Poor gas milage

[jchao]

Have a 2002 1800c. Changed the pipes, added a Cobra Fi2000 and a Hyper Pro aircleaner. I am getting about 22-25 miles per gallon. I have changed the spark plugs every 2500-3000 miles. Can not believe that this is normal.
Drove to Sturgis and ran out of gas at 105 miles twice. Any body have the same problem? What have you done to correct this? Have taken it to the dealer while it was under warrantee and they found no problem. :hmm2:

[crewsn]

i've got an 03 1800c, my reserve light comes on about 110-115. got roadhouse pipes, stock airbox cut-out, and no fuel manager. i'd say that if your not riding it hard you've got a problem somewhere. from all i've read most bikes are averaging around 100-110 when reserve light come on. this only applies to the C models.

[Blue]

What were you getting for mileage before installing the Fi, and what are the settings you have on it at this time? How many pot settings are on it?

If you have 3 or 4 settings, set the low one to 4 and all the rest to 0. The only thing you the Fi for is to control the popping when you let off the gas, and that can be controled with the first pot.

[TerrySc]

I've got the same bike with V&H Big Shot pipes and Hypercharger and added a Dynojet PCIII, as soon as I got it home. The first map I installed got me about 32-33 mpg and I have since loaded a leaner map and now getting 39-40 mpg and don't really notice a big power loss. I'm running stock plugs and have about 17000 miles on it. I'd try to find someone who can tune the F1 on a dyno and see if they can improve your mileage. Might want to try Blue's idea first though.Good luck.

[Ranger]

Wow, I get 40+ mpg.

Last fill up was 163 miles and it took 3.6 gallons to fill it up.

[VTXnVa]

Turn the adjustment pots all the way down on the Cobra, this basically disables the Cobra FI2K. Your mileage is bad either because they're turned up too high, or you're twisting the fun grip too much.

The only reason a FM (fuel manager) is added (after adding pipes) is to kill the decel popping, which is done by adding more fuel. If you turn it all the way down and the decel popping is too bad, then adjust it a little at a time until the popping is reduced. You may not even need a FM, lots of folks are running aftermarket pipes with an acceptable amount of decel popping.

[Big-X]

What are your settings on on the Fi2000?

[jeheap]

I have a fully stock 1800 F - no fuel manager, etc. I get a pretty steady 38 MPG, whether I'm riding solo or with the wife on the back, around town or on the highway. I'm not too hard on the throttle unless I really need it (i.e. shut up some HD guy who thinks he can out-gun me!).

[2FS4LV]

My mileage is poor due to my right wrist dropping down too far. Otherwise it's not bad. Highway mileage is about 33-38mpg. I usually have to refuel on the highway around 130-150 miles.

[Drywallman]

Have a 2002 1800c. Changed the pipes, added a Cobra Fi2000 and a Hyper Pro aircleaner. I am getting about 22-25 miles per gallon. I have changed the spark plugs every 2500-3000 miles. Can not believe that this is normal.
Drove to Sturgis and ran out of gas at 105 miles twice. Any body have the same problem? What have you done to correct this? Have taken it to the dealer while it was under warrantee and they found no problem. :hmm2:

May I make a suggestion...Through away you Fi2000, it only adds fuel. If you want to add fuel where you need it and take it away where you don't need it then get a PCIII. Get it dynoed to have it run at it's best performance and yet not guzzling gas.

I just don't get it when people get FM that only adds fuel and complain that there fuel milage has decreased.

[Ranger]

I use a PC iii USB and have no problems with power. I get over 40 mpg.

The honda shop in Anderson, SC is building a new shop. The new shop will have a Dyno. It is either wait till then or ride to NC.

All work on my bike was done at the Honda shop.

[Retro Rocket]

With my set-up I can get up to 42mpg and I'm not light on the throttle. It sounds to me like your fuel management is set way too rich.

[jchao]

I've had the bike from new. I started changing parts because of the popping. The cobra pipes did not help. I then added the FM. The popping stopped totally but my plugs were still getting wet. I change them every 3000miles. They are all wet. Then added the Hyper Pro thinking that by adding more air it would help.
I drive it and cruise it following the speed limit tho find out the gas milage. Still getting around 22-25mpg.
When I drove to Sturgis, the group(13 bikes) averaged 90mph consistantly(good trip).
I was still getting the same gas milage. The best that I have had on a tank is 25mpg.
I will try ajusting the FM.
Let you know... Thanks

[drvtx]

When I was riding on the road all day, my light came on at about 95-100 miles. I have a set of Cobra shotguns and a pciii. I believe there is a sizeable difference in mileage with and without a power commander.

[RDaneel]

I'm getting around 135 miles before the light changes from flicker to solid. Around town or twisting the throttle and it drops down to 125 or so. I'm putting on the Vance and Hines BigShots this weekend and hope the biggest change is in the sound.

[gregmcb]

I have a 2005 1800F and get a consistent 38 MPH as well with stock equipment.

[vtxcustom03]

i get 38 to 42 mpg around town and 44 to 48 mpg on long trips running 65 or 70 mph on hiway, i have 2003 1800c with 3 inch hard krome, 2000fi processor, but i took my time and kept on adjusting it until i got power and fuel mileage i wanted, just keep on trying you'll will get man !!!! good luck !!

[jchao]

Just returned from Bike Week at Daytona. Drove down to Key West down A1A. What a ride.
Before leaving I changed to the Power Commander III and remapped it lean. Also changed both tires to Metz. 200 on rear and 130 in front.
At 55-60 I got 41 mpg. WOW.. The power was the same, better response on the throttle. As I got to 70-80 I was averaging 32-35mpg. The light went on at 110-115 miles.
Have to say I am very happy with the purchase.
Also got alot of compliments on the rear tire.
Thanks to all on recommending the Power Commander.

[2FS4LV]

I changed my Fi2000 FM out for the PCIII also. I am happy iwth the purchase also. I am going to get it dynoed and have a custom map done soon.

[Don]

I changed my Fi2000 FM out for the PCIII also. I am happy iwth the purchase also. I am going to get it dynoed and have a custom map done soon.

Smart move! :icon_gran

[Twistedrcpilot]

I have an o5 neo. It has 700 miles on it and I get about 175 miles till the light turns on. ~37mpg so I figure 200 miles total

[Steve591968]

On my '02 VTX1800 S. I have a older PC II I think. With Samson straight pipes and a Kuryakyn Hyeper Charger. Unless I am REALLY on the fun grip I get 36 - 38 mpg consistently. The light comes on between 140 and 145 miles. Takes right at 4 gallons to fill. The PC does deliver outstanding power. I have had my bike dynoed and I am getting right at 100 hp at the rear wheel. So I am not cutting my setting back for economy

[dirtdobber]

Bikes sometimes can really make you think about the way they run. My 1800 interstate driving between 55-65 mph gets 36-38. I went to chattanooga today on it ran around 80-90mph when I could, about 80 of the 111 miles got 41.8 mpg. I can't figure it out. It does it regularly.:patriot:

[rrlavigne]

Well I bought my 2002 1800R used. It has aftermarket pipes, air cleaner and i'm told a more aggressive FI chip. I don't know how different it is from stock but I average 30 MPG, 34 on a good day. It's my biggest complaint about the bike. It's very comfortable, VERY powerful, sounds great, starts quick and runs smooth. And it doesn't leak or burn a drop of oil ... but it DRINKS gas! :( I start looking for a gas station at 120 miles on the odometer. And if i leave it on the side stand when I'm filling her up my low fuel light comes on at 120 miles so I have to stand her up straight when I fill her up to get every drop in the tank possible.

Do STOCK VTX1800's get better milage then I'm seeing? On occasion I like to ride up to the White mountains. (I live in southern NH) The VTX i'm sure will handle the mountians 2 up no problem but you can bet I'll be watching for every available gas station and i'll carry a few extra gallons in safe containers in my side bags. :rolleyes:

[Steve591968]

:( I start looking for a gas station at 120 miles on the odometer. And if i leave it on the side stand when I'm filling her up my low fuel light comes on at 120 miles so I have to stand her up straight when I fill her up to get every drop in the tank possible.

Do STOCK VTX1800's get better milage then I'm seeing? On occasion I like to ride up to the White mountains. (I live in southern NH) The VTX i'm sure will handle the mountians 2 up no problem but you can bet I'll be watching for every available gas station and i'll carry a few extra gallons in safe containers in my side bags. :rolleyes:

First of all I always stand my bike up when I refuel. Youll get a extra half gallon in the tank easy. If I push it and ride about 10 to 15 miles past the time my gas light comes on then I can get about 4 or 4.1 gallons in it.

Second I had the same problem you had when I first got my bike. I was only getting around 32-34 mpg. :( I bought my bike second hand and the guy I bought it from had really crappy exhaust on it. I put my Samson pipes on it helped the mileage a little. The Power Commander fuel computer does have adjustments on it that make it possible to make minor changes to the fuel mixture. I was still running really rich so I turned it down some. If you have any of the manuals for your fuel computer read up on it. There are several different types so I cant really help you there. All else fails take it to a mechanic. I have a guy here I can take it to that has a dyno and he will build a custom fuel map for me for about $150 I think.

Good Luck :cheers:

[rrlavigne]

I'll have to look into that. /thanks for the food for thought!

First of all I always stand my bike up when I refuel. Youll get a extra half gallon in the tank easy. If I push it and ride about 10 to 15 miles past the time my gas light comes on then I can get about 4 or 4.1 gallons in it.

Second I had the same problem you had when I first got my bike. I was only getting around 32-34 mpg. :( I bought my bike second hand and the guy I bought it from had really crappy exhaust on it. I put my Samson pipes on it helped the mileage a little. The Power Commander fuel computer does have adjustments on it that make it possible to make minor changes to the fuel mixture. I was still running really rich so I turned it down some. If you have any of the manuals for your fuel computer read up on it. There are several different types so I cant really help you there. All else fails take it to a mechanic. I have a guy here I can take it to that has a dyno and he will build a custom fuel map for me for about $150 I think.

Good Luck :cheers:

[rrlavigne]

Just confirmed it ... I'm getting 34 MPG. Nothing to write home about on a motorcycle. I may look into asking my mechanic to try to tweak my fuel use a bit next time the bike is in the shop. As i stated before i didn't do the upgrades on this bike so I know nothing about the FI control that's in it, I don't even know the make. I suspect Manchester Honda will know the unit. The bike has so much power and grunt I'd be willing to give up a little for a few extra MPG's.

[Steve591968]

Just confirmed it ... I'm getting 34 MPG. Nothing to write home about on a motorcycle. I may look into asking my mechanic to try to tweak my fuel use a bit next time the bike is in the shop. As i stated before i didn't do the upgrades on this bike so I know nothing about the FI control that's in it, I don't even know the make. I suspect Manchester Honda will know the unit. The bike has so much power and grunt I'd be willing to give up a little for a few extra MPG's.

Well if you want to know what type it is mine is mounted under the left side cover near the little box that holds the tool kit. I would think yours would be hidden in a similar location

[jcperform]

Hey everyone,...just found this forum after researching misfiring on the VTX. My theory is an after market exhaust lowers the backpressure and lets a lot of heat out of the combustion chamber,...requiring basically hotter plugs. You also need to lean out the idle bypass by backing out the screwsl, to get back your gas milage. Mine is 40 mpg around town, up to 48 mpg on the road if I don't horse it around. I finally settled on Champion rc12yc on the left side and rc14yc on the right side. Now have about 16,000 miles,..on the second set of tires,....runs good,....dynos at 95 hp and 112 ft lbs torque,...same as my buddy who has big shots and a power commander. BTW I did stock exhaust mod myself 3 years ago.

[rrlavigne]

Well I had my windshield cut. The stock honda shield was too high for me. After doing it i noticed the front end felt lighter so I did a milage check. Because (I assume) of less wind resistance from the huge shield (I had it cut almost in half ... now it looks like a cool bug shield) I've gained almost 2 MPG. I'm up to an average of 35.5 MPG. Still not great but that gives me around 170 miles between fill ups. THAT'S not bad for a bike. Definitely going in the right direction. I can't imagine getting 40 MPG city and 48 highwway! Maybe my next step is bringing it to the shop to be put on the dyno and tweaked?

[riseabove50]

I've recently bought an '02 VTX 1800C with Vance N Hines big shots, Kuryakyn hypercharger and a PowerCommander III. I find I am consistantly getting around 25 miles to the gallon. Is there a map anyone can recommend or some modification I can perform to give me more efficient fuel economy?
Thanks.

[Steve591968]

I had the same problem with my bike when I first got it. It had a power commander II and a hypercharger on it. I bought Samson exhausts and leaned out the map a little in fact I am still running a little rich but what I did was enough to bring me from 30-32 mpg to 37-38 mpg

[mevbo]

I'm going to try to lean mine out a little and see if that helps. I just got 96 miles out of a tank of premium. I was getting down on the trottle though.

[mevbo]

I run premium in all my vehicles, and they all get better mileage with it. I did lean out my FI2000. The previous owner had the pots set to 8:00 and the manual says to use 4:00. I set the acceleration to 5:00 and the idle to 4:00. It seems to have MORE power! I am going to pay with the settings a little more, but it seems I was wasting gas I didn't need with the settings so high. I will see about the gas mileage in a day or two. Usually you get better mileage because you get more bang for your buck with premium. When you get on it, it takes off better too. At least in my opinion.

[rrlavigne]

Mileage update ... again. I know this is an old subject but i have new figures. Since having my windshield cut i've been tracking my gas usage. My initial figure of 35.5 MPG apparently was low because a lot of that riding was done two up. I just went through two tanks riding solo and got the same mileage both times .... 39.5 MPG!!!! So I really did get an increase of 5.5 MPG by simply having my windshield cut and reduced the wind friction. What a difference!! Gave me an extra 30 miles per tank ... kewl!

[hannes]

I have been monitoring the gas mileage since I bought the bike. With a 21 inch Memphis Fats, hard bags and drilled pipes, still getting 30 mpg. And as for popping in the pipes, who cares, wakes up the Harley riders. :choppersm

[vtxcustom03]

i get 44 mpg with my X ... i have 3 inch hard khrome, 21 inch mem. fats glass, hard bags, riding double, running 70 to 75 mph.. i am tickle with my X.. do us more tuning....