MPG increase

[lather]

Starting at about  80,000 miles on my 08 I have noticed a significant improvement in miles per gallon. I waited for about 5 tankfuls to be sure this is not just a fluke. For the first 80,000 miles I would get the Low Fuel message consistently at around 184 to 186 miles with typical riding. Hard riding or steady riding against headwinds or with the windshield full up would  drop that to around 175. Very rarely would I see 190.

Now I am consistently getting 200-2003 miles under typical riding  before the Low fuel message appears. The only thing that I can think of that has changed is a switch to Redline MT90 synthetic  in the rear drive. Previously I was using Mobil 1. 

[Conrad]

I think that you finally got 'er broke in Lather. Congrats!

[mvjr1904]

Interesting observation. What oil are you using?  I've heard Royal Purple oil and rear drive fluid get better results.  Haven't had a chance to try it out.

[TJ]

Seriously doubt if it has anything to do with the oil. I don't think there is a oil company in business that can back up a promise in an increase in mpg's by switching to their product.

I would not trust the low fuel message. Mine comes on at various points. What I would trust is calculating the gas used and miles ridden over the course of about 5-7 tanks. Filling these tanks to the same point each time we fill up is pretty hard to do consistently.

[PH14]

Now I am consistently getting 200-2003 miles under typical riding  before the Low fuel message appears.

Wow! 2003 miles!  I'm switching to synthetic! 

[B.D.F.]

My mileage varies that much, 10% or so, just between fill-ups for no discernable reason.

At any rate, as that is what you are talking about, a 10% mileage increase, I doubt that any lubricant or additive could be the cause of that much of a change. More likely a fuel blend change, the change in ambient temperature / humidity or even more likely in my opinion, all of those things added together.

Did you change the way you handle your fob?   

Brian

Starting at about  80,000 miles on my 08 I have noticed a significant improvement in miles per gallon. I waited for about 5 tankfuls to be sure this is not just a fluke. For the first 80,000 miles I would get the Low Fuel message consistently at around 184 to 186 miles with typical riding. Hard riding or steady riding against headwinds or with the windshield full up would  drop that to around 175. Very rarely would I see 190.

Now I am consistently getting 200-2003 miles under typical riding  before the Low fuel message appears. The only thing that I can think of that has changed is a switch to Redline MT90 synthetic  in the rear drive. Previously I was using Mobil 1.

[stevewfl]

My mileage varies that much, 10% or so, just between fill-ups for no discernable reason.

At any rate, as that is what you are talking about, a 10% mileage increase, I doubt that any lubricant or additive could be the cause of that much of a change. More likely a fuel blend change, the change in ambient temperature / humidity or even more likely in my opinion, all of those things added together.

Did you change the way you handle your fob?    

Brian

Or put a new battery in it?

[VirginiaJim]

These bikes are so good and so tight that you need at least 100k on them to just break in.  I knew I picked a winner!

I've never got 2003 miles out of a tank though.  Even with the Prius, I've never got that good a gas mileage.....  Good show, Lather, jolly good show!

[B.D.F.]

I really don't think I want to know what anyone sticks in his / her fob, especially the 'his' aspect.

 

Brian

Or put a new battery in it?

[VirginiaJim]

Wow! 2003 miles!  I'm switching to synthetic! 

I'm really quite upset that you caught this before me.  I was on the phone yelling at an insurance person...

[Pokey]

Seems like the gauge to me, are you "actually" putting in less gas?

[ZG]

Or put a new battery in it?

 

[B.D.F.]

And if putting the same amount of fuel in it as before, is your leg staying drier during fill-ups?

Sorry Bob, I just could not resist.... 

Brian

Seems like the gauge to me, are you "actually" putting in less gas?

[PH14]

I'm really quite upset that you caught this before me.  I was on the phone yelling at an insurance person...

Sorry, couldn't resist. 

[lather]

Please note, dear readers, that lather did not suggest any correlation between the MT90 and improved gas mileage. If you ask me it is more likely due to an change in the magnetic fields brought on by lunar influences exacerbated by a marked increase in the number of werewolves howling at the moon.

But seriously, I agree the accuracy of calculating mpg by the amount of fuel added to the tank is limited by multiple variables unless you use the same pump every time, which I don't. While there may be some good reasons why the Low Fuel sensor system is a less reliable benchmark I have not heard any nor can I think of any that would invalidate a consistent change over 5 tankfuls.

And Brian, my leg does occasionally get damp at fuel stops but it has more to do with fluid drainage than fuel fill-ups.

[Son of Pappy]

Did you change any bits from black to Silverdammit?  I wrapped my spare fob in tinfoil once before a long trip and stashed it in my tankbag.  I didnt get 2003 miles, but I did almost get 1950 before the light came on

[Jay]

GGG
Gooey Gas Gauge?

 

[Conrad]

I'm really quite upset that you caught this before me.  I was on the phone yelling at an insurance person...

At least it wasn't Pokey.   

[VirginiaJim]

Yes, there is that, of course..

[katata1100]

Seriously doubt if it has anything to do with the oil. I don't think there is a oil company in business that can back up a promise in an increase in mpg's by switching to their product.

You can get better mpg and hp with a different oil. For this statement though, put an * next to it. There was a dyno test with different 'vettes showing an improvement of hp (and mpg would go up too) in hp with a simple change of diff fluid. The catch here is that it was a switch from Redline's regular diff fluid to their much thinner viscosity fluid. Less viscosity= better mpg and hp.
But, I don't think anyone would recommend straying away from the recommend viscosity for the rear diff. My mpg trick is to use a Reboc analog gauge and check the air pressure in the tires every week.