Fuel Mileage

[AZBMWRIDER]

I've had my '02 1150R a little over 11 years now and about 50,000 miles .

Has anyone else noticed that when using premium grade fuel, that you get 5-6 miles more ger gallon with it's use ???

In my normal commute to work use, I get a consistent 172-176 miles to low fuel warning with regular grade fuel and 192-196 miles with premium fuel .

[towerworker]

I actually found somewhat of the opposite some years back when I ran a tank of mid grade vs premium. There is actually more energy in a gallon of regular fuel than a gallon of premium. The anti-knock additives (octane) prevent the damaging pre-ignition that you get with regular. When I ran mid-grade fuel and was careful to avoid situations that caused pinging (not lugging the engine for example) I actually got around 4-5 mpg better than I averaged with premium. But the downside is that just rolling the throttle any time I wanted to without first dropping a gear often resulted in pinging. I'd rather not have to worry with that so I try to run premium as often as I can.

[peels]

I have not noticed any difference. and there really wouldn't be, unless maybe in extreme heat, or you ride hard, but 176 miles when your light turns on? I would say you don not ride hard. Mine turns on at 120 or so.... hovering RIGHT around 40 mpg

so NOW, i switch back and forth. every other tank is premium. For the reason of pinging, as tower worker mentioned.

[MarkShelley]

I get 45mpg whatever grade of fuel, and pretty much whatever way I ride.

[milehighboater]

I have settled around 50mpg. 200 miles before my light comes on. Mostly highway driving 75mph or so.

[foobar]

I get a very consistent 42 mpg with mixed city & highway. You have to account for mandated ethenol in the fuel. FL mandates 10%. This has the effect of raising octane, but lowering mileage... YMMV is appropriate here

[Pickled]

I have had my r1150r 2002 with 29k for about 6 months. Put 4k on it this summer. Averaging about 45 mpg.

[Airman]

I got 38mpg consistently for years, but was careless about brands. About a year ago I decided to stick with three brands, Shell, 76, and Chevron. My mixed mileage now runs 42 mpg. If I would slow down I'm sure it would be better, but I can't.

Trip mileage runs 48 to 51 mpg, still sticking with major brands. I use mid grade, 89 octane.
Fuel light comes on around 140 in town. It takes 3.2 to 3.4 gallons then.

I don't use premium and don't get pinging. If I use crap gas like Arco even premium will ping. I've become a believer in brands.

[gregor]

I use 95 octane RON method in the UK. Think the definition is different from USA. That's the normal grade here and never had pre-ignition or pinking except for a very hot city transit. Tried the 97/98 octane stuff on occasion but no improvement in mpg etc.

Usually hit the reserve at 150-160 miles unless riding very gingerly.

[AZBMWRIDER]

When May shows up here, I need to use the higher octane fuel until around November due to high air temps, due to pinging / pinking/, that's when I noticed the difference in mileage with my bike .
When the low fuel light comes on, it takes 4 US gallons to put the level up to the hole in the filler neck .

[wvwoof]

Because of the oil cooling on the R1150R I'm more likely to notice the effect of friction on fuel mileage. When I ride below 30F MPG drops to 38-40 and gets better with warmer temps. At very high temps - 85-100 my mileage goes up to 48-55 on long trips. I only use mid to high test gas. Former bikes didn't do well with the cheap stuff.

[dustburm]

I have an 04 Rockster (68k mi) mostly freeway to work in Phoenix year round. About 8.6 miles, 3 +- miles of city streets. My over all mileage is 40.226 over 129 tank fulls. Usually 37 to 39 MPG commute only. Up the Yarnell Hill to Prescott and back I-17 is around 45+ mpg. I burn Costco premium and use 5-50 Syntec year round. 40psi front AND rear PR2's (18k miles not yet to the wear bars, close on front). Just installed a K&N filter when I replaced the Oddessy bat. I tend to grab the 'top' of the throttle as opposed to the bottom and I don't chug around below 3k very often. Omar at MotoGhost in Phx said 'Think two cylinder Ferrari, not Deere mod B'. I'm jiggy with that.

That new 1200 urban assault bike would make a SWELL up-coming 63rd BD present from my wife. Hmmmmm........ Don't push it.

Dusty