 MPG going down?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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I usually average about 49 mpg. Lately it has dropped to about 46 mpg. Today I filled up and only got 40.9 mpg. I ride the same way I always have and can't figure out whats going on. I read in a bike mag. the other day of somebody's mpg dropping off and he change his spark plugs and it fixed his problem. I changed my plugs today. I will have to wait to see if it helped. If anybody has an Idea of whats going on I would love to hear it. 
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Wonder if it's an Alabama fuel thing; I usually get around 45 mpg and when I filled up today I only got 40 on my last tank. And, it's not like I was riding like a hellion (although I admit I want to sometimes).
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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I thought it might be cheap winter gas when it dropped off 3 miles a gal. but today, it's almost 10 miles a gal. ???
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
If you guys have to use that ethanol blend garbage, it'll definitley drop your mileage.
Soren
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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It's almost all there is around here now.
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 225
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Quote:
Wonder if it's an Alabama fuel thing; I usually get around 45 mpg and when I filled up today I only got 40 on my last tank. And, it's not like I was riding like a hellion (although I admit I want to sometimes).
It is an Alabama thing! If you pay attention you will see that you are getting the poor mileage when you are traveling North. 
Yes! I am a Redneck. Any Problems?
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 247
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Mine dropped off too, but I figure it's because I'm having to use the choke and letting it warm up now. This past summer, it was crank it and go.
Chip Sciarra "07" America, N.C.Switch Blade windshield, Moto Lights, Tri. Off Road pipes
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 158
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Ethanol has less enegry than octane, so it takes more to do the same amount of work. I use 93 octane and found a 10% increase in MPG for less than a 3% increase in cost from 89 octane. The Exxon web site has a map of the US that shows where they use oxgenated (ethanol) agents in their fuel, and in most of the US they don't. I always use Chevron, Exxon, or BP. My milage is great. http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/GFM/Files/US_Gasoline_Map.pdf
Last edited by JPR44; 11/02/2008 12:31 PM.
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
My milage varies widely, and I can never figure out why. Generally, the same highway miles, fill at the same place every other day, etc. It varies from 50 down to 42, with no rhyme or reason to it!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: Jul 2008
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Remember, in summer months you will get better mileage then during the winter. In summer fuel expands and you can burn more fumes, and in winter your burning more straight fuel. Sounds odd, but if you check your cars it will be the same. Plus they do put an aditive in the fuel for winter, so there is actually a winter and summer grade.
You! Off My Planet!
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Remember, in summer months you will get better mileage then during the winter. In summer fuel expands and you can burn more fumes, and in winter your burning more straight fuel. Sounds odd, but if you check your cars it will be the same. Plus they do put an aditive in the fuel for winter, so there is actually a winter and summer grade.
Nah, Rick, I mean the milage varies daily or weekly. I don't really mind, it is just strange!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 347
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It's the mandatory 10% ethanol that was added a couple of weeks ago for the winter. I was getting a steady 28 in my car, now its 25.
Jerry
2005 America, Green, Thunderbike exhaust
LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET THE HE** OUT OF THE WAY!
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Re: MPG going down?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Just read an article in the paper, there are known problems with ethanol delivery systems at the pump. Somehow, sometimes, the ethanol doesn't mix well or gets excessive amounts and a pump CAN be putting out as much as 20% ethanol, instead of the normal 10%, which can ruin your milage, and, they said, cause mechanical problems with a fuel pump or other. Having reported this, I will say again that I have never had any mechanical problems with my new and antique cars and motorcycles while using ethanol gas for the last 20 years.
Fidelis et Fortis
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