What happened to my gas mileage?
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What happened to my gas mileage? - 10/2/2008 5:40:20 AM
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tobiahr
Posts: 61
Joined: 8/6/2008
From: Austin, TX
Status: offline
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I just bought this bike about 4 weeks ago. First 3 fill ups I was getting 42-45 mpg (us gal.). The last 2 fillups I''m getting about 32-34 mpg. I changed the oil and plugs after the first low mileage fillup and didn''t see any change (other than a little more power). I was planning on syncing the carbs and maybe checking the valves, any other suggestions? Should I pull the carbs first and give them a good cleaning? Any thing else I should check?
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RE: What happened to my gas mileage? - 10/2/2008 5:51:10 AM
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Shadow
Posts: 3630
Joined: 12/21/2007
From: Pinetown, South Africa
Status: offline
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Check your air filter - CBR''s don''t like it to be dirty, lowers gas mileage
Also: You''re probably riding it a bit harder as you get used to it.
Did you change the sprocketing ? That would also have an effect.....
Check your choke isn''t sticky
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RE: What happened to my gas mileage? - 10/2/2008 5:57:13 AM
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tobiahr
Posts: 61
Joined: 8/6/2008
From: Austin, TX
Status: offline
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I thought about the riding harder cause after the first 32mpg fillup. I made it a point to not get above 5000 rpm this last tank. I even started shifting at the manuals recomended shift points (gawd that feels weird, all I do is shift, twist, shift, twist) no real change. I hadn''t thought about the filter though. I was told it was a K&N when I bought the bike, guess tonight I''ll find out.
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RE: What happened to my gas mileage? - 10/2/2008 7:48:30 AM
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GILL
Posts: 455
Joined: 1/15/2008
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
Status: offline
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Good idea on the air filter, but also check to make sure the rest of the ducts are free from little critters getting in there and building a nest , plugging up your air intake. Happened to me. How is the bike running? Notice any black smoke, hesitations in the engine? if its runnning rich you should be able to see it.
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RE: What happened to my gas mileage? - 10/2/2008 8:14:11 AM
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idodirt
Posts: 770
Joined: 8/14/2006
From: South Florida, USA
Status: offline
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Don''t forget the simple things too, like tire pressure.
_____________________________
On the shore of Lake Okeechobee.
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RE: What happened to my gas mileage? - 10/2/2008 8:25:26 AM
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tobiahr
Posts: 61
Joined: 8/6/2008
From: Austin, TX
Status: offline
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Running as well as the day I got it but that wasnt to long ago.  I havent seen any black smoke...doesnt appear to be running rich. The plugs looked good when I changed them this weekend. I have noticed a fuel smell in the garage but wasnt sure where it was coming from other than a running vehicle being parked in there. I inspected the carbs externally when I was changing the oil and oiling the chain this weekend and didnt see any evidence of fuel leakage. I may have missed it though. Ill definitely check the air box/filter this evening and will probably service/sync the carbs this weekend. Since I just bought the bike I wanted to go through and do most of the scheduled maintenance just to make sure it got done even if the previous owner didnt do it. It just concerned me that such a drastic change occurred so quickly. I appreciate all the responses and any advice thats given, and I have a lot of respect for the members of this forum.
Idodirt: I did check the pressure and actually increased the pressure to the manufacturers recommendations. Wouldnt lower pressure hurt the mileage? I just want to make sure Im not confusing my facts as I do that quite often. Thats why I ask questions here
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RE: What happened to my gas mileage? - 10/2/2008 8:29:50 AM
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Shadow
Posts: 3630
Joined: 12/21/2007
From: Pinetown, South Africa
Status: offline
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If you noticed a fuel smell, you may wish to check your tank for a fuel leak UNDERNEATH the reflective cladding on the bottom of the tank - took me ages to find mine 
Also a split fuel lead will cost you mileage, but will evaporate in the heat without you being able to pinpoint it.......
Just another 2c worth
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RE: What happened to my gas mileage? - 10/2/2008 8:35:37 AM
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tobiahr
Posts: 61
Joined: 8/6/2008
From: Austin, TX
Status: offline
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just a quick check...other than any damage I might do because of inexperience, should I need to buy anything for a quick cleaning of my carbs? I''ve pulled carbs on earlier bikes and had to replace paper gaskets on a rebuild but didn''t have to replace the o ring type gaskets.
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RE: What happened to my gas mileage? - 10/2/2008 9:28:28 AM
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tobiahr
Posts: 61
Joined: 8/6/2008
From: Austin, TX
Status: offline
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just had a friend that works with me reconmend the same thing. Said it would be easier than carb rebuild and probably as effective.
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RE: What happened to my gas mileage? - 10/2/2008 9:58:45 AM
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Shadow
Posts: 3630
Joined: 12/21/2007
From: Pinetown, South Africa
Status: offline
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Never heard of it - what does it do ?
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