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gsjay
11-30-2004, 10:45 AM
2002 R1150GS w/35,000 miles:

I usually get 225 miles on 4.5 gallons of fuel

Last trip 215 miles on 5.25 gallons, bike ran fine, Nov 13th

Dealer says the EFI is working correctly. Could "winter mix" fuel be the culprit?

thanks,
gsjay
JohnV
11-30-2004, 11:23 AM
I noticed a significant drop in gas mileage this past weekend. Temps were around -1C (~30F). I gassed up at my local Petro-Canada and the all pumps had a sticker that said I was buying "winter" gas. Bike ran well but sure seemed to use alot of gas. I think the cold temps and the winter gas formula must affect gas mileage.

John Veilleux
02 R1150RT
GlobalRider
11-30-2004, 11:28 AM
Colder temperatures will increase fuel consumption.

Running into a headwind will increase fuel consumption. A 20 mph wind at 60 mph is the same as doing 80 mph on a calm day. Rolling resistance doesn't change much with speed.

I think "winter mix" can add as much as 10% alcohol, so that'll have an effect.
glinm
11-30-2004, 02:31 PM
Winter blends are far more volatile and give lower gas mileage. Several years ago the company I worked for was having stalling problems with the E350 Fords and 460 cid engines in them. The problem was traced to the winter fuel being used which had a boiling point of 99 degrees F. With that kind of volatility it goes fast. (Changed brands of fuel and stalling disappeared and gas mileage increased.)
Cliffy777
11-30-2004, 08:39 PM
I'm with you gsjay - my last two fill ups show a definite loss of MPG. I figured it had to do with the temps being lower (riding in the upper 20's to low 40's). Was not aware of "winter mix" - another reason i like this forum cuz i learn stuff alla time....
lorazepam
11-30-2004, 08:54 PM
Cliffy, you should ride to OH in Jan. We could wrench on your bike.
Grey Matter
12-03-2004, 05:26 PM
Hmmm… interesting. I should start keeping track of this kind of stuff.
soldemall
12-06-2004, 07:28 AM
Don't forget also that the ECU is attempting to keep the air/fuel ratio at 14.7:1 (86 box cars to one gallon). In the winter there is a good bit more air mass than in the summer, so there must then be more fuel to mix with it. Does make it run nicer though.