Drop in fuel economy

Today I noticed a drop in my fuel economy. I returned from HAMS last Sunday and over the weekend I was getting 54 Miles Per gallon average. including Freeway and cruising for 1200 miles I replaced the Spark Plugs with stock plugs Thursday. Friday I took a 200 mile run to southern Indiana again riding the freeway. when I checked my MPG I was at 49 MPG. I'm due for scheduled Valve adjustment. and a new Belt but I was due for those last weekend as well. Bike seems to be running fine. is this 10% loss in economy just a blip or should I be concerned?

I would not be concerned about that. I have found that the gas (fuel) they sell these days is full of all sorts of stuff that causes the mileage to go down. The quility of gas goes up and down from station to station.

papa johns wrote:

Friday I took a 200 mile run to southern Indiana again riding the freeway. when I checked my MPG I was at 49 MPG.

There are a large number of factors which could effect ...

gas refinement ( Quite a few Missouri gas stations had no Ethanol)
MPH (we typically traveled slower than highway speed),
terrain (blocking headwinds),
head wind.

papa johns wrote:

I'm due for scheduled Valve adjustment

The valve adjustment would be a waste of money.

papa johns wrote:

Bike seems to be running fine. is this 10% loss in economy just a blip or should I be concerned?

How old is your air cleaner?? It does get dirty quick.

If the drop of MPG becomes consistent, then I would typically add some Amsoil PI performance improver ( http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/api.aspx ) or you could use equivalent. After a couple of tanks, I could hear, feel and see a difference in MPG ... your mileage and experience may vary

Remember that on the way to and from HAMS you were regulated (governed) in that you did not ride faster than the Helix would go. Did you ride faster than that on your recent trip?

Our HAMS mileage:

Kim -
Miles traveled: 1572.9
Gallons consumed: 27.432
MPG for trip: 57.338
Highest MPG: 63.736
Lowest MPG: 53.322

Dale -
Miles traveled: 1574.4
Gallons consumed: 27.969
MPG for trip: 56.291
Highest MPG: 63.800
Lowest MPG: 53.254

Hi,

Here is a list of Gas Stations that sell Ethanol. State by State.

http://e85vehicles.com/e85-stations/e85-missouri.html

Any of these look familar?

When my '07 SW was new I was getting a pretty consistent 54 mpg. Now, at 12,000 miles I am getting a very consistent 48 mpg. Maybe I am just riding my scoot harder and faster than when I first bought it, but I don't think so. My local Honda dealer doesn't have a clue.

Vito,

Are you still running with the J-Costa Variator? Would that have any bearing on the mpg's? The belt is older - some stretch? I do remember you writing once that you liked the take off boost the J-Costa added and that you prefer to not ride like a 'little old lady'. I ride much harder than Kim and I consistantly get poorer mpg's.

Vito:
I have seen a similar change in mpg on my 2007. I wonder why.

I think that the answer lies in the first post (also by you) in "speed freaks".

Jon:
That thought did in fact occur to me... Too funny!

Jon,

Nice catch - So, connect the dots and a picture appears?? Oh, I get it now??

Too funny indeed!