MPG and Range

[MMH]

I recently bought a 2002 R1150R. It's been getting right at 40 mpg on the last three tanks with easy riding on backroads - shifting at 4000 to 5000 rpm, hit a stop sign every 2 or 3 miles, windy & hilly roads, etc. Does 40 mpg seem about ring?

Also, when I hit 130 miles then when I accelerate briskly, the engine feels like it dies for a second or so (as if it totally ran out of fuel). Is this typical when getting low on fuel? At this point, there is 3.8 or the 5.3 gallons consumed, so w/ 1.5 gallons in the tank this is a little surprising. Also, once I get past the bike is difficult to start.

[sjbmw]

40mpg is what I average... unless I am riding home from the mountains... then I get more, it's all downhill! My yellow warning light goes on at 155 miles, unless I am thrashing it.

I would check the fuel system, and the fuel filter, if the bike had 1 gallon in reserve, I can't see it sputtering out with a gallon + left. Maybe some Seafoam might help.

I use a product called Liquid Performance to fight ethanol issues, as where I live non ethanol gas is not available. This product makes my bike smoother at all rpm's.

[AZBMWRIDER]

Fuel mileage has been brought up a few times here, it seems like the operator of the bike is the determining factor in the bikes fuel use .
In my usual commute to work, the low fuel light comes on at around 170-175 miles with 87 octane fuel .
If I use 91 octane fuel, the light doesn't come on until 190-195 miles .
You should not get a loss of power with that amount of fuel in the tank, as has been mentioned, I would replace the fuel filter .
For hard starting, try adjusting the cable on the ' choke ', had the same issue a few years ago .
Ignition leads may be due for replacement, unless you know they have been replaced by a previous owner .

[MMH]

Fuel mileage has been brought up a few times here, it seems like the operator of the bike is the determining factor in the bikes fuel use .
In my usual commute to work, the low fuel light comes on at around 170-175 miles with 87 octane fuel .
If I use 91 octane fuel, the light doesn't come on until 190-195 miles .
You should not get a loss of power with that amount of fuel in the tank, as has been mentioned, I would replace the fuel filter .
For hard starting, try adjusting the cable on the ' choke ', had the same issue a few years ago .
Ignition leads may be due for replacement, unless you know they have been replaced by a previous owner .

I have been running 93 octane. My fuel light comes on at 155 (just like sjbmw). THis winter I will replace the fuel filter & will look into the choke cable . By ignition leads are you talking about the coil as well? BTW, the hard starting only occurs once I get past 130 miles on a tank full.

[towerworker]

I've got 65K on my '04 and I can regularly get 50-52 running 60-70 mph on highway or interstate. Running around town or running aggressively thru the county it will drop to 40 or so. I run 93 octane no ethanol.

[pwmarcon]

I have a 2002 R1150R has 102,000 miles on it, drove it from Weeki Wachee, Fl to central Michigan and back last month. Used only 89 octane averaged 70-75 mph got 50 MPG. Set my odometer on 000 and measured gas use every 200 miles.

[Roger 04 rt]

I recently bought a 2002 R1150R. It's been getting right at 40 mpg on the last three tanks with easy riding on backroads - shifting at 4000 to 5000 rpm, hit a stop sign every 2 or 3 miles, windy & hilly roads, etc. Does 40 mpg seem about ring?

Also, when I hit 130 miles then when I accelerate briskly, the engine feels like it dies for a second or so (as if it totally ran out of fuel). Is this typical when getting low on fuel? At this point, there is 3.8 or the 5.3 gallons consumed, so w/ 1.5 gallons in the tank this is a little surprising. Also, once I get past the bike is difficult to start.

Windy, hilly roads and shifting at 4000 - 5000 RPM could lead to 40 MPG. The acceleration dying once you get to 130 miles indicates a problem unless you're on a very steep hill. When the problem occurs, pull over to the side of the road and see if you have a vacuum in the tank, listen for a whooshing sound when you open the gas cap.

If you do replace the fuel filter this winter consider replacing ALL the in-tank hoses. They are prone to cracks and then eventually sudden failure.

[peels]

2002. my fuel economy saga was well documented here.... I could barely break 32mpg. turned out to be a sticky brake.

NOW:

my daily commute about 3 miles in town, 4 stop signs, then 7 miles highway. and a 3 mile in town ride to the park to jog every day, I'm getting 36-38. Iv'e stopped worrying.

On a long hwy trip, I got avg 44 range. with a high at 47. I went fast though. with some knee dragging... i think 50 on the highway is easily possible with a dainty right wrist. 70 and below.

at 100+ mph avg(racing a storm front, long bad story) I saw around 33mpg. lol


your acceleration problem, is something different.