Sounds like an answer. I read Concours reviews today, and the media types said that the FEAM could increase mileage by up to 25%. Sounds kinda optimistic to me. Anyone getting that kind of increase? Most postings here show a 4-6 MPG increase. That's not 25%, but better than nothing. tp
Brian, with today's gas prices and the average mileage the Gen I's get, I figure a dollar every 10 miles I ride. I also ride an 1150RT and a Dyna 96ci Custom. All three get get around 40-42 MPG, so the price per miles on all my bikes are about the same.
The C14 is my favorite ride, and if I could get 50 MPG on it by some mods, it may be worth the modding you are considering. Had a KLR650, and it got 50+MPG consistently, but 70+ MPH was pushing it. That level of mileage on a 14 would be FINE....
Thanks for that thought!
Brian
I no longer have my 2011 or the manual, but I do recall that it very specifically says that there is a throttle position and/or RPM where the ECO mode cuts out.
Actually, I had not thought of that and it is a good point. I believe I could increase the highway mileage of the bike 10, maybe 15 or even 18%. I believe a PC V, O2 sensor and auto- tune module are going to cost around $700. I never really considered it but I probably can get that back in some realistic time frame. Thanks for that thought!
Brian
Sounds like an answer. I read Concours reviews today, and the media types said that the FEAM could increase mileage by up to 25%. Sounds kinda optimistic to me.
This all sounds very complex.
I understand that the Euro bikes have the closed loop with O2 sensor. Do they get better mileage?
Also understand that Guhl can turn that on for our ECU's.
That is a good question. I, too, thought I saw something about an O2 sensor on the EU model (and isn't that a great idea... why don't we get it?) But an O2 sensor would tend to imply a real 3-way catalytic convertor too, wouldn't it? And in such cases, it is more likely for emissions control with maybe some other side benefits.
That I haven't seen. I thought the ECU for the EU model was different. Perhaps it is just programming? If so, there must already been an O2 sensor input into all the ECU's. If he could activate it AND someone could add a sensor, that has a lot of possibilities and makes me wonder if they just throw away some of the maps or use it as a tweak and fallback. It would still be missing the holy grail of proper fuel injection- the air mass sensor.
In any case, it seems at that point, it gets complex enough to just want to go the full auto-tune PC type route.
Everybody is making it complex...lol.
There is an ECO Mode that the rider can turn on and off with a switch.
There's an ECO riding indicator that shows up when riding the bike in an economical manner when in normal mode.
I have no doubt it was for emissions and they found they could save a few bucks by leaving it off the US bikes.
Technically, there is no "ECO Mode", it is called the "Fuel Economy Assistance Mode" (FEAM) everywhere in the manual.... but which Kawasaki stupidly labeled the "on" indicator as "ECO" just like the ECO riding indicator, just with a different background graphic and font. Whichever engineer did that should be flogged. No wonder some people are confused by it. Couple that with a sprinkle of "Engrish" ( http://www.engrish.com ) and it makes it worse.
Well, actually, I think the ECO riding indicator also shows up when riding economically with FEAM activated too, doesn't it?
I'm usually in an RPM range where I don't see the ECO riding indicator logo show up...so I rarely ever notice it.
I have no doubt it was for emissions and they found they could save a few bucks by leaving it off the US bikes.
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If I fill my tank to the brim...as much as I can get in there without spilling it, and ride until the low fuel warning comes on....
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