Fuel consumption

Motocod · Post by **Motocod** » Thu May 30, 2013 12:40 pm

I realise I'm potentially opening a can of worms here, and I might as well start a thread about which oil to use, or which tyres are best...! However, just curious about fuel reserve, as I have had a bit of a tendency to run out in the past!

First off, I have to say I'm a bit disappointed with the fuel consumption. Yesterday the light came on at 115 miles. To be fair I've been enjoying the bike plenty, and we've been bonding nicely, but I thought I might get more. The previous owner said he got around 150 before the light came on, although I guess that might be more achieveable on a long motorway run.

However, my real curiosity is how many litres I have remaining when the light is on, so I've got an idea of how far I can go before I have to push it. And it wouldn't be the first time (albeit not on this bike, yet!).

Thanks,

Nik

Motocod · Post by **Motocod** » Thu May 30, 2013 12:41 pm

Should have mentioned, it's a 53 plate 1100S with Lennies in-duct, Laser cans, and I believe it has an upgraded ECU, if I remember correctly. Goes well!

Thanks,

Nik

Dai wiskers · Post by **Dai wiskers** » Thu May 30, 2013 12:47 pm

Once on the M4 i managed just over 40 miles with the light on but that was at 40 MPH there was about a half litre left when i filled up

100-120 from brim to light is pretty much the norm
Previous owner must have been driving miss Daisy

EDIT should have said 40 miles from me noticing the light

tanneman · Post by **tanneman** » Thu May 30, 2013 1:12 pm

Reserve is about 3 to 4 litres.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Thu May 30, 2013 3:25 pm

115 miles to the light isn't too bad - if you've been giving the bike a bit of pasty on open A-roads it's not far off the norm. I used to get 120ish with all of my 11S's - up to 130 or so taking it easy, and once got it to come on under 90 miles when caning it down the Autobahn from Strasbourg to Switzerland.

What can help is filling the tank with the bike upright - it helps fill the small void left in the tank when on its sidestand.

Motocod · Post by **Motocod** » Thu May 30, 2013 4:21 pm

Nice one, thanks guys. I'll have to see how many litres I'm getting through, and work out the mpg, out of curiosity.

Nik

tanneman · Post by **tanneman** » Thu May 30, 2013 5:57 pm

Normal riding I get about 150 mls to the light. Relaxed and a bit faster than advised but keeping it smooth.

r550s · Post by **r550s** » Thu May 30, 2013 6:44 pm

when I was commuting and doing pretty much the same journey and riding like a pretend spitfire pilot, the light would come on between 100-110, The bike would run out of fuel at exactly 147, or so it always seemed. Based on this I reckon that, once the light comes on, it will be safe for a third as many miles again.
On a tour the light will come on maybe at 130, so I wouldn't be expecting to come to a halt until after 170.
Before I fitted a big air filter, I found that mpg could get stunningly bad with a gunked-up filter.

Daveg2812 · Post by **Daveg2812** » Thu May 30, 2013 10:17 pm

Went out on Saturday afternoon and light came on at 109 from a brimmed tank. Did give it a few beans when I could.

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Thu May 30, 2013 10:56 pm

The point at which the light comes on - is not a finite figure.

Work on 180m / tankfull (10m/ltr) and you won't go far wrong.

Al

Motocod · Post by **Motocod** » Fri May 31, 2013 9:30 am

Thanks guys, at least it sounds like what I'm seeing is normal.

I'm tempted to take a can of petrol out and ride around until it runs out, just so I know.

I like the Spitfire pilot analogy - I don't know if it's the engine noise, but I kind of feel like that too!

cheers,

Nik

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Fri May 31, 2013 10:40 am

Shouldn't the 'Spitfire' be changed for 'Fw190' as they used BMW engines?

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Fri May 31, 2013 10:55 am

Gromit wrote:Shouldn't the 'Spitfire' be changed for 'Fw190' as they used BMW engines?

Yeah, but the focker was flying a Spitfire..................

Al

el-nicko · Post by **el-nicko** » Fri May 31, 2013 12:52 pm

Well just call me 'Cap'n Slow' cos I recon on 10 miles per litre, and, with my enlarged 23 litre tank (which I'll be floggin soon*

) I regularly run past 200 miles before a refill. I've measured my reserve (6 litres) so once I get past 200 I just go even slower and fill up asap.

*Garaging 'issues' so, along with a lot of other 'goodies', looks like I'm going to have to sell me bikes and get out of biking for a while.

Motocod · Post by **Motocod** » Fri May 31, 2013 12:55 pm

First dibs on that enlarged tank then...

Like me, perhaps you'll have to consider bike covers and outdoor storage solutions. Not ideal, but better than not riding.

Nik