Decreasing gas mileage?

[revrandy]

I picked up a new 2011 Versys in November. Since then I have put on ~ 1,200 km's, following the break-in procedure. One thing I have noticed is since around 750 km's my gas mileage has been getting worse. This last tank, after the 1,000 km oil change/check it was the worst of all.

Initially I was hovering around 4.3l/100 km's, then I gradually dropped to 5.0 to 5.5l/100 km and this final tank was 6.9l/100 km.

I know the weather has gotten colder up here, but we are talking a temp swing of maybe 12c. Any clues what is going on with the bike?

[ray h]

Mine dropped off when it got cold. All summer I was getting a consistant average of about 51 MPG, for about the last 3 months it has dropped to around 46 MPG and is very inconsistant, sometimes as low as 42, other times as high as 49.
I think it's because I usually commute short distances of 15 miles and the bike doesn't get time to warm up. I'm still on fast idle when I get to work.

[Madone1]

Seems odd. IMHO there are three things that affect my mileage.1)Cooler weather 2)Tire pressures and 3)Having more full with the throttle than I should

[twowheels]

You're getting more comfortable with the bike and riding harder.

Sent from my LG-P500h using Motorcycle.com App

[revrandy]

I am riding it a bit more aggressively and it is a bit colder. But should the difference be this noticeable? It never was with any other bike I owned.

[weljo2001]

http://shop.watt-man.com/Thermo-Bob-...-NEWER-TBV.htm


IMG_0098 by weljo2001, on Flickr

[goat12]

I bet that could partially explain my lousy mileage with my short 3 mile city commute in the dead of winter... may have to try this out. Those graphs are pretty convincing.

[onewizard]

Originally Posted by revrandy

I picked up a new 2011 Versys in November. Since then I have put on ~ 1,200 km's, following the break-in procedure. One thing I have noticed is since around 750 km's my gas mileage has been getting worse. This last tank, after the 1,000 km oil change/check it was the worst of all.

Initially I was hovering around 4.3l/100 km's, then I gradually dropped to 5.0 to 5.5l/100 km and this final tank was 6.9l/100 km.

I know the weather has gotten colder up here, but we are talking a temp swing of maybe 12c. Any clues what is going on with the bike?

Just realized you are just south of me, I have the thermo-bob, no question if you are riding in recent temps, thermo-bob will make a difference. I am getting 24.6 KM per liter, @ highway speeds of 130 KM per hour,
As it gets colder (below 10' C ) it improves by about 1.0 km per liter, I ride for enjoyment, I prefer over 15'C, I don't have heated gear and I find that I am prone to cold feet.
So it is parked for warmer temps to come. If you are interested, you could check out my install. There are some very good instructions and others have posted how to install on this site.

[invader]

Winter gas is another factor.

[2daMax]

Even in the tropics, when it rains hard, the temperature never really gets to the optimum. It remains 'cold' around 70 deg C. I can say the Versys does not have the best thermostat control device installed.

[michael95453]

Originally Posted by invader

Winter gas is another factor.

+1 It's a big factor! I can tell when the local stations have changed over because my mileage drops 10%, and doesn't return to "normal" again until Spring.

[invader]

Originally Posted by michael95453

+1 It's a big factor! I can tell when the local stations have changed over because my mileage drops 10%, and doesn't return to "normal" again until Spring.

Yeah, these fuel mileage drop threads reappear every year in December.