Gas Mileage

smousavsh · 11-02-2009, 08:52 AM

Hi,

I have been riding the motorcycle since the summer and have loved ever minute on the bike. Over the summer I was getting around 57ish miles per gallon. However, currently I am only getting about 30ish mpg. I tried changing the spark plugs and checking tire pressure but both are fine. I was wondering what could be the problem?

RayOSV · 11-02-2009, 11:01 AM

Welcome to SBN!

Have your riding habits changed? Even a heavy right hand shouldn't account for that much of a difference. Have you changed gas stations? How many tanks at the lower mileage? Did the bike sit out in the rain? Did you check the airbox/air filter? Is the chain in dire need of maintenance (dirty, dry, stiff)? How about the oil and filter? Oil been changed recently?

smousavsh · 11-02-2009, 12:17 PM

I have changed gs stations on account I had to go back to college, 2 hour highway drive averaging about 75 mph, away and the bike has sat in the rain at most twice. When I checked the air filter, it was still in good shape and I clean and lube the chain about once every two weeks. I recently put oil in the reserve.

RayOSV · 11-02-2009, 12:46 PM

Are you comparing a 2 hour highway ride at a relatively constant speed to another type of riding? Do you notice any difference in how the bike performs?

smousavsh · 11-02-2009, 12:50 PM

No i'm just providing extra information.

RayOSV · 11-02-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smousavsh

... I recently put oil in the reserve.

What does this mean? How are you checking the engine oil level?

smousavsh · 11-02-2009, 04:02 PM

What do you mean, "What does that mean." I put oil in a couple of weeks ago, and check the oil like any sane person by using the dip stick.

RayOSV · 11-02-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smousavsh

What do you mean, "What does that mean." I put oil in a couple of weeks ago, and check the oil like any sane person by using the dip stick.

What does "I recently put oil in the reserve" mean? What is the "reserve"?

When you use the dipstick (many/most bikes have sight glasses BTW), is the bike on its side stand or upright? The engine/oil should be warm, but the engine off for a minute or two before checking.

dsmgixxer · 11-02-2009, 06:29 PM

wow that's really low miles. Try the gs500 forum.

ZX-9r E1 · 11-21-2009, 11:22 AM

See if there's rolling resistance on the wheels. Lift each end and spin the tires. On my original set of front brakes the right side pads started getting gooey. The goop put on the rotor caused a noticeable bind, but still only accounted for about a 2 MPG drop.