoners.

 

[Just Krusen]

I have 11,000 on my '13. I tracked all of my fuel since new. Average is 44, low was 38, high of 51.

OEM tires went 7000 but could have gotten a bit more. New PR3s look like they will go 10000 miles easy.

 

[rbentnail]

I agree the fuel mileage is mostly due to the right side handle bar twisty thing but the OP's is not all that different from mine. Normal commuting and riding I get 42-45. Fun riding I get 32-35. Conservative riding I get 48-51. It all depends...

 

[Millsaps2]

My 2013 is my 4th FJR, '03, '07, and '11 before this bike. On the 2013 I typically get ~51 mpg in the touring mode and relaxed riding (want do you expect at near 71 years old). On all the other bikes I typically would get 45-48 mpg. I think the difference is the touring mode and using cruise most of the time. When you switch to sport mode the performance is much greater and the mpg drops to about 45 mpg. I was very surprised during a recent trip around CO to get ~56 mpg.

 

[gumba]

I think it's a conspiracy. I'm not getting the mpg with my 013 that I got with my 09. Then maybe it has to do with the 013's 3% pessimistic odometer. I think cruise takes a bite out of good mpg. It pours the coal to maintain consistent mph. And then maybe it is my new Escort Solo S3. Maybe it is all of the above. I'm 71 - maybe i should slow down.

 

[mcatrophy]

... relaxed riding (want do you expect at near 71 years old). ...

... I'm 71 - maybe i should slow down.

Come on, guys. I'm also 71. I'm going to slow down when I'm put in my box. Meanwhile my FJR is keeping me young.
I shall continue to consume rear tyres at around 5000 miles each, and burn whatever hydrocarbons are necessary to achieve that. And keep that grin going under my helmet.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I love hearing from you guys over 70 still enjoying this bike. My Dad just turned 68 and I worry about the day when he can no longer operate this wonderful motorcycle.

When I was doing my research for which bike Dad would buy for his retirement, I picked the FJR. Many local "experts" said that he needed a Harley. My logic was that the sporty responsiveness of the FJR would compensate for Dad's aging reflexes. Since the brakes, the handling and That Motor would respond Instantly, I thought the bike would be able to cover for any mistakes he made. Of course, the FJR doth not suffer fools easily...

Dad and I ride together a good bit. His rear tire has wear from spinning on corner exits. The tire on my ST does not. We get very close on fuel mileage though.