Amazing Fuel Economy

A few weeks back I loaned my 6th-gen VFR to my brother in law, and I borrowed my dad's 1997 4th-gen VFR750. I did this because my bro' binned his Aprilia and needed a bike from someone who trusted him to pay any insurance costs if he dropped it. Dad only trusts me to ride his bike and has insured it in my name as well.

Anyway, I can say that the 4th-gen gets AMAZING fuel economy compared to my 6th-gen. Riding the same route to work every day the same way, this is the difference:

• VFR750: 270km travelled, 14.4 litres used
  
• VFR800 VTEC: 250km travelled, 18 litres used

That is unbelievable to me! It works out to 18 kilomteres to the litre on the VFR750 and only 13.5 kilometres to the litre on the VFR800. Both bikes have K&N air filters and Staintune pipes fitted.
Note that this is city riding on a stop-start freeway and it means the VFR750 would get 412 kilometres out of the tank! On a freeway at a constant 100km/h I can't imagine how much better it might be - 450km or more!

Uh, the VTEC weighs more, and makes more power. I've ridden a 4th gen and, in my opinion, I'd take my bike over it any day. Sounds like you need a second bike! :thumbsup:

Just curious, you trust your brother, but your dad doesn't? Hmm... :unsure:

bike specs / check here.

http://pages.cs.wisc...john/vfr/specs/

The 97 has almost 10 less hp , but wieghs less than a vtec.

[image: View Post]kaldek, on Nov 7 2007, 06:28 PM, said:

A few weeks back I loaned my 6th-gen VFR to my brother in law, and I borrowed my dad's 1997 4th-gen VFR750. I did this because my bro' binned his Aprilia and needed a bike from someone who trusted him to pay any insurance costs if he dropped it. Dad only trusts me to ride his bike and has insured it in my name as well.

Anyway, I can say that the 4th-gen gets AMAZING fuel economy compared to my 6th-gen. Riding the same route to work every day the same way, this is the difference:

• VFR750: 270km travelled, 14.4 litres used
  
• VFR800 VTEC: 250km travelled, 18 litres used

That is unbelievable to me! It works out to 18 kilomteres to the litre on the VFR750 and only 13.5 kilometres to the litre on the VFR800. Both bikes have K&N air filters and Staintune pipes fitted.
Note that this is city riding on a stop-start freeway and it means the VFR750 would get 412 kilometres out of the tank! On a freeway at a constant 100km/h I can't imagine how much better it might be - 450km or more!




what do your calculations mean in English :warranty:


I only speak MPG

I have a friend with an '02 GSXR1000, somewhat modified for racing (Yoshi tri-oval, that sort of thing). He just filled it up, and with 268km on the trip meter, it took 15.5L.

That's 17.3km/L, or 5.8L/100km. Pretty impressive for a 140+hp machine.

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on Nov 7 2007, 06:48 PM, said:

Just curious, you trust your brother, but your dad doesn't? Hmm... :unsure:
:lol: I was thinking the same thing, Seb!

I average 40 mpg on my '04, and I'm happy enough with that. But I'm finally going to install my PCIII, O2 eliminators and K&N filter this winter, so I'm expecting a 10% drop in fuel economy for next year. But the engine will run a little smoother, i.e. no surging and better off-idle throttle response, so I'll happily live with a few less mpg.

BTW, if I cared that much about fuel economy I would have bought a cruiser or scooter. I have nothing against such machines, of course, but my VFR just happens to be the best bike for me, esp. since I can only own one bike at a time.

[image: View Post]TimC, on Nov 7 2007, 09:00 PM, said:

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on Nov 7 2007, 06:48 PM, said:

Just curious, you trust your brother, but your dad doesn't? Hmm... :unsure:
:lol: I was thinking the same thing, Seb!

I average 40 mpg on my '04, and I'm happy enough with that. But I'm finally going to install my PCIII, O2 eliminators and K&N filter this winter, so I'm expecting a 10% drop in fuel economy for next year. But the engine will run a little smoother, i.e. no surging and better off-idle throttle response, so I'll happily live with a few less mpg.

BTW, if I cared that much about fuel economy I would have bought a cruiser or scooter. I have nothing against such machines, of course, but my VFR just happens to be the best bike for me, esp. since I can only own one bike at a time.


Screw the MPG, it's all about the FPG(fun per gallon, as Baileyrock would say)!! :thumbsup:

I'm finding that i'll get mid 40s on 55mph roads ( 19km/l at 90kmh) when I'm riding moderately aggresive. If I'm easy going, i'll get low 50s (22km/l).

My Katana 750 is about the same. Only really care that im not getting "car-like" mileage, meaning 30 and below.

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on Nov 7 2007, 10:02 PM, said:

[image: View Post]TimC, on Nov 7 2007, 09:00 PM, said:

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on Nov 7 2007, 06:48 PM, said:

Just curious, you trust your brother, but your dad doesn't? Hmm... :unsure:
:lol: I was thinking the same thing, Seb!

I average 40 mpg on my '04, and I'm happy enough with that. But I'm finally going to install my PCIII, O2 eliminators and K&N filter this winter, so I'm expecting a 10% drop in fuel economy for next year. But the engine will run a little smoother, i.e. no surging and better off-idle throttle response, so I'll happily live with a few less mpg.

BTW, if I cared that much about fuel economy I would have bought a cruiser or scooter. I have nothing against such machines, of course, but my VFR just happens to be the best bike for me, esp. since I can only own one bike at a time.


Screw the MPG, it's all about the FPG(fun per gallon, as Baileyrock would say)!! :thumbsup:

Yeah, if I was only interested in MPG, I could drive my VW Cabriolet convertible every day. It gets 43+ all the time........fun with the top down, but still not as fun as a motorcycle.......... :thumbsup:

[image: View Post]YoshiHNS, on Nov 8 2007, 12:56 PM, said:

I'm finding that i'll get mid 40s on 55mph roads ( 19km/l at 90kmh) when I'm riding moderately aggresive. If I'm easy going, i'll get low 50s (22km/l).
My '96 is getting 35mpg on commute: 18 mi. each way (6 mi. town/12 mi. highway). Sometimes throttle-happy, but never over 7.5k. Is this expected MPGs for a 4th gen? Perhaps a sign of a slow-acting t-stat (operating temp 5 minutes into riding)? I hope I'm not being :offtopic:

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on Nov 8 2007, 03:02 PM, said:

Screw the MPG, it's all about the FPG(fun per gallon, as Baileyrock would say)!! :thumbsup:
Indeed! :thumbsup:

I just don't get the whole "worrying about fuel economy" bit. Yeah, sure fuel's getting expensive, but even though I don't (in theory) own a car (but have access to three), and commute by bike most days, my bike is still basically just an expensive toy. If I wanted economy, I'd buy a scooter or a smaller bike. Which I have actually considered, but the WifeAccountantPillionistPorcupine would do the whole "Two bikes?!?" thing. :pissed:
I have tried to get her to buy herself a scooter or 250, but she's never got further than briefly considering the idea and dismissing it.
Meh - what can you do, when your wife earns twice what you do? Just nod, and say, "Yes dear..." :goofy:

[image: View Post]hidesertmlb, on Nov 8 2007, 03:34 PM, said:

[image: View Post]YoshiHNS, on Nov 8 2007, 12:56 PM, said:

I'm finding that i'll get mid 40s on 55mph roads ( 19km/l at 90kmh) when I'm riding moderately aggresive. If I'm easy going, i'll get low 50s (22km/l).
My '96 is getting 35mpg on commute: 18 mi. each way (6 mi. town/12 mi. highway). Sometimes throttle-happy, but never over 7.5k. Is this expected MPGs for a 4th gen? Perhaps a sign of a slow-acting t-stat (operating temp 5 minutes into riding)? I hope I'm not being :offtopic:


Check your air-filter. When travelling cross country in Australia on the 96 I had I would regularly get 17-18 km/l or around 48mpg(imperical) at 130km/h or 80mph. I get about the same from my 2001.

The Vtec, I reckon, is probably a barge through the air compared to the earlier bikes.

[image: View Post]mtbvfr, on Nov 8 2007, 03:10 PM, said:

The Vtec, I reckon, is probably a barge through the air compared to the earlier bikes.

:blink:
<_<

Hey now, they Vtec is a Pig Not a barge. :rolleyes:

[image: View Post]mtbvfr, on Nov 8 2007, 04:10 PM, said:

[image: View Post]hidesertmlb, on Nov 8 2007, 03:34 PM, said:

[image: View Post]YoshiHNS, on Nov 8 2007, 12:56 PM, said:

I'm finding that i'll get mid 40s on 55mph roads ( 19km/l at 90kmh) when I'm riding moderately aggresive. If I'm easy going, i'll get low 50s (22km/l).
My '96 is getting 35mpg on commute: 18 mi. each way (6 mi. town/12 mi. highway). Sometimes throttle-happy, but never over 7.5k. Is this expected MPGs for a 4th gen? Perhaps a sign of a slow-acting t-stat (operating temp 5 minutes into riding)? I hope I'm not being :offtopic:


Check your air-filter. When travelling cross country in Australia on the 96 I had I would regularly get 17-18 km/l or around 48mpg(imperical) at 130km/h or 80mph. I get about the same from my 2001.

The Vtec, I reckon, is probably a barge through the air compared to the earlier bikes.



The best I've ever gotten on my 06 was 45 to 47 mpg, but I've yet to do any full tank interstate runs, I'd say If I keep it below 6000 rpm it will yield near 50 mpg.

I have flown my vfr on a few occasions, it will fly but it flys like a rock

Either I ride like a nancy or my Vtec is incredibly efficient. I wind 'er out after I check my mirrors. I always get between 47-49 mpg. On a recent run with mostly 60 mph country road cruising I got 53. My engine is completely stock, not even O2 eliminators, and I think that running on 2 valves/cylinder really improves economy by reducing overall airflow and creating combustion chamber swirl.
just my $.02.

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on Nov 8 2007, 10:48 AM, said:

Just curious, you trust your brother, but your dad doesn't? Hmm... :unsure:

He's KINDA my brother. He's my wifes' sisters' fiancee and I can't be bothered calling him anything else! Dad knows him well but not well enough to let him borrow his bike. However *I* do know him well enough.

[image: View Post]hidesertmlb, on Nov 9 2007, 07:34 AM, said:

Perhaps a sign of a slow-acting t-stat (operating temp 5 minutes into riding)? I hope I'm not being :offtopic:

How odd. Dad's VFR750 has the exact same behaviour - really slow to warm up. He's tried changing thermostats to no avail. I swore that the thermostat was stuck open but he also swears it is normal.

Quote

VFR800 VTEC: 250km travelled, 18 litres used

That sounds like a lot to me, my 07 will run 325-350km to 18 litres of fuel and I find it doesn't matter how I ride it. It does have 24,000km on it now since May of this year so its broken in well I think now :thumbsup:

I regularly run my '96 750 until the trip meter reads 350 before filling. My gas mileage in three years of ownership hasn't been below 50mpg, and has seen 64mpg on a long return trip from Penticton, BC to Vancouver, BC that was (on average) downhill.

Mind you, my SO pulled 84mpg on the same Penticton to Vancouver trip... On her EX500. Grrrr.

[image: View Post]enzed_viffer, on Nov 8 2007, 02:00 PM, said:

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on Nov 8 2007, 03:02 PM, said:

Screw the MPG, it's all about the FPG(fun per gallon, as Baileyrock would say)!! :thumbsup:
Indeed! :thumbsup:

I just don't get the whole "worrying about fuel economy" bit. Yeah, sure fuel's getting expensive, but even though I don't (in theory) own a car (but have access to three), and commute by bike most days, my bike is still basically just an expensive toy. If I wanted economy, I'd buy a scooter or a smaller bike.

It's not about saving money, it's about the range!

[image: View Post]TimC, on Nov 7 2007, 06:00 PM, said:

I average 40 mpg on my '04, and I'm happy enough with that. But I'm finally going to install my PCIII, O2 eliminators and K&N filter this winter, so I'm expecting a 10% drop in fuel economy for next year. But the engine will run a little smoother, i.e. no surging and better off-idle throttle response, so I'll happily live with a few less mpg.

Go ahead and install the O2 eliminators, I'd recommend everyone try this (or just disconnect the O2s) before buying a PCIII. There's no need to have a PCIII to unplug the O2s and get the benefits of keeping the bike from going into closed loop (surge) mode. The map is still lean, but I bet a lot of people will be happy enough with just the O2s disconnected that they won't feel the need to get the PCIII. Economy should suffer very little.

[image: View Post]Honda_jedi, on Nov 8 2007, 06:42 PM, said:

Either I ride like a nancy or my Vtec is incredibly efficient. I wind 'er out after I check my mirrors. I always get between 47-49 mpg. On a recent run with mostly 60 mph country road cruising I got 53. My engine is completely stock, not even O2 eliminators, and I think that running on 2 valves/cylinder really improves economy by reducing overall airflow and creating combustion chamber swirl.

How come the 5th gen owners almost always seem to report better economy, then?

I was never able to cruise at 60 mph on my VFR (or any other bike). Even my 50 Hp SXC with non-DOT knobbies hits the sweet spot at about 70 mph. Maybe you ride like a Nancy and your VTEC is incredibly efficient. :salesman:

[image: View Post]fallzboater, on Nov 10 2007, 10:29 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Honda_jedi, on Nov 8 2007, 06:42 PM, said:

Either I ride like a nancy or my Vtec is incredibly efficient. I wind 'er out after I check my mirrors. I always get between 47-49 mpg. On a recent run with mostly 60 mph country road cruising I got 53. My engine is completely stock, not even O2 eliminators, and I think that running on 2 valves/cylinder really improves economy by reducing overall airflow and creating combustion chamber swirl.

How come the 5th gen owners almost always seem to report better economy, then?

I was never able to cruise at 60 mph on my VFR (or any other bike). Even my 50 Hp SXC with non-DOT knobbies hits the sweet spot at about 70 mph. Maybe you ride like a Nancy and your VTEC is incredibly efficient. :salesman:


I've said this before. Riding at a steady 100-110kmh between Lima and Nazca I was able to get more than 21 km/l (60 MPG). My bike has an unspudded Staintune and at that time was using a K&N filter. I had a fair load on the back also.

I usually try and ride my VFR because it gets good gas mileage (very consistently 41-42). We recently got my wife a 2006 VW Jetta diesel. It gets 45+ almost every tank. It amazes me that something more than 3000lb gets better mileage than my 500lb VFR. And you don't get wet when it rains, it has satellite radio, heated seats, and a sun roof. And it's fairly fun to drive as well.

[image: View Post]jerky1280, on Dec 10 2007, 05:57 PM, said:

I usually try and ride my VFR because it gets good gas mileage (very consistently 41-42). We recently got my wife a 2006 VW Jetta diesel. It gets 45+ almost every tank. It amazes me that something more than 3000lb gets better mileage than my 500lb VFR. And you don't get wet when it rains, it has satellite radio, heated seats, and a sun roof. And it's fairly fun to drive as well.

But how fast can the VW do 0-80 ?
My wife used to have a (gas) Jetta too. Wonderful car.

My VFR has satellite radio, doesn't yours? :thumbsup: