Gas mileage survey

[brhartw]

What kind of gas mileage do you folks get on your r1100rt?
I have a 99 and its averaging high 30s. on distance ride home I got 44 on one tank.

Comment on your mileage and if you notice anything between windshield up or down.

Thanks!:buds

[DarrylRi]

Well, I don't have an RT, but my RS has an RT engine in it now.

Anyway, it has always gotten between 38-42, depending on how I am riding it and in what conditions. Only when I've been riding in the Rockies did I get significantly better gas mileage, with a personal best of 52 once, but typically in the 46-48 range. This may have to do with both the high altitude and the lack of California gas (although the typical octane is down a couple points, up there).

[PGlaves]

Bullwinkle, my R1150R is about as aerodynamic as a brick, what with Jesse bags and topcase, Motolights, driving lights and light bar, windshield spoiler, and a couple of GPS's partially hanging in the wind. It gets 42 to 45 almost all the time, 40 with a brisk headwind.

[rfkneller]

I have a Techlusion installed which may bring down the mileage somewhat. Hope to make a longer trip this summer to see how it does over longer distances at highway speeds.

[DarrylRi]

I have a Techlusion installed which may bring down the mileage somewhat. Hope to make a longer trip this summer to see how it does over longer distances at highway speeds.

34??! Man, even my R90S with its pumper Dell'Ortos does better than that. (I guess the Techlusion is sort of like an accelerator pump for FI...)

[kgadley01]

99 RT here. 41 to 43 mpg

[deanwoolsey]

2002 1150RT with Techlusion. About 40 all the time.

[bikerfish1100]

R1100S with Laser pipe & chip. 40-52. 50+ in touring mode (relatively steady throttle), 43 or so general avg.

[Andy VH]

94 R1100RS with Techlusion, gets between 38 and 42, mostly around 40. Stock looking muffler with my own internal baffle design inside.

[NavyDad]

R1100S with Laser pipe & chip. 40-52. 50+ in touring mode (relatively steady throttle), 43 or so general avg.

My 04 1150RT is stock, but I get the same numbers as Bikerfish.

[sdpc2]

gets mid to high 40's when the gas quality gets back to normal in the summer and i'm touring.... :groovy

[Motor31]

I average low 30's to 35. Highest I have ever gotten is 38. Almost all mixed or city driving.

Forgot to add I have an 04 1150RT.

[bikerfish1100]

I average low 30's to 35. Highest I have ever gotten is 38. Almost all mixed or city driving.

Forgot to add I have an 04 1150RT.
that sounds like something is wrong.

[pffog]

R1100S with Laser pipe & chip. 40-52. 50+ in touring mode (relatively steady throttle), 43 or so general avg.

Same mileage here, but staintune and techlusion on a twinspark.

[froggy]

02 RT here with 11000 mls , never shift lower than4000 rpms and in need of service BIG TIME and yet still gets 40+

[twowheelsonly]

I get about 45 on highway.. city about 35 to 40 depending on how I accelerate away.. Just installed a 2 Brothers Exhaust so I am hoping to get at least the same.. 2000 RT1100 w 26K
TwowheelsOnly

[Greg_K]

I average low 30's to 35. Highest I have ever gotten is 38. Almost all mixed or city driving.

Forgot to add I have an 04 1150RT.

Wow, that isn't very good gas milage. I average 46 - 48MPG riding two-up. Even if most of a tank is short trips (doesn't happen much), I 'll get low 40's.

[HALMC]

About 35. No difference noted between w/s up or down, much difference on cruising speed. <60 produces about 40; >80 drops it to about 30.

[Dave_Faria]

38 tp 40 mpg in town. 2004 R1150RT. I seem to run around the 4.3k to 4.7k rpm range in town. If I drop down to the 3.5k to 4k range it will be about the 45 mpg range on the highway.

[samthg]

So. Cal to Mt. Rushmore, via Glacier NP-2 up & pullin' our piggybacker, 4100 mi.
....42.9 mpg!

[scotchale]

I have an 04 RT with 98,000 miles on it. For the last three years, mileage about the same as what I just saw posted: 42 to 45, pending load. Added a Uni-go trailer a couple of years ago, gets about 38 if I have a full load.

Now, the mileage is staying about 36 to 38, without a load. I am suspecting the 02 sensor is due? I can smell some gas when it starts up, smells rich. I am also relating this to a 95R I had previously. It was running rich, low mileage in the upper 30's. Replaced 02 sensor, back to 42 to 47 range, pending load/ride.

I am about to roll it to 100K, at that time, I'll do some TLC maintenance to it.

Otherwise, this has been pretty much a trouble free bike.

Scotchale
04 RT
05 CS
98 Funduro
10 F 650

[2bikemike]

I get 45 mpg with my '04 RT.

[bogthebasher]

On my 2009 RT I have tracked my mileage for every tank fill and logged the results in a spreadsheet. After just passing 30,000 km on the bike my average mileage has been 4.1 litres per 100km. According to this calculator site: http://www.sciencemadesimple.net/fuel_economy.php that equates to just over 57 mpg (US gallon). This is all my riding from a daily commute on freeway and surface streets to some fairly long trips in the last few years. Frankly I was surprised at the result since I do not ride with mileage in mind and do vary my speed a lot and like to accelerate briskly and rarely use cruise control on long stretches.

[OfficerImpersonator]

My 2002 R1150RTP averages between 34 and 38 mpg on each tank. If I'm only doing the commute, it's closer to 34 mpg. If I'm out on a distance ride, then it's closer to 38 mpg.

No canister, no CCP, no Techclusion. I have the stock exhaust.

I get crappy mileage because I'm not aerodynamic with a huge windscreen to push through the air and lights and crash bars hanging out in the slip stream.

[bdiver]

This is kinda worthless without speed, elevation, wind, load carrying, and other conditions. ;)

From this past Friday after work to 1 AM Sunday (basically 1.5 days) I did about 1250 miles going over numerous passes (some up over 5K ft.), rolling hills along the Columbia River, some freeway, mostly 2 lane. Temps were from 40 - 85, I had 1 saddle bag full, trunk full and a lightweight bag on the seat. Aeroflo windshield, stock 99 RT with (now 97K) no C Canister. My typical speed was 75 with bursts up to..., sometimes I had side winds but rarely a headwind.

Mileage on different fill ups 41.x, 42.x, 45.x, 46.x, 44.x I pushed about 190-220 miles per tank and haven't filled up this last time but that's a pretty representative hwy mileage figure for me.

City driving can be from 35-42 with the majority in the 38-39 range.

Hope this helps, back to lurk mode .:lurk

[buzz 52492]

I put about 300 miles on yesterday on my '96 R1100RT, mostly on 2 lane roads in SW Minnesota. I got 51.5 mpg. That's higher than normal, I usually get 43-46. I guess it was low winds, and mostly 60-65 mph. and few stops.

[OfficerImpersonator]

This is kinda worthless without speed, elevation, wind, load carrying, and other conditions. ;)

From this past Friday after work to 1 AM Sunday (basically 1.5 days) I did about 1250 miles going over numerous passes (some up over 5K ft.), rolling hills along the Columbia River, some freeway, mostly 2 lane. Temps were from 40 - 85, I had 1 saddle bag full, trunk full and a lightweight bag on the seat. Aeroflo windshield, stock 99 RT with (now 97K) no C Canister. My typical speed was 75 with bursts up to..., sometimes I had side winds but rarely a headwind.

Mileage on different fill ups 41.x, 42.x, 45.x, 46.x, 44.x I pushed about 190-220 miles per tank and haven't filled up this last time but that's a pretty representative hwy mileage figure for me.

City driving can be from 35-42 with the majority in the 38-39 range.

Hope this helps, back to lurk mode .:lurk

Where were you riding? We went riding over the Cascades, around the Columbia Plateau, and back this past weekend. We might have passed each other :)

[gimmeshelter]

2005 Rockster here. Never less than 40 mpg, when urban commuting, usually low 40's. Mid 40's touring, non Interstate.

[r11rs94]

04 R-1150-RT, Low of 40 High of 51 and average at 44. I check my mileage quite often so these numbers are current. :thumb

[brhartw]

Wow. Great response from everyone. Thank you.

It looks like the majority of folks are getting 40+ mpg from their rides. A couple of us must have some issue that causes lower fuel economy.

Thanks for all the comments!

[irish]

2002 RT. Normally I get 42-44 mpg in all conditions. High of 48 on my second tank of gas since buying the bike going 85 mph though Georgia. I think I may have miscalculated that one. My low was last Tuesday, 38 mpg from Madison to Milwaukee, temp 42 F and rain. Between the water and the cold, the only time my temp guage got above 2-3 bars was when I got stuck in Milwaukee gridlock. Never had this happen before, not even with temps in the teens.

[brhartw]

OK The results are in!

r1100/1150rt,rs riders that have weighed in;


MPG 35 14%

38-42 21%

42-45 36%

45-50 18%

57 1%

I am in the 14% group with mid to upper 30. I would rather be in the 36% group with 42-45.

Wheel bearings? My riding style is conservative around town, 75-80 on freeway.

:scratch

[DarrylRi]

I am in the 14% group with mid to upper 30. I would rather be in the 36% group with 42-45.

Wheel bearings? My riding style is conservative around town, 75-80 on freeway.

:scratch

Do you generally make a lot of short trips, or do you generally go more than 20 miles when you fire it up?

Do you tend to leave it on the choke for a long time?

Have you had your air cleaner replaced at all recently? Did you change the CCP or run the system in "open loop" mode?

[Paul_F]

On Sunday I travelled 375 miles on my '98 R1100RT with oversized touring lids sticking out into the wind-stream, with all but the final 75 miles at interstate speeds of 70 - 75+ mph and averaged 41.63 Am mpg.

Yesterday I went for a 60 mile ride on back roads on my K which has a computer with one function that monitors consumption. I made a concentrated effort to obtaining the best fuel mileage possible, making frequent references to my computer's gas assessment. It is amazing how a more deliberate and slow but steady throttle input really reduces fuel consumption. Of course, it is not as much fun, and really not as safely doable on busier highways. Frequent acceleration from stops really is a major gas eater as compared to cruising at a constant highway speed.

[brhartw]

Do you generally make a lot of short trips, or do you generally go more than 20 miles when you fire it up?

Do you tend to leave it on the choke for a long time?

Have you had your air cleaner replaced at all recently? Did you change the CCP or run the system in "open loop" mode?

Air filter was changed about 9k miles ago. All Arizona driving so maybe dusty/dirty. I'll check/replace that. My trips are generally 25 mile commutes with lots of start and stop on city streets. That will eat gas mileage. My ride home from AZ. was 75mph on freeway for 500 miles or so. There I got 44mpg.

How about the carbon issue in the throttle bodies? Is that something that should be addressed regularly? Or does a good run down the freeway at 75 clean it out?

Thanks for all input.

:D

[brhartw]

Do you generally make a lot of short trips, or do you generally go more than 20 miles when you fire it up?

Do you tend to leave it on the choke for a long time?

Have you had your air cleaner replaced at all recently? Did you change the CCP or run the system in "open loop" mode?

No, do not leave the choke on for more than a mile or so.
Open loop? Not sure what that is.
CCP as far as I know has not been addressed.

Bike runs very smooth with minimal "surging" if any at all.

[19122]

my 1997 R1100RT gets 40 MPG with 65 mph as a regular speed on the open road
now, my question is ( dont throw stones ! ) what brand of gas are you using and what octane? a BMW dealer in N Carolina told me to run mid-grade normally and run super when loaded down and/or in the mountains comments?

[DarrylRi]

Follow the recommendation in the book. Most of the BMW twins want premium, but my R1150RS said that mid grade was ok.

In tall mountains like the Rockies, you find that all the grades are down a couple points, but I have never had a problem with this.

Also, you should know that our octane numbers here are about 5 points lower for the same octane rating as the ones in Europe (read, Germany). That's because we see the average of the "Research" and "Motor" testing methods -- and that's why you see "R + M / 2" stickers on the pumps -- while Europe reports just the Research number. BMW sometimes calls the number the AKI, anti-knock index, but it's the same thing.

[OfficerImpersonator]

I recently pulled my CCP and removed the cannister and associated tubing to address the surge, and I am observing zero change in mileage. I also killed the surge :clap

[GrafikFeat]

While not a RT but a "C" I dropped the octane down to 87 and my mileage increased.
I have a mixed commute of 110 rt daily. Half is 35-50 and the remainder 70+MPH.
I get on avg. 42-45... My best was 66 mpg when I kept it under 60.
Yes, it's a cruiser not an RT.

I'm chiming in because octane can and will have an effect.
I've been running 87 for four years now w/ no ill effect.

Try it.
Do about three tanks for the system to adjust.

[brhartw]

While not a RT but a "C" I dropped the octane down to 87 and my mileage increased.
I have a mixed commute of 110 rt daily. Half is 35-50 and the remainder 70+MPH.
I get on avg. 42-45... My best was 66 mpg when I kept it under 60.
Yes, it's a cruiser not an RT.

I'm chiming in because octane can and will have an effect.
I've been running 87 for four years now w/ no ill effect.

Try it.
Do about three tanks for the system to adjust.

Wow, interesting. A tag under the seat suggests octane of 95. That must be European numbers cause we don't have that here unless you buy avgas. So at Shell I buy 91, or super, thinking thats what I need. Midgrade is 89 and low is 87.

I did change my plugs to Autolite. Lots of folks state the bike runs smoother with them. Any chance Autolites give poor fuel econ? The bike sounds and runs great. I can't imagine spark plugs can make that much difference? The Bosch plugs are twin tip, Autolites single.

I'll try the 87 for a few tanks and 89 for a few. 91 is too expensive anyway.:scratch

[brhartw]

my 1997 R1100RT gets 40 MPG with 65 mph as a regular speed on the open road
now, my question is ( dont throw stones ! ) what brand of gas are you using and what octane? a BMW dealer in N Carolina told me to run mid-grade normally and run super when loaded down and/or in the mountains comments?

Shell 91 sometimes Chevron 91. I'll try 89 see if there is difference.

[Paul_F]

I try to use Shell premium whenever there's a Shell station available. Here in Canada, they claim that they have 0% ethanol in the V Power gas. :ca

[LouieSkretas]

Speaking of gas mileage...
How do the bars on the fuel gauge correlate with the amount of fuel left?
At how many bars does one start thinking about refueling? 1996 R1100rt.
How do you know when you are on reserve? ( 270km showing 2 bars)
Thanks

[martinPH]

Speaking of gas mileage...
How do the bars on the fuel gauge correlate with the amount of fuel left?
At how many bars does one start thinking about refueling? 1996 R1100rt.
How do you know when you are on reserve? ( 270km showing 2 bars)
Thanks

I can go 112 Kms after the gauge runs out and 90 Kms after the low gas light comes on.
400 Kms and I am dry

[GrafikFeat]

Speaking of gas mileage...
How do the bars on the fuel gauge correlate with the amount of fuel left?
At how many bars does one start thinking about refueling? 1996 R1100rt.
How do you know when you are on reserve? ( 270km showing 2 bars)
Thanks

Gauges lose accuracy as the level drops.
After a few rides you can calculate your mileage.

Then just do the math.
Lets say:
You get 45 mpg and you just traveled 150 miles.
Therefore you used 3.33 gallons out of what ever you just put in... say 4.8.
So you have 1.47 gallons or 66 miles left.

My odometer is my gas gauge. :D

[cycleman2]

Not an Rt but a R1100R. Last weekend went on a 1000 mile trip. Bike was loaded, solo, and I had replaced the stock windshield with large aftermarket windshield that plows a lot of wind. Overall average driving speed was 65 mph ( GPS ) for the trip. I averaged 47-48 mpg on the Cdn gallon. I quess that would be low 40's on the US gallon.

[LouieSkretas]

Thanks guys,
I'll track it over the summer and get a good idea of the consumption. I never rely on only one instrument if I can help it.
On a good note I have no surging at all. It is a stock 96 r1100rt with 81,000 km.
( 50,000 miles).

[glennhendricks]

2000 RT with a Cee Bailey +4 extra wide windshield that I usually have in the full upright position. Givi trunk.

That's commute miles on the interstate. Tire pressure makes a huge difference in gas mileage on a car, I'd imagine that it would make a similar difference on a bike.

[ZekeZeller]

I have an all stock 2006 RT and have never really got less than 50 and much of the time it is 54-55. However in FL this winter (sea level) it was around 47 with a good bit of traffic thrown in. Every other year we are in AZ (3,000 to 7000' elevation) for the winter and usually get 53 - 55 mostly 2 up with the stock windshield up. Getting about the same in NH now. 30,000 on the clock and I drive mostly near the speed limit and seldom over 70.

Bill Zeller

[brhartw]

I have an all stock 2006 RT and have never really got less than 50 and much of the time it is 54-55. However in FL this winter (sea level) it was around 47 with a good bit of traffic thrown in. Every other year we are in AZ (3,000 to 7000' elevation) for the winter and usually get 53 - 55 mostly 2 up with the stock windshield up. Getting about the same in NH now. 30,000 on the clock and I drive mostly near the speed limit and seldom over 70.

Bill Zeller

Those are great numbers. How much do you think the different blend of gasolines make on fuel economy? How about the gas from state to state?

Also, what RPM range are you usually shifting in? Compare accelerating onto an interstate or away from a red light with a speed llimit of 45 and another light another mile down the road.

Thanks

[ZekeZeller]

I usually shift around 3500 except the occasional times I use an interstate when it is more around 4000. It seems that the elevation makes the most difference and I have no idea why. I always use the premium grade fuel which is often 93 octane and at higher elevations more like 91. I'm not an aggressive driver but don't baby it and do try to get good mileage.

Bill Zeller

[bikerfish1100]

I usually shift around 3500 except the occasional times I use an interstate when it is more around 4000.........but don't baby it.

Bill Zeller :scratch

I'm sorry Bill, but those two statements are mutually exclusive. Half the definition of "baby it" is exactly what you say you do- upshifting at 3500-4000. That also leads me to believe (correct me if i'm wrong) that your "cruising speed" rpm is around 2500-3000, yes? If so, that is the other half of the definition.

These motors love to rev, and it is good for them to do so.

[brhartw]

I usually shift around 3500 except the occasional times I use an interstate when it is more around 4000. It seems that the elevation makes the most difference and I have no idea why. I always use the premium grade fuel which is often 93 octane and at higher elevations more like 91. I'm not an aggressive driver but don't baby it and do try to get good mileage.

Bill Zeller

Interesting.

OK. That brings up another request. Can I get people to weigh in on what RPMs they shift when on surface streets and accelerating onto the interstate?

I shift around the 4000 range when accelerating away from a red light. If I can cruise at 3500 rpm, the bike sounds and feels ok. Not straining or lugging. Feels "about right". Onto the interstate, I take it to 5000 or 5500 and shift if the lanes are clear ahead and I want to get to the number one lane, the fast lane or car pool lane.

Thanks, Brad

[LCBIKEMAN]

If moving above 65 mph, the tank gives me about 44-45 mph. At less than that for average speed, it's about 49 mph. Windscreen placement seems to make little difference. This is with loaded side panniers, no top case.

[froggy]

Update-ran to Quincy Ill. on back country roads all the way and then back home on highway averaging 80mph...45mpg:dance.And I still have not done the major tune-up,cannot wait to see what she gets when I do the 12000.:brad

[ZekeZeller]

My cruising RPM is always over 3000 but for the occasional long downhill with rough roads or low speed limits. 3500 is more like it especially with my wife on board which is most of the time.

For those of you who don't live in the northeast (Maine, NH and VT) where our roads are often filled with frost heaves, (those are bumps not some kind of ice cream) you can't understand the need to drive in the 40 to 50 MPH range. We are fortunate to be retired and do a lot of riding in the Smokies, Arizona etc. where the roads are all smooth and a delight to ride. The comparison is incredible and we are always happy to go "south" for the winter.:thumb

[LouieSkretas]

So... I filled the tank with 91 octane gas( Sunoco in Ontario canada) put the full size saddle bags and top box on, took a friend along for the ride and went till the fuel gauge bars were gone and the low fuel light came on.
30% stop and go, 60% long country road, 10% interstate, windscreen slightly up.
the odometer read 396 km when the light came on, I filled the tank to the same spot as before the ride with 19.97 litres. This works out to 5.0 l/100 km which is 46.96 mpg,us gallons or 56.38 mpg imperial. that means that with 26 litres available total, reserve is 6 litres after the light goes on and you could do a total distance of 517 km on a tank. not so bad..:thumb

[riderR1150GSAdv]

My '06 1150GS gets 44MPG and more in the mountains. I get better MPG's on non ethanol gas, but so does everyone I know.
The bike runs well on 87 or 89 octane, 91 and above is a waste of $$ IMHO. YMMV

[bikerfish1100]

an '06 1150GS? :scratch
i thought that starting in '05 all the GS models were 1200s. No?

[brhartw]

Is there any chance that some bikes are geared differently than others? The ranges of gas mileage are amazing!

Thanks everyone for commenting on this. The info is great.

Brad:usa

[E_Page]

2002 RT. 40 mpg +/- 1 mpg usually. That's with CA gas, tyoically a mix between riding in heavy traffic, freeway, and mountain twisties.

Best ever was 50 MPG, worst about 37.5.

[Rad]

03' R1150RT

44-46 mpg, slab mode, 65-80 mph

36-40 mpg, twisties

[gertiektn]

2004 model, rode city and highway 300+ mil.
46 to 52 mpg in Colorado, Denver area.

similar on my 75/7.

[irish]

Is there any chance that some bikes are geared differently than others? The ranges of gas mileage are amazing!

Thanks everyone for commenting on this. The info is great.

Brad:usa

I believe they added a 6th gear when they rolled out the 1150RT, with the 1100s only having 5 gears. I have always assumed that 6th gear gave me better mileage when cruising at steady, high speeds (65+) but I have never tested it. Anyone know for sure?

[riderR1150GSAdv]

an '06 1150GS? :scratch
i thought that starting in '05 all the GS models were 1200s. No?

Special Edition model, only 300 or so of them made...:brad

[bikerfish1100]

"Special Edition", eh? Sounds like BMW Corporate speak for: "Gee, vee haf all deze left over pahrts frum dee 1150 GeeEsses, vat do you tink vee shud do vit dem?" "VAIT! Vee can pull out zum cool paint vee hafn't uzed in a vhile, call it a "Special Edition", und zell it to de Hamericans. Maybe effen charge dem a few more hundred $ for it!!" "yah, dat's a goot idea Hans!!"

[OfficerImpersonator]

I just switched from 92 octane gas to 87 octane gas and my bike now runs better. Occasional pinging I used to experience when accelerating on the highway in sixth gear and relatively low RPMs has gone away. Bike seems to run even smoother on the wimpier gas.

I'll be interested to see if there is any change in my mileage.

[cycleman2]

Actually it would be more likely to ping on the 89 not the 92. The lower the octane number the faster the gas burns, therefore creating potiential for pinging etc while under load with a faster burning fuel. You might get slightly better performance with the 89 but detonation will be a posibility.

Gas mileage is always a best guess estimate as everybodies driving & filling habits are slightly different. Wind, speed load, jacket rabbit starts etc all play a big role in your gas mileage.

High octane gas is for higher compression engines as they require slower burning fuel to prevent pinging & detonation in the cyclinders.

[OfficerImpersonator]

Actually it would be more likely to ping on the 89 not the 92...

That's not my experience. I'm getting NO pinging on 87 and SOME pinging on 92 when in 6th gear at highway speeds and under heavy acceleration.

[GrafikFeat]

I'm running 87 for over four years now.
Nary an issue.

Oh...And Boycott BP! :D

[wickwatch1]

When it run's out you have to fill it up......

[Cask23]

2002 1150RT with Techlusion. About 40 all the time.

Hey Dean ... could you share what your pots are set at? I never get more than 35mpg and I don't really crank on it all that much.

Thanks in advance .... ~ Les

[jcridge]

2004 R1150R

Full cases, trunk, windscreen, well stocked tank bag, your basic road warrior.

50-54 MPG when riding with my wife [ -5 to 5 over ]
42-45 MPG when commuting [ 15 to 30 over] in mild to warm weather, and about 40 MPG when its below freezing.

Nothing but a good state of tune, and a wee bit of Seafoam from time to time:thumb

John

[riderR1150GSAdv]

"Special Edition", eh? Sounds like BMW Corporate speak for: "Gee, vee haf all deze left over pahrts frum dee 1150 GeeEsses, vat do you tink vee shud do vit dem?" "VAIT! Vee can pull out zum cool paint vee hafn't uzed in a vhile, call it a "Special Edition", und zell it to de Hamericans. Maybe effen charge dem a few more hundred $ for it!!" "yah, dat's a goot idea Hans!!"

:rofl but the price was the same as a regular '04 ADV. It has been thought that these SE models were cancelled orders for police bikes...:dunno In any case it is the last of the non canbus bikes and I like it's looks and ride...:hug

[franze]

:rofl but the price was the same as a regular '04 ADV. It has been thought that these SE models were cancelled orders for police bikes...:dunno In any case it is the last of the non canbus bikes and I like it's looks and ride...:hug

me too !

[jasonTDI]

What reall makes a difference is road speed and wind conditions. Plus the road surface can cause a few % difference.

I'd be willing to bet money EVERY BIKE would return different numbers with a different rider.

My 98' GS with a pope mobile Aeroflow, lights, Micatech cases gets 40 mpg or so in average riding, 35 mpg into a strong headwind at 80 mph, or even loaded up with the wife just dawdling down country roads it'll get close to 48 mpg! She hates it when I speed....:dunno :whistle

[brhartw]

2002 RT. 40 mpg +/- 1 mpg usually. That's with CA gas, tyoically a mix between riding in heavy traffic, freeway, and mountain twisties.

Best ever was 50 MPG, worst about 37.5.

Dang. I get 37.5 most of the time. I did see 44mpg on ride home from Phoenix at 70mph steady freeway. Nothing close to that. My riding is stop and go 20 mile commute. An occasional run on the freeway, about 20 miles.

[19122]

Speaking of gas mileage...
How do the bars on the fuel gauge correlate with the amount of fuel left?
At how many bars does one start thinking about refueling? 1996 R1100rt.
How do you know when you are on reserve? ( 270km showing 2 bars)
Thanks

all bars means its full and no bars means its empty

[19122]

my 1997 R1100RT gets 40 MPG with 65 mph as a regular speed on the open road
now, my question is ( dont throw stones ! ) what brand of gas are you using and what octane? a BMW dealer in N Carolina told me to run mid-grade normally and run super when loaded down and/or in the mountains comments?

update 2011 : had surging whe, purchased ( 2010 ) since then : changed to Bosch plugs, K&N filter, Amsoil in all fluids ( with 25% Marvel Mystery Oil in engine oil ), balanced carbs, adjusted valves, use Shell high test whenever I can, a shot of MMM oil in gas tank lost surging and gas milage has crept up to 42-44 mpg comments ?

[19122]

I'm running 87 for over four years now.
Nary an issue.

Oh...And Boycott BP! :D

BP makes CASTROL

[AndyMcLain]

Usually 35 around town, 45 on the highway when I'm gentle with the throttle.

[brewmeister]

I'm getting average 46 to 48 solo 5 over the limit max.
With my bushtec I only checked once so far so it's not clear yet but I got 42 MPG.
9611rt with 19,800 original on it ,it's not broken in yet. Am working on that!:dance:dunno:drink

[MOTOPERRO]

I've been collecting mileage data on my stock '98R11RT since 2004, which now has ~ 52,000 miles on the clock:

- overall average: 44.352 MPG
- highest: 55.945 MPG
- lowest: 36.563 MPG
- most common fuel: Shell V-Power

The saddlebags are always on, and sometimes the tail trunk. Windscreen is usually trimmed up about 25%.

[ANDYVH]

I routinely get 42 mpg on my 94 R1100RS, and as high as 48 during constant long highway rides with little throttle change. My bike is set up like this:
1. Techlusion
2. K&N Filter
3. GS intake tubes on the stock RS airbox and intake horn
4. Autolite 3923 plugs
5. Self built muffler internals (freer flowing, bit better exhaust note, NOT loud at all).

In really spirited twisty riding I may get into the high 30's for mileage. But overall my average is 42 mpg. This on a 94 RS with a Parrabellum windshield, stock bags, no top box, stock rear hub for all of the 154K on the bike.

[bikerfish1100]

:rofl but the price was the same as a regular '04 ADV. It has been thought that these SE models were cancelled orders for police bikes...:dunno In any case it is the last of the non canbus bikes and I like it's looks and ride...:hug

in that case... :beer :rocker

[brhartw]

Very interesting posts.

I believe that I ride fairly conservativly, yet the best I can do around town is 38mpg.
On the open road with sustained speeds between 70-80, I get about 44mpg.

I have tried the Autolite 3923s, and the bike seems to run smoother with less surging. With the Bosch plugs , the surging is minimal but definitely present.

I believe I am synched well, I have no vibration in mirror, I feel some when accelerating and shifting around 5500. While cruising at 75, little to no vibration.

Tires are properly aired, starts and stops are as smooth as I can make them.
No jack rabbit starts.

Some bikes just run better than others? Riders are smoother?

Thanks for comments.

[AKsuited]

My '03 RT gets around 45 mpg @ 72 mph.

The best I've seen is 50 mpg @ 55 mph.

Higher speeds will definitely lower mpg's.

The newer R12 hexhead do get higher mpg's than the older R1150 oilheads.

Harry

[Stokes73]

What kind of gas mileage do you folks get on your r1100rt?
I have a 99 and its averaging high 30s. on distance ride home I got 44 on one tank.

Comment on your mileage and if you notice anything between windshield up or down.

Thanks!:buds

I have a 2000 R1100RT depending on how I ride my gas mileage varies from around 35 mpg to 45 mpg. Commuting and higher speeds, lower mileage. At steady touring around 65 I average about 45mpg. Much worse in winter. Mileage drops significantly the colder it gets.

[Vachenleug]

I get 40-41 usually on the slab. I have gotten 45+ plus when outside of California. Riding 2up and pulling a loaded Bushtec at high speed drops mpg to 39-40. With the Bushtec and 2up my gross vehicle weight is 1100 lbs plus 300 for the Bushtec..Not bad mpg IMHO.

[Mr. Mixer]

'04 1150RT - how do you guys get 40+ MPG out of one of these? The best I can do is 39 and a bit. That has been consistent for the 6,000 mi I have owned the bike.

[LMIWA156120]

2004 R1150RT w/ 76,000 miles
42.35 overall average for the last 1500 miles
Includes an assortment of riding:
- interstate travel (best 55mpg)
- commuting to/from work
- stop & go in construction traffic
- 2nd & 3rd gear motoref work (worst 25mpg!)

[LouieSkretas]

Hi guys, just got back to Toronto from a ride to Charleston South Carolina 3,800 km. Bike ran purrrrrfect!!!:D
Here are my figures for comparison.:type
1996 R1100RT, 94,000 km, recently synch'd TB's and adjusted valves, changed all fluids last fall and got new Pirelli Angels installed.
Bike was loaded, 2- up there, solo back ,standard saddle bags and top box Aeroflow windshield mostly down position, average speed 70 mph @ constant 4000 rpm, variety of temps, flat roads mostly, mountainous through the Virginias.
Average 392 km ( 243miles) with 20.5 l ( 5.4 us gal)
That works out to 5.2 l/100 km or 45.2 m/us. gal or 53.5 m/imp gal.
At an average cost of $ 4.10 per gallon for 93 octane gas, it works out to $0.092
per mile for fuel. Not bad imo. No change in gas mileage riding solo or 2 up.:confused:
Best gas mileage I got so far... was along a two lane road in pensylvania last year at constant 55 mph, 51.6 mpg.us.
When my low fuel light came on, I still had 6 litres of fuel left in the tank. That means I can get 497 kms( 310 miles) on 26 litre tank at 70 mph.
cheers

Louie

[SilverSurfer]

'04 1150RT - how do you guys get 40+ MPG out of one of these? The best I can do is 39 and a bit. That has been consistent for the 6,000 mi I have owned the bike.

I have an 04' R1150RT, and I routinely get 47-50 mpg with mine. I lose some when I have to go down the E-way, but even then it's usually not too bad. I recently checked my mileage again, with mixed riding on the full tank. I had 51 miles off the full tank when I took a trip down to my Bro-in-law's place, about 102 miles from here. This would include just over 100 miles of E-way at close to 80 mph steady. My low fuel light came on at 239 miles instead of the normal 250-260 for all two lane riding. I filled up at 247 miles, putting in 5.31 gallons of premium. That works out to 46.5 mpg, which is exactly what I expected. The high speed running that I had to do on the expressway lowered my mileage. When I took a trip that was mostly E-way, I still got 43 mpg with it, which I didn't think was too bad.

I also took a trip last year over to Wisconsin, taking the Badger across Lake Michigan, then riding up to Lake Superior, across the top of the UP, then back across the Mackinaw Bridge and home to Western Michigan. I never got in any expressway riding, keeping on the two lane roads and just cruising along. I ran the RT between 55-70 mph fairly consistantly, and I never got below 49 mpg on any of the tanks I ran through it. My best was 54 mpg, and the overall average for the whole trip was about 52 mpg.

But just riding the 16 miles round trip to work and back I usually get 47-50 mpg, depending on how happy I am when I get out of work. :laugh

[SilverSurfer]

I believe they added a 6th gear when they rolled out the 1150RT, with the 1100s only having 5 gears. I have always assumed that 6th gear gave me better mileage when cruising at steady, high speeds (65+) but I have never tested it. Anyone know for sure?

While I haven't tested the mileage using 5th gear instead of 6th gear, I know that my rpm's drop quite a bit when I hit 6th gear. It is a true overdrive gear. I usually have to be running at least 55 mph before using it, because anything below that will make the bike lug a bit. But between 55-65 it works just fine, keeping my rpm's down and helping my mileage. The more I can run in 6th gear, the better my overall mileage, guessing probably another 3-5 mpg.

[bob814u]

I rode like a sunday driver and got 38mpg. I believe if I REALLY am careful I can get more. I just hate getting passed by coworkers on the way home from work.

[SilverSurfer]

I'm actually very surprised at the large differences in mileage of these bikes across the spectrum, especially when the comparison is of the same model and year of bike. I know that different weather and riding conditions will have an affect, but with similar riding styles and weather it would seem that the mileage should be fairly close. But I've read figures all across the board, from lows in the low-mid 30's, to highs in the low-mid 50's. Seems to me that if most bikes of the same model are getting on average say, 45 mpg, and your bike of the same model is only getting 35 mpg, and most all of the other factors are similar, then your bike isn't tuned in the way it should be.

I know that my riding style is not real agressive anymore, as I'm more into just cruising along and taking my time. The RT is a touring bike, after all. I miss my 2000 yellow VFR Interceptor for the pure fun of riding it, and if I could afford it, I would get another one for a second bike to ride. But even with the playing I did on that bike, when I wanted to I could get over 50 mpg with it just by riding it with my brain in gear! It was hard to resist twisting the wrist, though. :)

[DarrylRi]

I'm actually very surprised at the large differences in mileage of these bikes across the spectrum, especially when the comparison is of the same model and year of bike. I know that different weather and riding conditions will have an affect, but with similar riding styles and weather it would seem that the mileage should be fairly close. But I've read figures all across the board, from lows in the low-mid 30's, to highs in the low-mid 50's. Seems to me that if most bikes of the same model are getting on average say, 45 mpg, and your bike of the same model is only getting 35 mpg, and most all of the other factors are similar, then your bike isn't tuned in the way it should be.

You have to consider that it's not just riding style, but a variety of other factors as well. If you ride in Denver, for example, you'll get much better gas mileages because the EFI will lean out the throttle due to the lack of oxygen a mile up. If you live in California or an increasing number of other states, then you can't buy anything but E10 gas, which delivers about 10-15% less gas mileage. And if you're reading a post by someone reporting from Canada, they're talking about Imperial Gallons, which are bigger than the US kind by 20%.

[bogthebasher]

I consistently get 4.9 liters per 100 km which is 48 miles per USG or 57.6 miles per Imperial Gallon.

[bigyin]

:brow--I just returned from the Roadrunner Rally in Heber AZ, I averaged 51mpg using regular gas -- it was kinda windy, mostly crosswinds of course so there was no tailwind advantage. My 1998 R1100RT has 153,535 miles on it and ran awesome - I was riding solo with all my camping gear ( approx 75 lbs)

[brhartw]

I'm amazed by the reports of high 40s and low 50s mile per gallon reports from some of the members.

I just took my 99 RT to Matt in Long Beach to replace the head gaskets, as one was seeping, and he noted the heads and throttle bodies were very carboned up.

He suggested I ride with more rpm than I have been. These motors love rpms says Matt.

Am I lugging this thing by shifting at 4000? I have never heard it ping or feel luggy.
It seems to like cruising and shifting at 3500.

My surge issue is minimal if at all.

Still puzzled by my consistent 38 mpg around town. On the road, I get 44mpg on long drives across country on interstates at 80.

Thanks for the comments.

Brad

[bikerfish1100]

the proof of your under-revving is in the carbon build up. try upshifts above 5K, and running above 4K. That is, except maybe steady-speed, low-load riding, when in the 3s could be acceptable. and wringing it out in the mntns or twisties, keep it between 4500-6500.
40-54 mpg, around town to open roads (does not have to be interstate, i can run hard on open mntn roads, and still get very good mpg. its the not having to accelerate to speed so frequently that seems to improve the mpg factor). and this with a pipe & chip, which dropped my mileage a skooch.

[froggy]

I am getting 39mpg and thats after TB,and valve adjustment.I thought I would get better since thats within a mile of my previous mpg.The last owner did take out the little relay that adjusts the lean burn.I wonder if putting it back in will make much of a diff. on highway riding mpg?
Right now there is hardly any surge.

[bikerfish1100]

I am getting 39mpg and thats after TB,and valve adjustment.I thought I would get better since thats within a mile of my previous mpg.The last owner did take out the little relay that adjusts the lean burn.I wonder if putting it back in will make much of a diff. on highway riding mpg?
Right now there is hardly any surge.

likely you are talking about the "cat code plug" (CCP) relay. yes, will likely improve mileage, but at possible cost of increased surge condition.

[aterry1067]

I actually lost a couple mpg when I reinstalled the CCP. It has a Techlusion installed by a PO. I was getting around 43 to 45 with the CCP out (yellow one). I reinstalled it and it ran smoother, but my mpg dropped to about 39 to 41 (commute v/s steady cruise). I removed it and the mpg went back up. I want to try a GS CCP (or make one) and see what that does. I do have the GS air tubes installed.

[Ken F]

Oddly enough, I just got my 95 R1100RS put back together.
The Hall Sensor wiring had deteriorated and it had quit me during a very hevy rainstorm. After letting it dry out for a couple of days, it ran fine, and I even took it for a couple of short rides around the neighborhood.

I like to do repairs and adjustments one at a time when working on something, so that you can see the change of each individual repair, however this time I broke my own rule. I ordered two new Honeywell sensors, and was fortunate enough to find a piece of the good Beldon Cable! My old wire was toast, and I think the sensors were good, but I replaced them anyway while I was in there, as the bike is a '95 with just shy of 75K.
Also did a valve adjust, and then adjusted the TB's, and replaced the fuel filter, and moved it outside the the tank.

On the first ride, I went 180 mi. from home and decided at the turn around point to refill. As usual, I figured my mileage and it was 53.6!!! The best I'd ever recorded before was 44 mpg so I kind of told myself BS and vowed to refill upon returning home and check again. Bingo...just a shade over 55mpg.

I could see the bad insulation on the hall sensor allowing spark to bleed off which could definatly effect mileage. So could valve adjusting (however I'm pretty anal about keeping them adjusted-usually 3-4 thousand miles). Throttle bodies were quite a ways off when I adjusted them, but they also had been done about 4 thousand miles prior. I'm really thinking that the hall sensor was probably the cause.....but we will never know for sure cause I broke my own rule!

Ken

[froggy]

53mpg:jawdrop, I wish I could see the 40s let alone the 50s.

[aterry1067]

460JB, is your bike all stock? CCP installed? Techlusion?

The wide array of mileage results is interesting.

Thanks,
Aaron

[Ken F]

Aterry, yep pretty much stock. I've got a stay-in-tune exaust system, but other than that I'd have to say stock in the engine department. Just rebuilt the right throttlebody a couple of thousand miles ago, but that made no discernable difference in mileage.

I've never had a problem with surging, so nothing like teclusion.

I had been doing the TB balance wrong up until this one also. I had been balancing it at idle with the brass screws, and then using them again at about 4,000 RPM. This time I used them to adjust at idle, and used the throttle cables to do the high adjustment.

Ken

[r1100r]

Just finished doing a lot of highway riding, which I don't really care for, but was real happy when I filled up the tank with only 3 gallons and had put 137 miles on the bike! Fuel light was not on yet! Thats 45 mpg! Normally the light comes on around 110 miles and I wind up averaging around 39 mpg.

Have some great trips this weekend!

[A4Skyhawk]

I have a 2000 R1100R with stock windscreen, tank bag and BMW side cases. I ride mostly two-up with my Honey and carry extra oil, rain gear, water, ATGATT, etc. - close to max weight, with tires at 36psi front and 41 psi rear. Riding mostly two-lane country roads on 91/92 octane gas with "up to 10%" ethanol at 55-60 mph, with occasionaly 70, typically yields 45-47 mpg. I shift at about 4000-4500 rpm and never cruise below 3000 rpm. I have noticed that speed is the biggest factor for mpg. The best (47-49) is the twisties of western VA/NC because I can rarely go much above 45mph on those roads without alot of peg dragging. I got about 51 mpg once on a large group military memorial ride with police escort because it was at a nearly constant 45mph.
George "Eagle" T'man

[brewmeister]

I got the most amazing thing happen last saturday. My 96 1100RT with 22,000+ topped off and left my house to drive 183 miles before arriving back at my house and I again topped off my tank as I had when I left. All I could fit in her was 3.3 gallons. I was getting over 55 MPG.WOW I was amaised. I did'nt do anything special except shell V-power 92 OCT. with 2 oz. of sea foam for a cleanup tank run. I,m using autolite plugs. My bmer was running sweet all day! A nice trip over and back on the wisconsin river free car ferry from devils lake. Ya'll have fun at the national and be safe.

[maacova]

In my opinion you have to have a decent data base to get a feel for your usage.
I use a smart phone app that is free called acar. 54 fill ups in last 1 1/2 years.
Low 35.173 High 54.683 average for all 54 is 44.510. I will get around 50 on the ride to the Rally but less in town on my daily commute. If it was that big of deal I would have a scooter instead of a 1150cc bike. I have had cars with less HP than my bike.

[Phone Guy]

I have a 1150RT and average 39.84 mpg. Best was 47.94 and worst was 32.84. I think the low average was when I was doing some acceleration and speed checks .If you have a smart phone I recommend getting the "Fuel Log" app. I log my info each time I get gas and can look back and review every tank and the averages and what I paid. You can put multiple vehicles in also keeping separate data for each.

[MOTORBIKE]

RT 1100 42-44 MPG Only change from stock is Staintune Exaust. 60 K. Bike runs perfect, no surge. I also have a ST11OO Honda that gets 50 plus MPG. Why would a 4 Cyl. with Carbs get better fuel milage?:):)