Is this possible or even typical

[terryk]

So I decided to measure my MPG. I went 200 miles and averaged 34.72 MPG. The fuel light was off, no switch to reserve and I used 5.76 gallons of fuel. Here is the odd part, I was terribly deep into the Kookaloo, 125 miles of this was between 85 and 135 MPH. Now I know this was a tad extreme, but if this mileage typical even when dipping deep into the right grip?

[pdxfj]

I get around 38 or so on my '87 with UNI pods, stage 3 jetting and an aftermarket pipe..  At 180 miles I have a bright red fuel light and getting a bit nervous finding fuel.

Are you sure the fuel light works?  I know on the '86 I sold the light would not light up for low fuel, but the lamp was verified good.  Figured it was something in the sending unit.

Plus the 1100's had a bit larger fuel tank than the 1200's.

[terryk]

I am thinking the sending unit is bad perhaps, as the tank only holds 5.8 gallons so I was nearly out of fuel without the red light coming on  . But the light illuminates when the key is turned to the "on" position. Mystery.

[racerman_27410]

you would be surprised at how quickly the fuel can go with that many miles of high speed running.... i would say your bike is doing pretty good.

does the fuel gauge work?

maybe the low fuel bulb is burned out.


KOokaloo!

[terryk]

Fuel gauge works thank goodness.

[moparman70]

well my 86 in the beginning got very good mileage ..similar to yours but after some carb work or maybe just due to being a higher mileage bike near the end of its life at high speeds cruising I was in the 30mph -- cruising at 60-75 ish the mileage was as high as 38.  I remember on some long interstate trips cruising at 90-100 I was stopping every hour to fuel.   

  My 90 -- just recently bought that had only about 20k on it gets great mileage ... the lowest it goes is 35 and I dip into the lower 40s mpg if riding light.

Don't forget even at 70mph you are just over 4k ( trying to remember but I know it low rpms) and not really in the power band.  I know at 95-100 it cruises at 6000rpm ...its here where you will see the lower mpg figures.

The other thing I noticed between the two bikes --my low fuel light came on with 1 US gallon left for the 86  -- but my 90 -- maybe 1/2 gallon.  I suspect this figure might be different on all the bikes.

stevecc

[racerrad8]

well my 86 in the beginning got very good mileage ..similar to yours but after some carb work or maybe just due to being a higher mileage bike near the end of its life...

stevecc

The 86 needs emulsion tubes and possibly needles and then the milage will come back.

Randy - RPM

[Steve_in_Florida]

well my 86 in the beginning got very good mileage ..similar to yours but after some carb work or maybe just due to being a higher mileage bike near the end of its life...

stevecc

The 86 needs emulsion tubes and possibly needles and then the milage will come back.

Randy - RPM

This is extremely valuable information from an _EXPERT_IN_THE_FIELD_ that is well worth a donation to the site.

Contribute, if you haven't already!

[tmkaos]

I asked a similiar question a while back and a few guys gave their averages...

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=1634.0

Might give you a bit more of a idea...

James

[moparman70]

Randy RPM - thanks for the advice but unfortunately the 86 needs the tranny done -- the mileage report was when I was running it before I just had the carbs done and then eventually the tranny locking up.

I would like to talk though - I have a motor I can get and wondering how hard to just use the tranny from it.  I know I have to pull motors and split cases -- I just don't really know what it all means

stevecc

[FJTillDeath]

I might be off but the 1100s do hold more fuel(24 liters vs 22.5 liters - I think)

But I dont understand how with the bigger tank the 1100 was still narrower

[Harvy]

I might be off but the 1100s do hold more fuel(24 liters vs 22.5 liters - I think)

But I dont understand how with the bigger tank the 1100 was still narrower

FJ1100 tank is the same size and shape......but the fuel filler is not recessed into the tank the way the 1200's are.......so it is possible to fill it to the top.
Fairings got wider with progressive generations.

Harvy

[anson45]

It is not unusual for me to get 50-52 mpg. I'm short shifting, not going very fast or far. When I am in a hurry and it's been a while, I can get as low as 35 mpg. The last time was blasting up I88 at 85 plus. Stock carbs and exhaust.
Anson

[FJmonkey]

Not that I am retentive or even track my MPG, here is my last few stats. Mostly short freeway rides to the twisties that are between 45 and 60 MPH. Mainly stock 86'.

Date           Qty           Miles     Mileage
6/3/2011   2.079     105.4      50.7
6/4/2011   2.93           129.8           44.3
9/11/2011   1.43           68.2           47.7
10/16/2011   2.909           166.8           57.3
11/5/2011   3.019         141           46.7