Gas Mileage: New vs Old Gen

[SmithSwede]

I gather that the old gen Ninjas get consistently better gas mileage than the new gen. Is there any consensus about why that is?

I know the new gen engine was modified a bit to favor the mid range, but I would think that would benefit the new gen's efficiency in normal riding. Is it the catalytic exhaust on newer Ninjas? Richer carb jetting from factory? What?

I have a 2012 with about 4500 miles. I'm getting about 43-46 mpg on my daily commute, which is 90% interstate and fast surface roads, cruising approx 65 to 70+ mph. It jumps to 55 mpg when I run 55-60 mph on same route when it's raining. Have not tried the 15 tooth front sprocket.

Not complaining--just curious. Bike has **deeply** impressed me in many ways, but it is not getting the crazy high gas mileage I had read about. And yes, everything is adjusted right--clean air filter, carbs balanced, good plugs, loose valve clearance, correct tire pressure, etc.

[gitoy]

i have an 04 with a 15 tooth and i consistently get over 60mpg...i commute and hit the twisties about half and half...

the new ones are slightly heavier so that is one factor for lower mileage...

[AlanDog]

I have an pregen and what I notice is the huge variation in gas mileage depending on how aggressive I ride. Some people might say 'I'm only commuting', but *how* you commute makes a big difference. I know going 65 mph vs. 80 mph on the freeway makes a huge difference. In fact, I get better gas mileage in the twisties now versus on the freeway, just because I've learned I don't have to totally wind out the engine to get around corners and in contrast I'm going faster on the freeway just because I'm more comfortable going 75 now... YMMV!

[MikeJames21]

hmmm idk, i get 58mpg all day long on my 08. with a 15t front sprocket, k&n pod filter, full exhaust, stock warm up jet, 110 main jet, tuned w/ a wideband afr meter... i do lots of spirited riding. i shift at 6g, 8g or 12g there is no inbetween lol...

my gf, had an 05, it had pod filter and jetted and it only got 45-50mpg.. she didn't even ride it hard ever.

so, i thought the new ones got more mpg?

[PsHYk]

Originally Posted by MikeJames21

hmmm idk, i get 58mpg all day long on my 08. with a 15t front sprocket, k&n pod filter, full exhaust, stock warm up jet, 110 main jet, tuned w/ a wideband afr meter...

what afr meter do you have on there?
is it hard to install?

[SmithSwede]

Yes, I'm curious about the air fuel meter as well, because I wonder if an aftermarket exhaust might improve my mileage. If the thing is set up too rich for large throttle openings, maybe the extra flow would lean things out and improve mileage.

But don't want to lean it out too much--would be nice to know for sure that the thing is jetted properly.

[Bill N]

On my 2008 I get a solid 58+ MPG on my commutes which is 50% stop and go traffic. If I cruise on the hwy at 60 MPH I get 60+ MPG. Cruising at 65 to 75 yields lower 50's. It's a stock bike/standard gearing.
Bill

[MikeJames21]

i have an innovate mtx-l wideband. $168.95 shipped

to install it, you have to drill a hole in your exhaust, weld a bung in, run the wires, and hook up a power and ground. i have mine tapped into my cig lighter to charge my phone, which is ran straight to the battery with a switch to turn it on and off.

here's some good info for those wanting to know more.
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=79223 <- post 12 has a few links w/ good info.
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=36042 <- has a youtube video and a afr chart

good luck guys!

[jjb84]

i have the same issue.

Out here in cali, commuting on the freeway consists of basically a minimum of 80mph speeds. with that, i basically get less than 50mpg.

I tried doing the 65mph thing, and did get around 65mpg. So yes, if commuting means "higher speeds", your gas mileage suffers.

Thinking about getting the 15T too. Anyone have any links or brands/names to look at? Considering buying it this week.

[MikeJames21]

Originally Posted by jjb84

i have the same issue.

Out here in cali, commuting on the freeway consists of basically a minimum of 80mph speeds. with that, i basically get less than 50mpg.

I tried doing the 65mph thing, and did get around 65mpg. So yes, if commuting means "higher speeds", your gas mileage suffers.

Thinking about getting the 15T too. Anyone have any links or brands/names to look at? Considering buying it this week.

18.25 shipped on ebay for a JT 15t, just got mine a couple weeks ago. shipped fast. easy to install, especially if you have an impact... the how to says it's a pain to get off, you have to use a board to hold the wheel, yadda yadda, no.. just zip that sucker off w/ an impact, piece of cake.