Pryor to my trip I was getting 30.74 mi/gal combined city and highway. Actually using the ECO mode( versus just the economical riding indicator)
on the trip brought it to 42.42 mi/gal (90%highway).
"FEAM" (Fuel Economy Assistance Mode)
I doubt that FEAM is responsible for a jump from 30 to 42 MPG. It is more likely other factors. Generally, people report that FEAM will improve usage only by about 10% (sometimes a bit more). Anything else could be explained by lots of other factors- type of mileage, weight, exact type of fuel, filling practice, temperature, humidity, tire pressure, total weight, amount and direction of wind, seating position, windshield configuration and position, type of roads, how much and often you accelerate, average speeds, elevation, etc, etc...
My 08's only eco mode is my right wrist. Have found that staying between 65-75 on the highway and average city speeds, it averages 42.5-43.5MPG. Ride the snot out of it, like yesterday, 80+++mph, I gtill averaged 39.3mpg. As far as accuracy, I done several gallons/mileage figures and they have basically matched the computer readouts.
Not seeing big differences here, but have read on the forum some get 46-47 mpg in eco mode. I'm happy with my mileage, but 30-40 more miles per tank would be nice. tp
I never trust the LCD display. Because its usually wrong.
One of the unfortunate factors is most of the fuel up here seems to have ethanol mixed with the gas. I try to stay away from the ethanol as often as I can.
Unfortunately, we can't avoid it where I live. ALL fuel is E10