MPG issue? 2008 FJR w/15k miles

[MNFJR Pilot]

That mileage sounds low, but not all FJRs are created equal. Though most FJRs tend to average in the 41-47mpg range, you are not the first to report disappointing fuel mileage in the high 30s.

Why do some get worse mileage? Who knows. Other than aggressive riding habits (which doesn't sound like you), there are differences from bike to bike. My guess would be your fuel injection is running rich, or you have an issue with an injector(s), but that's just a guess. Are your brake calipers hanging up and not releasing fully?

I don't think plugs, a tbs, air filter, or fuel treatment is going to make a difference, but they sure can't hurt.

You might just have to live with a low mpg one.

I noticed revving it up in the garage for a buddy that it smells rich. It certainly needs to be tuned, but it's not horrible either.

Any recommendations other than a dyno tune?

02 sensor?

We will also do the Barbarian Mod and get into the diagnostics and see the CO levels. Stock level on all 08s is 10 on each cylinder. If it smells rich and you're getting 37mpg, we can try backing them off a bit and see if that makes a change. No need for a professional tune, all these bikes ask for is the occasional set of spark plugs and air filter. The TBS is just a nice thing to do, may slightly help fuel economy if it is off a ways. When I bought my 08 last year it had the original air filter and plugs in it still at 21k miles, had never had a sync and it ran perfect, - of course I changed them though.

If you discover it does have a Power Commander and the O2 sensor is unplugged - plug it back in. It's a misconception that it has to be unplugged. It will just revert back to 14.7 at idle and low throttle and steady cruising speeds, and you'll get your mpg's back.

So Matt how is the Barbarian Mod working out for your 2008?

 

[carlson_mn]

^ do you mean opening up my airbox? I reversed that just a couple days ago with a new airbox ($30). It performed fine but I became a little annoyed by the extra noise because I couldn't hear my pipes anymore when going WOT, and I enjoyed them when I would get on it. Also it needed more fuel on the top end than I felt comfortable adding via the BJM, which would cause it to be too fat down low. It did seem to have more punch to it in the midrange which was nice though.

If I wanted to run a Power Commander that would be the ideal tool to add the extra fuel only on the top end and then keep it leaner down in the low rpm's like I prefer. Since my bike runs great and I don't want to skew my mpg meters, I won't run a PC.

I currently am running the airbox with the cut off snorkel and BJM set at 17,17,17,17.

 

[BLS]

When I first read your MPG and low speed issues I thought "your intake cam is off a tooth" but with only 16k there would be no reason that it would have been off the bike yet - not until 26k. But what you're seeing is consistent with my experiences, with a PC3, VStream, low-quality fuel and cam off a tooth.

Even if your cam timing is right, with a windshield and PC3 that MPG isn't far out of line.

I know that, to some, this might sound like "take my wife out to dinner", but if you can let another FJR owner ride your bike they can verify if it feels "right". When I finally fixed my cam it felt like I had another 20 hp. Had I ridden any other FJR's that would have been obvious.

And stop peeing in the river - I have friends in Lake City who eat the fish from it

Mr. Red Wing, I graduated from that lovely town in 89. Also employed there; however work mostly out of our Hudson, WI office.

I'd be happy to let you ride it for your opinion on the bike.

Sorry I pee'd in the river. Don't worry, by the time it hits Red Wing, it's nuclear and smells like dog food.

 

[BLS]

Also, I'm pretty sure no PCIII. I have one on my warrior, so I know about how it looks/installs.

I didn't see one anywhere under the seat, etc.

I'm thinking maybe it's just too rich from the factory? I know they always ship em rich, but 37mpg seems low for how much I've been babying it.

In any case, a couple of points.

1. Thanks for all of the help. This forum is one of the most helpful I've ever been on.

2. I'm looking forward to scooting with some locals and maybe getting some serious saddle time in.

 

[gumba]

I got 55.597447 mpg above 7000' ft. alt. on a hot day recently. Have had 3 different FJRs and they all would do similar. Short hops (11 mi.s) don't make for good mpg.

 

[LAF]

I have averaged 37-40 MPG for 13,000 miles on my 10. I am at 530' sea level. No mater how I ride it is in that ball park. I am working with my auto tune to try and bring that up a bit but still I am at 40 at best when really trying to behave.

I just think some bikes are different in some respect to get these 45-47 and even better mpg reported here.

Dont matter to me as it beats my car by a bunch, but would love to know the secret to 47 mpg.

 

[carlson_mn]

I got 55.597447 mpg above 7000' ft. alt. on a hot day recently. Have had 3 different FJRs and they all would do similar. Short hops (11 mi.s) don't make for good mpg.

That's a good point - if the trips are averaging less than ten miles each, 37mpg would be pretty typical. Bike runs in cold enrichment mode for a good couple miles or so usually.

 

[Harald]

Dont matter to me as it beats my car by a bunch, but would love to know the secret to 47 mpg.

Like you, I usually get 37mpg during my normal commute of 26 miles each way with mixed city and highway. But I found the secret to 47mpg last year during a road trip with my new-rider wife and some Harley riding friends. We took a almost 200 mile road trip that was mostly highway at strictly speed limit pace. Little old ladies in econo box cars were beating us off the line at any stoplights. I was shocked to see such good mileage, but riding like that every day would drive me nuts! :crazy:

Monday morning it was back to accelerating off stoplights so fast that the cars look like they are still stopped while I'm a quarter mile down the road. That's what the FJR is good at and it's lots of fun! :yahoo: Screw the mileage.

 

[wheatonFJR]

All in all, you sound like your normal. Back up to the basics. you bought a 1300cc bike, that is built for performance. If you were looking for total economy a 250cc is the bike to get...

He's not looking for 80mpg for cryin out loud.

My FJRs have averaged 42-45 mpg...down in the 30s when I am having fun or a running against a big headwind. Wheaton is roughly 570ft above sea level. I also run the stock shield and not a big barn door out front.

So yes, in the 30s for normal riding does seem low...unless you have a Power Commander or one of them aftermarket fuel mapping gizmos.

 

[RossKean]

Absolute mileage is difficult to compare between bikes under normal circumstances. Speed, ambient temps, altitude, acceleration, short hops, fuel etc can all have significant effects on mileage. The only real way to compare is to do a ride with another FJR so that most of these variables cancel out. I have done so and found that my FJR is a little thirstier than some. Rider weight, physical size (wind resistance) windshield etc may play a part. Condition of air filter and plugs may also affect mileage. After all that, some bikes simply seem to use a little more fuel, no matter what.

I wish I knew the answer. While I did not buy my bike expecting a gas-sipping mode of transportation, why would anyone be happy with a gulper if there was something that could be done to extend the range? I think the original question is legitimate but a side-by-side drive with another FJR is really required to determine whether there is any issue. If the difference in fuel consumption exceeds 10% under essentially identical conditions, I would suggest its time to start looking for reasons. If anyone knows why one FJR uses more gas than another, I would love to hear it.

Ross

 

[radiummadman]

Absolute mileage is difficult to compare between bikes under normal circumstances. Speed, ambient temps, altitude, acceleration, short hops, fuel etc can all have significant effects on mileage. The only real way to compare is to do a ride with another FJR so that most of these variables cancel out. I have done so and found that my FJR is a little thirstier than some. Rider weight, physical size (wind resistance) windshield etc may play a part. Condition of air filter and plugs may also affect mileage. After all that, some bikes simply seem to use a little more fuel, no matter what.

I wish I knew the answer. While I did not buy my bike expecting a gas-sipping mode of transportation, why would anyone be happy with a gulper if there was something that could be done to extend the range? I think the original question is legitimate but a side-by-side drive with another FJR is really required to determine whether there is any issue. If the difference in fuel consumption exceeds 10% under essentially identical conditions, I would suggest its time to start looking for reasons. If anyone knows why one FJR uses more gas than another, I would love to hear it.

Ross

Not all right hands are created equal(EPA reg. 43.270666-4357).

 

[wmadoty]

I have a 2010. When I ride by myself I get between 37 and 42. It is dependent on conditions. When two up with my wife, we get right at or over 50 MPG and conditions do not seem to make that much of a difference any more.

I would say it is riding style that makes most of the differences. If you run it up to 6,000+ between shifts and like to feel some acceleration your mileage is going to suffer. The short hops in traffic are not helping either.

Try filling up, feathering the throttle on take off, short sifting for a tank, being really smooth taking off and slowing down, and see what kind of mileage you get. While it is not much fun, I bet it goes up a lot.

 

[ScottyUSN]

38-39 is where I am typically at day to day commuting on 70% highway 30% stop and go.

Elevation, tire pressure, size of rider and drag (passenger or top box), are all attributes, but none are as damaging as ethanol. My guestimate is about 5%+ drop due to ethanol.

I did notice an improvement after my last TBS and plugs. I've also noticed my FJR likes the warmer climate? I thought mileage would improve with cooler air, but not the case.

 

[ScottyUSN]

Dupe post deleted.

 

[SkooterG]

I did notice an improvement after my last TBS and plugs. I've also noticed my FJR likes the warmer climate? I thought mileage would improve with cooler air, but not the case.

Horsepower increases with cooler (denser) air, but so does air resistance. Fuel mileage is all about overcoming air resistance. Less air resistance (warmer air) = better fuel mileage. Plus, here in Arizona the summer blend fuel they use gives me about 5-8% better mileage (2-3mpg). When they go to the oxygenated fuel in winter my mileage goes down.

 

[zed88]

That milage is totally normal for this area (I'm from same area and ride your area occasionally, this weekend acutally). Its a combination of our lousy ethonal gas, and elevation and the type of roads we have. I've been consistently getting 34-39mpg around here with a pciii, large windshield and having fun but not driving like a maniac, and keeping the bike in top performing shape (done all maintanence in this thread and more). About 1/2 of the riding was 2up and fully loaded.

However when I took it out to colorado for a drive with my brother @ 6-10k feet, I averaged 53mpg even running through the canyons and 75-80 everywhere. Most of the members that get good mileage here don't have ethonal gas and are far above sea level (don't believe me just start looking).

So don't worry. Sorry if you thought you'd get a bike that got 45mpg. That's the old people who baby the crap out of it.

 

[carlson_mn]

Just got back from a trip in Arkansas where it was my first experience using non-ethanol gas for a solid 4 days of riding 350-450 miles per day. I got a solid 10% better mileage. Averaged about 44-48 mpg there, elevation is only about 1500 feet above MN so I think that effect was negligible. It justified my feelings about ethanol being a crap additive.

Anyone who is getting 34mpg has a PC3 that is not tuned properly. There's no need to be running rich when cruising down the highway. Keep that O2 sensor plugged in.

In MN/WI I may occasionally get 37mpg when running the bike all day on twisites roads, usually about 39-41mpg around town, 42-44 highway. I'll confidently say that I probably run the FJR harder or as hard as anyone else on this forum.

 

[03HiYoSilver]

...using non-ethanol gas for a solid 4 days of riding 350-450 miles per day. I got a solid 10% better mileage. Averaged about 44-48 mpg there, elevation is only about 1500 feet above MN so I think that effect was negligible.

Thanks for sharing your findings.

It matches on what I have read that Ethanol reduces mileage in the range of 9-12% p/gallon.

https://www.gasbuddy.com/Forum_MSG.aspx?master=1&category=1356&topic=302138&page_no=4

 

[SkooterG]

Just got back from a trip in Arkansas where it was my first experience using non-ethanol gas for a solid 4 days of riding 350-450 miles per day. I got a solid 10% better mileage. Averaged about 44-48 mpg there, elevation is only about 1500 feet above MN so I think that effect was negligible. It justified my feelings about ethanol being a crap additive.

Anyone who is getting 34mpg has a PC3 that is not tuned properly. There's no need to be running rich when cruising down the highway. Keep that O2 sensor plugged in.

In MN/WI I may occasionally get 37mpg when running the bike all day on twisites roads, usually about 39-41mpg around town, 42-44 highway. I'll confidently say that I probably run the FJR harder or as hard as anyone else on this forum.

I'm fairly confident of that too. I am but a mere ***** trembling in your shadow.

So did you burn any oil with all that redline running?

 

[carlson_mn]

Just got back from a trip in Arkansas where it was my first experience using non-ethanol gas for a solid 4 days of riding 350-450 miles per day. I got a solid 10% better mileage. Averaged about 44-48 mpg there, elevation is only about 1500 feet above MN so I think that effect was negligible. It justified my feelings about ethanol being a crap additive.

Anyone who is getting 34mpg has a PC3 that is not tuned properly. There's no need to be running rich when cruising down the highway. Keep that O2 sensor plugged in.

In MN/WI I may occasionally get 37mpg when running the bike all day on twisites roads, usually about 39-41mpg around town, 42-44 highway. I'll confidently say that I probably run the FJR harder or as hard as anyone else on this forum.

I'm fairly confident of that too. I am but a mere ***** trembling in your shadow.

So did you burn any oil with all that redline running?

Hey now I didn't say better... I just said harder. Very little, but yes a small but noticeable amount of oil was burned. I had just changed my oil and it was flush with the top of the window, and now the level after 1500 miles is about 3/4 of the way up and there is some air to be seen. I think it's perfectly normal. I could run 3500 miles and not have to add any at the pace this bike burns it so it is a non issue. I think the big thing is mid to high rpm engine braking, it probably gets the oil vaprozing a bit more and spouted through the crank case breather. Or maybe just spit through the rings.