45 mpg now common....thanks to...Mobil 1?

[VStarRider]

I haven't ridden a lot this year...just under 700 miles, in fact. However, I have noticed that I am regularly getting 44-45 mpg now, when last year I was getting a steady 43 mpg. The weather hasn't exactly been warm here, either.

Perhaps I am riding a bit differently, I dunno...seems as though I am actually revving the flat-6 a little higher than in the past in between gears...perhaps that is actually making the bike a little more efficient?

The only other factor is that I switched to Mobil 1 oil late last year for my annual oil change. I didn't ride it all that much following that oil change, and the weather was colder, so perhaps those two factors made it so I didn't notice an uptick in engine efficiency at that time.

How could synthetic make THAT much difference...I know it supposed to increase mileage, but I figured it is the tenths and hundredths place, not the ones place.

[Bigcityd]

The reduction of friction in the engine will make it more energy efficient. Two miles per gallon increase is approx. a 4-5% increase. That's a pretty good improvement. It may also be due to the cooler temps. Colder air is denser and therefore has more "energy" in it. It allows for a denser charge of air into the air/fuel mix. Keep us posted if your mileage maintains this improvement when the weather gets hotter.

[opas ride]

I haven't ridden a lot this year...just under 700 miles, in fact. However, I have noticed that I am regularly getting 44-45 mpg now, when last year I was getting a steady 43 mpg. The weather hasn't exactly been warm here, either.

Perhaps I am riding a bit differently, I dunno...seems as though I am actually revving the flat-6 a little higher than in the past in between gears...perhaps that is actually making the bike a little more efficient?

The only other factor is that I switched to Mobil 1 oil late last year for my annual oil change. I didn't ride it all that much following that oil change, and the weather was colder, so perhaps those two factors made it so I didn't notice an uptick in engine efficiency at that time.

How could synthetic make THAT much difference...I know it supposed to increase mileage, but I figured it is the tenths and hundredths place, not the ones place.

Why are you concerned about a couple miles per gallon on a motorcycle my friend??..Bikes are meant to be ridden and to enjoy their performance and power!!!.....If your worried about fuel mileage buy something besides a motorcycle....JMHO

[VStarRider]

Why are you concerned about a couple miles per gallon on a motorcycle my friend??..Bikes are meant to be ridden and to enjoy their performance and power!!!.....If your worried about fuel mileage buy something besides a motorcycle....JMHO

Not concerned...curious! I am a numbers and details guy.

[six2go]

Not concerned...curious! I am a numbers and details guy.

Same here. I like to check my mileage every once in a while just to see if things are operating on a consistent plane. I don't have OCD about it, just keeping track of things.

[opas ride]

Not concerned...curious! I am a numbers and details guy.

I guess that is what makes the world go round!!..We all have our little idiosyncrasy's I suppose...I doubt your small mileage change has anything much to do with the type of oil although. Ride safe

[sandragggen]

I find increased mpg because of a product interesting VStarRider....I've seen it happen before. I've also seen slight bumps in hp because of oil used. Actually, colder temps require more fuel at same altitude to maintain correct air/fuel ratio. When it warms up you should get even better mpg. Thanks for posting your findings.

[wjduke]

I don't buy the oil connection. I've used GN4 10-40 100%, 25,000 miles as of Thursday, and I average 45-47 or so, and have topped out over 50. It's how you want to ride. I don't ride to save gas, it's how I ride. It's hard not to do some math on each fill up though.

[53driver]

As I have written elsewhere, any sustained cruising above 3150 RPMs will cause MPGs to decrease.
If you keep it between 1800-3000, you'll get great mileage.
I'm routinely between 3300 and 4000 while interstate cruising.

Anyway, yeah, it CAN be done, but it's all in the wrist and the mission.
Cheers,
Steve

[dmdbit]

I average pretty much 40. If I push the speed limit on the interstate too much it drops into the upper 30's. A nice ride off the interstate it will be low to mid 40's. I have the Honda tall windshield and wonder if a that causes a little less mpg's.