MPG issue? 2008 FJR w/15k miles

[Top_Speed1]

I'm in the low 40 range but I try not to think about it as my car ('12 Chevy Volt) does that same 40 miles on .54 cents of American made electrons. Seeing gas is almost $4/gal that equals about 320 mpg comparatively if I was running petro (for $ spent).

So when I hop on my FJR I don't even want to think about mileage, it's that Feejer smile that comes to my face and that's what counts with me.

 

[BLS]

Update:

This tank I ran a whole can of sea foam through. Filled up yesterday with a paltry 34mpg.

Things to consider.

1. I ride this thing like an old person. I've NEVER had this bike at 6k RPM's. Not once.

2. I baby the way I ride, and typically run around 3200rpm in 5th at about 65-70 mph.

3. I take off pretty easily and don't race through the gears.

4. I have a Vstream windshield and I always ride with it all the way up.

5. I've never had it over 85MPH, although my buddy did ride in Monday and he said "How fast have you had it? That thing goes like a r*ped ape."

I told him, "85", and he said "Well, it goes 120...I know that. "

I didn't buy it for the performance, nor the gas mileage per se. I just wanted a comfortable, power-when-you-need-it (highway), reliable, fun to ride bike with a windshield and tunes. But I was hoping for better than 34-37mpg. I did notice today at idle (after riding for about 30 mins) that it seems to be missing every now and then, so I guess plugs are in order.

Do I need to adjust my fuel/air ratio via the console? (I know you can do this on the warrior and I believe I heard you can with this bike as well) If so, can anybody point me to a thread with instructions and what to expect? The last thing I want to do is run it too lean.

 

[gumba]

Riding with your windshield all the way up will cut the **** out of your mpg. I'd be careful dumping a whole can of carb cleaner in one tank. Can't be the mfg. recommendation.

 

[phroenips]

I'm in the low 40 range but I try not to think about it as my car ('12 Chevy Volt) does that same 40 miles on .54 cents of American made electrons. Seeing gas is almost $4/gal that equals about 320 mpg comparatively if I was running petro (for $ spent).

So when I hop on my FJR I don't even want to think about mileage, it's that Feejer smile that comes to my face and that's what counts with me.

Yeah, but none of that matters when you start measuring SPM

 

[Top_Speed1]

I'm in the low 40 range but I try not to think about it as my car ('12 Chevy Volt) does that same 40 miles on .54 cents of American made electrons. Seeing gas is almost $4/gal that equals about 320 mpg comparatively if I was running petro (for $ spent).

So when I hop on my FJR I don't even want to think about mileage, it's that Feejer smile that comes to my face and that's what counts with me.

Yeah, but none of that matters when you start measuring SPM

Windshield down n visor up, see how many bugs you catch with that SPM

Isn't that's why they invented dental floss?

 

[TomInPA]

BLS, on the first page of this thread a number of maintenance suggestions were made as a prudent and easy starting place. Have you done any of that? I know some people think they can get a miracle in a can and instantly obtain better fuel economy, but I have my doubts.

If you can get together with the member who offered to do the throttle sync, and have the plugs and air filter ready to install, you can probably make great progress. Beyond that, if the bike is in good mechanical condition, you can realize a noticeable increase in fuel economy by lowering the windshield a bit. If you need more wind protection get the Vario windshield spoiler. It will let you keep a better angle of attack, while protecting you from wind and buffeting.

 

[BLS]

BLS, on the first page of this thread a number of maintenance suggestions were made as a prudent and easy starting place. Have you done any of that? I know some people think they can get a miracle in a can and instantly obtain better fuel economy, but I have my doubts.

If you can get together with the member who offered to do the throttle sync, and have the plugs and air filter ready to install, you can probably make great progress. Beyond that, if the bike is in good mechanical condition, you can realize a noticeable increase in fuel economy by lowering the windshield a bit. If you need more wind protection get the Vario windshield spoiler. It will let you keep a better angle of attack, while protecting you from wind and buffeting.

Agreed, and trust me, it's on my 'list'. I just haven't had any free time to do it.

I will go through those suggestions; hopefully this week. I figured the windshield might be part of it, hence the update.

Like always, I appreciate all of the input.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Dude...If your commuting on your bike, 34-37 is prolly about the best you can expect. I had to commute on mine for a couple months and I was getting around 32. That's the bikes screen average.

On the road I get between 40 and 50, but in the city, the stop and go kills the MPG. Stress less, ride more.

 

[Top_Speed1]

Dude...If your commuting on your bike, 34-37 is prolly about the best you can expect. I had to commute on mine for a couple months and I was getting around 32. That's the bikes screen average.

On the road I get between 40 and 50, but in the city, the stop and go kills the MPG. Stress less, ride more.

+1

and I like the "Stress less, ride more!"

 

[BLS]

Update: Post Seafoam tank

This tank I ran 206 miles exactly, which turned out to be exactly 5.065 gallons. Turns out to be just short of 41MPG.

So the tank of seafoam definately helped.

However I did notice something after filling up today. Upon starting up, the throttle response at the very bottom was REALLY rough.

If I flicked the throttle, sitting in neutral, just at idle on a relatively cold engine, it "stumbled" pretty poorly.

Almost like it was starved for fuel.

Again, I'm not trying to beat a dead horse here, or reinvent an issue, but I wanted folks to know where I'm at with my MPG issues.

CarlsonMN has offered to help me sync my throttle bodies, and I'm going to take him up on that offer.....besides, what's a case of beer between Feejer fans?

Plugs are next (when I get time). Then the throttle body sync.

 

[carlson_mn]

I sent you a PM ... and about your last tank of fuel - did you change your driving habits at all - more longer rides compared to short?

The misfiring is interesting... never had any of that. Oh... and get those rpms above 6k for a change! Maybe that will help clean some things up... and get the front end off the ground.

 

[BLS]

I sent you a PM ... and about your last tank of fuel - did you change your driving habits at all - more longer rides compared to short?

The misfiring is interesting... never had any of that. Oh... and get those rpms above 6k for a change! Maybe that will help clean some things up... and get the front end off the ground.

Got your PM. Will reply today on that. My schedule is pretty hectic as well, at least through July 9th.

Honestly, the riding, etc has been the same, however, I did bring it to the car wash to get off the bugs, etc and then took it out to "dry it off", at which time I may have rev'd it out to 9k RPM once or twice. My old man was a firm believer that you need to clean out the carbon every once in a while. First time he told me I was about 17 and it floored me. "Take floyd (our Ram Charger) out and beat the sh!t out of it. Make sure you drive it in high RPM's for a couple of minutes." I was like 'thank you god!' :yahoo:

Overall though the riding has been the same. Commuting to work and back, putzing around town for this/that.

I'll keep logging the mileage and posting in here for others to peruse.

 

[stevenspring]

I had same problem. found that the #4 injector was leaking. replaced it and seals . Problem solved

this was on a 2004 with just over 58k mileage dropped from 42-44mpg to 36 - 38 mpg after tbs valve adjustment airfilter spark plugs and new injector , mileage back up to 42+

 

[SkooterG]

I had same problem. found that the #4 injector was leaking. replaced it and seals . Problem solved

this was on a 2004 with just over 58k mileage dropped from 42-44mpg to 36 - 38 mpg after tbs valve adjustment airfilter spark plugs and new injector , mileage back up to 42+

Good info. Thanks for sharing sir-post-a-lot.

 

[stevenspring]

I also have a facebook account that I don't use much

Good info. Thanks for sharing sir-post-a-lot.

 

[Top_Speed1]

I also have a facebook account that I don't use much

Good info. Thanks for sharing sir-post-a-lot.

Too busy riding to post or use FB I'm thinkn

 

[DennisJ]

2009 purchased new in May 2010, currently has about 13750 miles. My commuting mileage is about the same as yours. Commute is about 15 miles, 90% freeway at ~ 50-60mph depending on traffic. Very few opportunities for any rapid acceleration. On weekend trips across the Cascades or other longer distances mileage runs up in the 48MPG range. Instantaneous readings get pretty high when coming down out of the mountains or with a stiff tail wind. Runs rough for the first few minutes in the summer when it has been parked in the sun all day and I think that is due to the charcoal cannister (I have a CA model)and I can't be bothered to remove it.

Dennis

 

[BLS]

Update 4:

Filled up this morning, most riding is still commuting, etc. No trips to speak of.

39.55 MPG = 181 miles/4.576 gallons

 

[rpres62]

I love fuelly.com and track all my vehicles on it... here are the fjr's

https://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/yamaha/fjr1300

 

[BLS]

I love fuelly.com and track all my vehicles on it... here are the fjr's

https://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/yamaha/fjr1300

Hey that's awesome info!