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Scooters - Big Bore => Xciting 500 => Topic started by: htcneil2 on January 31, 2012, 04:26:41 AM

Title: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: htcneil2 on January 31, 2012, 04:26:41 AM
I have been averaging 45 mpg, but th elast three tanks i have been averaging 38 mpg


I ride an xciting 2009 500ri.

I've been driving like i usually do.

Newer Spark Plugs.

Newer Air Filter.

What else could it be?
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: ChandlerScoot on January 31, 2012, 05:09:40 AM
I get about that too. I ride mine pretty hard  ;D
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: Hoolander2 on January 31, 2012, 06:41:43 AM
Tire inflation!
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: Cortez on January 31, 2012, 08:06:59 AM
I have been averaging 45 mpg, but th elast three tanks i have been averaging 38 mpg


I ride an xciting 2009 500ri.

I've been driving like i usually do.

Newer Spark Plugs.

Newer Air Filter.

What else could it be?

Winter?

I've had a huge difference in MPG figures on my carb Agility 125, and the first
tank on my Downtown 300 is in the XC500 teritory, which is all due to the fact
it's OMG cold (10F this morning, and yeah, I ride to work!), and cold engines
are very fuel happy.

Other then that.. tires also tend to drop pressure when it's cold outside.
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: axy on January 31, 2012, 03:53:52 PM
Winter?

I've had a huge difference in MPG figures on my carb Agility 125,

3.1 vs. 3.3 l /100 km?

p.s. HAD TO, HAD TO!
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: Cortez on January 31, 2012, 07:35:54 PM
Shaddap!

3.1 to 3.5-3.6, or almost 20%.
 :P
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: axy on January 31, 2012, 10:13:14 PM
Shaddap!

3.1 to 3.5-3.6, or almost 20%.
 :P

Wow! Humongous! :) Good that you survived that!
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: zombie on January 31, 2012, 10:16:41 PM
Get um Axy! LOL
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: Cortez on February 01, 2012, 08:50:19 AM
Wow! Humongous! :) Good that you survived that!

I never said it was easy!
 :'(
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: htcneil2 on February 01, 2012, 05:28:15 PM
How would i check the 02 sensor to ensure that is the problem?
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: ts1 on February 01, 2012, 07:22:06 PM
How would i check the 02 sensor to ensure that is the problem?
With a CO emission check. (I.e. during a periodic roadworthy test.)
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: zombie on February 02, 2012, 12:56:01 AM
You can unplug the O2 sensor to verify it is at least working. Disconnect it while the scoot is running, and it should just about choke out. This dosent verify it is accurate but will tell you it is recognized by the controler
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: htcneil2 on February 10, 2012, 07:03:56 PM
how about sea foam?
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: zombie on February 10, 2012, 11:50:44 PM
This is a hit or miss scenario. It may clear out carbon deposits if they are present. It may clear out varnish in the fuel supply system if that is present. This sounds more like an o2,injector,cold start circuit problem. The scoot is dumping extra fuel into the cyl. so I believe it is a control issue. Maybe as simple as a throttle position sensor adjustment. More of a TRAINED dealer issue unless you are familiar w/ these systems, and have the equipment to trouble shoot it. The "values" for these parts can be found.
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: JustWantToRide on February 11, 2012, 04:10:43 AM
Winter mpg is normally lower for several reasons.  Add them up and your drop isn't so dramatic.

1)  Winter blended fuel gets slightly less mpg.
2)  Engines burn more fuel warming up longer.
3)  Tires lose air pressure in cold weather - so check your tires.
4)  Engine oil is slightly thicker in cold weather - which drops your mpg.
5)  Most people don't ride as far - and more short trips means lower mpg...
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: axy on February 11, 2012, 11:17:32 AM
1) Winter blended fuel of the same rafinery should have exactly the same caloric value as summer blended fuel. The difference is in additional infusion of RVP additives allowing better evaporation of the fuel under cold conditions. Winter and summer blended fuel willl, when burned, provide the same energy output while winter fuel will smoke a bit more.

2) True, so consumption should be higher on short runs with cold engine and marginally higher during long runs.

3) Marginally important, attributing no more than 0.2-0.5 % to the total gasoline consumption, translating into 25 grams of fuel more in case of underinflation / 100 km for scooters.

4) Oil viscosity is discussed ad nauseam on all automotive forums and still poorly understood. 10W-40 oil usually used in Kymcos should meet SAE J300 standard both for 10W and 40W. This means the same properties (cold cranking and cold pumping viscosity) at - 35 C and 100/150 C. So, the viscosity is not an issue for winter consumption.

5) Very true.

What is most important and usually is not mentioned is the single fact that causes higher winter consumption.
Air is more dense and more air can be packed into single stroke of the engine.
This inevitably causes need for more fuel.

I have now calculated that air is 15 % more dense on a sea level at - 10 C compared to + 30 C.
You will notice that scooters consume roughly 15 % more at -10 C compared to +30 C too.

I like science and facts, it shows, doesn`t it?  ;D ;D
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: zombie on February 11, 2012, 04:21:31 PM
Now there is something to sink your teeth into... I have now calculated that air is 15 % more dense on a sea level at - 10 C compared to + 30 C.
You will notice that scooters consume roughly 15 % more at -10 C compared to +30 C too.

I like science and facts, it shows, doesn`t it?  How did you figure that? I'm not being a wise guy this time. That would be the answer to his question.
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: Cortez on February 11, 2012, 04:30:47 PM
1) Winter blended fuel of the same rafinery should have exactly the same caloric value as summer blended fuel. The difference is in additional infusion of RVP additives allowing better evaporation of the fuel under cold conditions. Winter and summer blended fuel willl, when burned, provide the same energy output while winter fuel will smoke a bit more.

2) True, so consumption should be higher on short runs with cold engine and marginally higher during long runs.

3) Marginally important, attributing no more than 0.2-0.5 % to the total gasoline consumption, translating into 25 grams of fuel more in case of underinflation / 100 km for scooters.

4) Oil viscosity is discussed ad nauseam on all automotive forums and still poorly understood. 10W-40 oil usually used in Kymcos should meet SAE J300 standard both for 10W and 40W. This means the same properties (cold cranking and cold pumping viscosity) at - 35 C and 100/150 C. So, the viscosity is not an issue for winter consumption.

5) Very true.

What is most important and usually is not mentioned is the single fact that causes higher winter consumption.
Air is more dense and more air can be packed into single stroke of the engine.
This inevitably causes need for more fuel.

I have now calculated that air is 15 % more dense on a sea level at - 10 C compared to + 30 C.
You will notice that scooters consume roughly 15 % more at -10 C compared to +30 C too.

I like science and facts, it shows, doesn`t it?  ;D ;D

I'll never post anything about fuel consumption again with you around.
 :o
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: axy on February 11, 2012, 04:37:28 PM
Now there is something to sink your teeth into... I have now calculated that air is 15 % more dense on a sea level at - 10 C compared to + 30 C.
You will notice that scooters consume roughly 15 % more at -10 C compared to +30 C too.

I like science and facts, it shows, doesn`t it?  How did you figure that? I'm not being a wise guy this time. That would be the answer to his question.

Quote is messed up here...

There are online calculators of air density. Also, there are two other MAJOR variables: altitude AND air moisture, all seriously affecting power output of the engine.
I have decided to disregard them, in fact, to keep them the same and change only temperature.

In fact, as you probably know, scoots with carbs are set out of the factory to be running a bit too rich during the summer and due to denser air they are probably running "just about right" during winter time.

For hyper-optimization, we should even change pilot/main jets for summer and winter conditions.


@Cortez: I am merely a novice, YOU are the real vehicle consumption guru!
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: Cortez on February 11, 2012, 04:47:29 PM
@Cortez: I am merely a novice, YOU are the real vehicle consumption guru!

Aww, you're too kind!
 :-*
Title: Re: MPG drop? What could it be?
Post by: zombie on February 11, 2012, 10:56:12 PM
"For hyper-optimization, we should even change pilot/main jets for summer and winter conditions."     Most of the time (1) step colder on the spark plug will correct this. Lean burns hotter so a colder plug will dissipate some of the extra heat