Gas Mileage- Is your a Sipper or iz it Sooopazz, yo!! - Page 2

Alex · February 23rd, 2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mista Bob

Jeez, good question. I can't remember which one I used when I calculated that couple months ago haha...
Pretty sure I used the larger one which is UK gallons correct?

That's why I asked; your numbers seemed a little high for US gallons, but for UK gallons, that's right in line with the rest of us.

00v_Lucky · February 24th, 2009, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

they rev to redline for a reason. 9k is midrange.

so, if i shift at 9k all the time, wouldn't this burn up my oil faster?

kkim · February 24th, 2009, 12:47 AM

it might, but that's why you check the oil level in the sight window on a regular basis. why are you concerned about burning oil?

You're not harming the engine any by revving close to redline.

Viper-Byte · February 24th, 2009, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 00v_Lucky

jeez, so many of you guys spin your ninja pretty high. I usually shift around 6-8k and cruise at 50 which is around 6k. If i like to push my bike its around 9k.

LOL, days that my bike doesn't get near the red line are days that will concern me

I am usually shifting at 9-10krpm riding normally.

By reving it closer to the red line is not going to burn oil noticably faster IMO. Plus it is so easy to top up every now and then.

Cali619 · February 24th, 2009, 08:03 AM

I average somewhere between 50-60 mpg for city and highway riding. I keep the rpms at 7k or higher 90% of the itme unless stopped at a light or in slower traffic.

kkim · February 24th, 2009, 10:44 AM

Howard,

I guess the lesson here is to shift when you feel the power feels "right" for you. Don't not shift at redline due to concerns of the oil being burnt, but I'm not saying to shift at redline at every shift. Use the shift point that seems appropriate for the circumstances. But, if you are not using 9k-redline, you are missing out on the most fun part of this bike's power.

BTW, how many miles on your bike? I'm an advocate of the "hard" break in method, but if your bike has less than 100 miles, I don't know if revving to redline is a good idea.

more importantly (at least to me, anyway) is... have you changed your oil?

Nemy · February 24th, 2009, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

But, if you are not using 9k-redline, you are missing out on the most fun part of this bike's power.

+1. IIRC, I read somewhere that the peak powerband for the 250 was somewhere around 11k rpm? With that knowledge, I don't think I've ever shifted less than 9k unless I was stuck in traffic (except breakin)... it's just too addictive hearing every little HP at work.

Broom · February 24th, 2009, 03:54 PM

i revved the sh*t out of the 250 at the track last weekend... i think she liked it

still feels like it wants to pull bouncing off the rev limiter.

Bill N · February 24th, 2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemy

+1. IIRC, I read somewhere that the peak powerband for the 250 was somewhere around 11k rpm? With that knowledge, I don't think I've ever shifted less than 9k unless I was stuck in traffic (except breakin)... it's just too addictive hearing every little HP at work.

Read my posts and you'll see I love my Ninjette so I'm not bitching about its capabilities.. But I have to admit that maxing out the bike on city streets does nothing for me. I'm actually imbarassed if I crank it up where it sounds like a screamer yet a BMW sedan is killing me. It sounds like I'm ringing the neck out of this bike yet the sedan is just moving out smartly ahead of me and loving it. Not so on my liter bikes where a mere twist of the throttle loses most street cars and the bike is not even stressed. Just my thoughts I love the bike for what it provides and plan to keep it a long time... thus my short shifting and excellent milage.

Cheers, Bill

Jane Honda · February 24th, 2009, 06:43 PM

Stock everything. I don't even have the fender eliminator kit.

I don't wring its little neck hard at all. I broke it in the way the manwell specified. I'm not hugely overweight.

Out on our day long rides, I laff at the boys when they have to stop at every gas station. I have to stop at about every third, just to make them feel better. I'm guessing I get high 60's. I haven't officially checked yet.

Broom · February 24th, 2009, 07:13 PM

when your gas light comes on, how many gallons does it take to fill it up, and any idea how much is actually left in the tank?

Jane Honda · February 24th, 2009, 07:18 PM

I've never paid much attention. I just use the gas gauge.

Next time, I will try and run it down to the light, then see how much it takes...

kazam58 · February 24th, 2009, 07:35 PM

There's a gas light on this bike?!?!

Broom · February 24th, 2009, 07:44 PM

apparently not... i dunno, i dont' have a dash.

how much gas does it take when its reading empty?

kkim · February 24th, 2009, 07:46 PM

it depends on how "off" your gauge is on your bike. they are not very accurate at all.

tank capacity is 4.8 U.S. gal, if that helps.

kazam58 · February 24th, 2009, 07:52 PM

lol, that's right, you have a track bike... Mine is pretty off I'd say, it shows that I'm running on fumes and I have 1.5 gal left....

Broom · February 24th, 2009, 07:53 PM

i saw that the manual stated 4.8 gallons, and that seemed like a lot to me. we were getting about an hour out of 1.5 gallons at the track, but others on 250's say that they have to fill up every 2 hours during endurance races... that math doesn't quite add up.

i was shooting to refuel at 2.5 hours, but they spooked us and we refueled more often than we should have i think.

kazam58 · February 24th, 2009, 08:07 PM

I think the reserve tank is about 1.5 gal...probably why the gauge shows empty when I'm down to that much. Weird, though, for the reserve tank to be half as big as the "regular" tank...maybe it'd make more sense to me if I designed motorcycles.

noche_caliente · February 24th, 2009, 08:13 PM

Andy, we don't have reserve tanks - only the earlier gens have them

kazam58 · February 24th, 2009, 08:15 PM

Alright...I am totally confused now, lol. I was dead certain my owner's manual said there was a reserve tank....

EDIT: I just checked my manual. I was dead wrong...hehe oops

kkim · February 24th, 2009, 08:28 PM

it's a good thing you checked... you wouldn't want to be out of gas somewhere looking for the reserve position and finding out then you don't have one.

kazam58 · February 24th, 2009, 08:30 PM

Well my fascination now is with how off the fuel gauge is. It's deceiving!

kkim · February 24th, 2009, 08:32 PM

Yessir... it is that!

Rely more on your trip meter and use the gas gauge as sort of a backup.

noche_caliente · February 24th, 2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

Yessir... it is that!

Rely more on your trip meter and use the gas gauge as sort of a backup.

If you don't believe Kelly, just ask Nick about it

kazam58 · February 24th, 2009, 08:49 PM

^I'm sure there's a good story behind that

I usually just fill up when it hits empty, around 200 miles or so, which is usually something above 3 gal...plenty of gas to spare.

Jane Honda · February 24th, 2009, 09:24 PM

I don't let my tank go over 175 miles...

kkim · February 24th, 2009, 09:25 PM

what does your gas gauge read at that point?

Jane Honda · February 25th, 2009, 12:09 AM

It's in the red.

NJD022588 · February 25th, 2009, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noche_caliente

If you don't believe Kelly, just ask Nick about it

Yep! When I hit 200 miles on a tank, I didnt think I needed to worry. Then 216 came around and that was the end.

Now I know better. I havent gone more than 190 without filling up and I've concluded that when my gauge (cant speak for anyone else's so dont quote me) hits E, I have 1 gallon left.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kazam58

Mine is pretty off I'd say, it shows that I'm running on fumes and I have 1.5 gal left....

I think, in part, this is done on purpose just like in a car. Some cars tell how much gas is left in the tank when the gauge reads empty. For example, in the RSX Type-S owners manual, it says there are 4 gallons left when the gas light comes on. Thats almost a third of what the whole tank holds!

kkim · February 25th, 2009, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jane Honda

It's in the red.

and at that point, how many gallons does it take to fill it back up?

TonyKZ1 · February 25th, 2009, 07:28 AM

You know, sometimes reading your messages about how much gas you use makes me hesitant about buying a '08+ as I usually switch to reserve in the 235-250 mile range (I don't have a gas gauge so I go by the tripmeter) and then later on the way home I'll stop to fill up and put in around 4 gallons.
But then I look at your bikes and smile as I think they look and run so good with the new updates, so maybe I'll get one anyhow..
Tony

Jane Honda · February 25th, 2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

and at that point, how many gallons does it take to fill it back up?

I've never really paid much attention. I haven't had to fill it up since October. The few times it got really low, the boyfriend was riding it.

I am really weird about letting any gas tank get too low. *slinks away*

Ramen · February 26th, 2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramen

Stock bike, 99% commuting, 55mpg.

BTW, more often than not, I crank up the rpms to around 9k when accelerating. I plan on short shifting and ducking behind the windshield at speed whenever possible.

I just filled up on the way home from work. The great experiment begins. I'll report back in about 1.5 weeks.

Ramen · March 10th, 2009, 02:39 PM

After action report:

190.6 miles later, I filled up with 3.123 gallons.

190.6/3.123 = ~61mpg - guess the website's right!

Comes out to a little over 3 cents a mile.

This is with a combination of short-shifting (6th gear at 40mph) and ducking by putting my chest on the gas tank. I've actually started to find that comfortable. This is also with engine braking. I think I'll continue to duck, but I've already opened her up to 12K+ on the tach.

Verus Cidere · March 11th, 2009, 12:24 AM

Mine screws with me I swear! I get around 55 average, but it's been as low as 40 (once or twice). My best was about 75 but that was almost all highway time. I have no idea how I pulled that off!

FroggyGreenInSD · March 11th, 2009, 12:21 PM

My last tank I ran it until the needle hit the peg.

Trip meter read 230 miles. Tank took 4.3 gallons. Always fill it up sitting on it, bike vertical, gas just touching the bottom of the filler neck.

OldGuy · March 16th, 2009, 03:50 PM

Not knowing how accurate the gas gauge was I did the first fill up since toping the bike off when I got it. Worked out to 54.49 mpg during the break in.

It will be interesting to see what it does with more miles.

OldGuy · April 8th, 2009, 02:25 PM

Second tank today and mileage was 52.23. Must have been a little harder on the throttle as I'm getting it broke in. Wonder what will happen when I start ringing it out to 10K on a frequent basis?

kkim · April 8th, 2009, 02:28 PM

miles per gallon goes down, but smiles per gallon goes up.

OldGuy · April 8th, 2009, 02:30 PM

Oh yea

View Poll Results: What's your average MPG?
less than 20 mpg	4	0.65%
21 mpg - 30 mpg	10	1.64%
31 mpg - 40 mpg	32	5.24%
41 mpg - 50 mpg	186	30.44%
51 mpg - 60 mpg	262	42.88%
61 mpg - 70 mpg	98	16.04%
71 mpg - 80 mpg	11	1.80%
81 mpg - 90 mpg	1	0.16%
more than 90 mpg	7	1.15%
Voters: 611. You may not vote on this poll

February 24th, 2009, 03:54 PM	#48
Broom Track Junkie Name: Jon Location: Dallas Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r Track Bike, DR350 commuter, KDX220 woods bike Posts: 602	i revved the sh*t out of the 250 at the track last weekend... i think she liked it still feels like it wants to pull bouncing off the rev limiter. __________________________________________________ Las Escobas -- Track Bikes Save Lives JonBroom.com

February 24th, 2009, 07:13 PM	#51
Broom Track Junkie Name: Jon Location: Dallas Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r Track Bike, DR350 commuter, KDX220 woods bike Posts: 602	when your gas light comes on, how many gallons does it take to fill it up, and any idea how much is actually left in the tank? __________________________________________________ Las Escobas -- Track Bikes Save Lives JonBroom.com

February 24th, 2009, 07:44 PM	#54
Broom Track Junkie Name: Jon Location: Dallas Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r Track Bike, DR350 commuter, KDX220 woods bike Posts: 602	apparently not... i dunno, i dont' have a dash. how much gas does it take when its reading empty? __________________________________________________ Las Escobas -- Track Bikes Save Lives JonBroom.com

February 24th, 2009, 07:53 PM	#57
Broom Track Junkie Name: Jon Location: Dallas Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r Track Bike, DR350 commuter, KDX220 woods bike Posts: 602	i saw that the manual stated 4.8 gallons, and that seemed like a lot to me. we were getting about an hour out of 1.5 gallons at the track, but others on 250's say that they have to fill up every 2 hours during endurance races... that math doesn't quite add up. i was shooting to refuel at 2.5 hours, but they spooked us and we refueled more often than we should have i think. __________________________________________________ Las Escobas -- Track Bikes Save Lives JonBroom.com

February 24th, 2009, 12:47 AM	#43
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	it might, but that's why you check the oil level in the sight window on a regular basis. why are you concerned about burning oil? You're not harming the engine any by revving close to redline.

February 24th, 2009, 08:03 AM	#45
Cali619 Giggity Giggity Name: Ryam Location: San Diego Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 ninja 250R aka Hiryu Posts: 481	I average somewhere between 50-60 mpg for city and highway riding. I keep the rpms at 7k or higher 90% of the itme unless stopped at a light or in slower traffic.

February 24th, 2009, 10:44 AM	#46
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	Howard, I guess the lesson here is to shift when you feel the power feels "right" for you. Don't not shift at redline due to concerns of the oil being burnt, but I'm not saying to shift at redline at every shift. Use the shift point that seems appropriate for the circumstances. But, if you are not using 9k-redline, you are missing out on the most fun part of this bike's power. BTW, how many miles on your bike? I'm an advocate of the "hard" break in method, but if your bike has less than 100 miles, I don't know if revving to redline is a good idea. more importantly (at least to me, anyway) is... have you changed your oil?

February 24th, 2009, 06:43 PM	#50
Jane Honda ninjette.org member Name: Kris Location: Willamette Valley Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Posts: 45	Stock everything. I don't even have the fender eliminator kit. I don't wring its little neck hard at all. I broke it in the way the manwell specified. I'm not hugely overweight. Out on our day long rides, I laff at the boys when they have to stop at every gas station. I have to stop at about every third, just to make them feel better. I'm guessing I get high 60's. I haven't officially checked yet.

February 24th, 2009, 07:18 PM	#52
Jane Honda ninjette.org member Name: Kris Location: Willamette Valley Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Posts: 45	I've never paid much attention. I just use the gas gauge. Next time, I will try and run it down to the light, then see how much it takes...

February 24th, 2009, 07:35 PM	#53
kazam58 Sarcasm: Yea that'll work Name: Andy Location: Essex Jct, VT Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 330	There's a gas light on this bike?!?!

February 24th, 2009, 07:46 PM	#55
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	it depends on how "off" your gauge is on your bike. they are not very accurate at all. tank capacity is 4.8 U.S. gal, if that helps.

February 24th, 2009, 07:52 PM	#56
kazam58 Sarcasm: Yea that'll work Name: Andy Location: Essex Jct, VT Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 330	lol, that's right, you have a track bike... Mine is pretty off I'd say, it shows that I'm running on fumes and I have 1.5 gal left....

February 24th, 2009, 08:07 PM	#58
kazam58 Sarcasm: Yea that'll work Name: Andy Location: Essex Jct, VT Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 330	I think the reserve tank is about 1.5 gal...probably why the gauge shows empty when I'm down to that much. Weird, though, for the reserve tank to be half as big as the "regular" tank...maybe it'd make more sense to me if I designed motorcycles.

February 24th, 2009, 08:13 PM	#59
noche_caliente ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kim Location: mundo de ensueño Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: A lot.	Andy, we don't have reserve tanks - only the earlier gens have them

February 24th, 2009, 08:15 PM	#60
kazam58 Sarcasm: Yea that'll work Name: Andy Location: Essex Jct, VT Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 330	Alright...I am totally confused now, lol. I was dead certain my owner's manual said there was a reserve tank.... EDIT: I just checked my manual. I was dead wrong...hehe oops

February 24th, 2009, 08:28 PM	#61
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	it's a good thing you checked... you wouldn't want to be out of gas somewhere looking for the reserve position and finding out then you don't have one.

February 24th, 2009, 08:30 PM	#62
kazam58 Sarcasm: Yea that'll work Name: Andy Location: Essex Jct, VT Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 330	Well my fascination now is with how off the fuel gauge is. It's deceiving!

February 24th, 2009, 08:32 PM	#63
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	Yessir... it is that! Rely more on your trip meter and use the gas gauge as sort of a backup.

February 24th, 2009, 08:49 PM	#65
kazam58 Sarcasm: Yea that'll work Name: Andy Location: Essex Jct, VT Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 330	^I'm sure there's a good story behind that I usually just fill up when it hits empty, around 200 miles or so, which is usually something above 3 gal...plenty of gas to spare.

February 24th, 2009, 09:24 PM	#66
Jane Honda ninjette.org member Name: Kris Location: Willamette Valley Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Posts: 45	I don't let my tank go over 175 miles...

February 24th, 2009, 09:25 PM	#67
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	what does your gas gauge read at that point?

February 25th, 2009, 12:09 AM	#68
Jane Honda ninjette.org member Name: Kris Location: Willamette Valley Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Posts: 45	It's in the red.

February 25th, 2009, 07:28 AM	#71
TonyKZ1 ninjette.org member Name: Anthony Location: Marble Hill, MO Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 1975 Kawasaki KZ400D (Sold), 1989 Kawasaki Ninja 250 (sold), 1997 Yamaha XJ600s Seca II Posts: 231	You know, sometimes reading your messages about how much gas you use makes me hesitant about buying a '08+ as I usually switch to reserve in the 235-250 mile range (I don't have a gas gauge so I go by the tripmeter) and then later on the way home I'll stop to fill up and put in around 4 gallons. But then I look at your bikes and smile as I think they look and run so good with the new updates, so maybe I'll get one anyhow.. Tony __________________________________________________ 1997 Yamaha Seca II - mostly stock, Racetech upgraded forks, FZ6R rear shock, Oxford Heated Grips, Barkbusters Blizzard Handguards, a Scottoiler vSystem chain oiler. My Mileage Tracker Page.

March 10th, 2009, 02:39 PM	#74
Ramen Frak It Name: Sean Location: SWFL Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 199	After action report: 190.6 miles later, I filled up with 3.123 gallons. 190.6/3.123 = ~61mpg - guess the website's right! Comes out to a little over 3 cents a mile. This is with a combination of short-shifting (6th gear at 40mph) and ducking by putting my chest on the gas tank. I've actually started to find that comfortable. This is also with engine braking. I think I'll continue to duck, but I've already opened her up to 12K+ on the tach.

March 11th, 2009, 12:24 AM	#75
Verus Cidere ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Michael Location: Southern NM Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '91 Honda CBR600 F2 Posts: A lot.	Mine screws with me I swear! I get around 55 average, but it's been as low as 40 (once or twice). My best was about 75 but that was almost all highway time. I have no idea how I pulled that off!

March 11th, 2009, 12:21 PM	#76
FroggyGreenInSD ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: San Diego, CA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Green 250, 12 Ninja 650 (also green, it's the fastest color!) Posts: 32	about that gauge..... My last tank I ran it until the needle hit the peg. Trip meter read 230 miles. Tank took 4.3 gallons. Always fill it up sitting on it, bike vertical, gas just touching the bottom of the filler neck.

March 16th, 2009, 03:50 PM	#77
OldGuy Live Life Name: Don Location: Lincoln, NE Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.	Not knowing how accurate the gas gauge was I did the first fill up since toping the bike off when I got it. Worked out to 54.49 mpg during the break in. It will be interesting to see what it does with more miles. __________________________________________________ - ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots

April 8th, 2009, 02:25 PM	#78
OldGuy Live Life Name: Don Location: Lincoln, NE Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.	Second tank today and mileage was 52.23. Must have been a little harder on the throttle as I'm getting it broke in. Wonder what will happen when I start ringing it out to 10K on a frequent basis? __________________________________________________ - ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots

April 8th, 2009, 02:28 PM	#79
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	miles per gallon goes down, but smiles per gallon goes up.

April 8th, 2009, 02:30 PM	#80
OldGuy Live Life Name: Don Location: Lincoln, NE Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.	Oh yea __________________________________________________ - ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots

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