Hi again and fuel econmy issue

Hi guys, long time no post

I'm just wondering what mileage you're getting from an SV1000? I'm currently riding an S-K3 and seeing only about 85-90 miles before the reserve lights blinks on for the first time. I'm sure that when I first got the bike, about a year ago, I was seeing closer to 110-120. It got a bit better for a while, ~95-100, but has since dropped back about 10 miles per tank. Any ideas?

It's completely stock, and I've got about 15k on the clock. So far I've replaced the air filter, plugs, checked STV and TPS values, nothing seems to make a difference.

[glang]

could it be riding style? It can make a hell of difference just getting more confident with a bike so that without realising it your givin it a lot more welly - but thats what its all about!

No my riding style hasn't changed at all. I'm still doing 95% commuting and use the same roads. Considering I'm doing 200 miles a week, I need to stop at a garage at least twice a week. The difference in fuel consumption was sudden (95 ish miles to 85 ish miles next fill up) so I know it's not how I'm riding. I always fill to the max aswell, so I know it's not because of that either.

95 to 85 might not sound a lot, but I consider 95 miles low when I've been getting ~110 previously. I've just put up with it so far, trying something (like air filter or plugs) for a few weeks and seeing how it goes. No difference noticed tbh.

[Paul the 6th]

i usually get 115 miles

check the exhaust for leaks, especially in front of the lambda sensor. (leaks suck air in also)

If the lambda detects more oxygen, it signals the ecu to increase the fuel to air ratio.

If no leak, try some fuel injector cleaner in the tank. If an injector is getting gummed and not giving the right atomisation of fuel, it won't burn adequately in the engine which could be giving higher 02 readings which again will be sensed by the lambda.

btw, I used to get 110 out of my k3 before the light came on

[pookie]

usually 95 -110 not been much lower than that before the light came on. What about chain , air pressure in tyres, brakes binding?

Chain is fine (scottoiler), tyres checked regularly, brakes fine. I've recently had the exhaust off to clean & regrease the shock bearings, so I've tested for leaks then, however this has been going on for much longer. I'll try some fuel cleaner but haven't had much luck with it in the past.

Thanks for the replies, it helps to get some extra ideas as to what it might be. As I said, ~110 was normal at first, and it seems that's about right.

How many litres are you putting in each time?

My restricted 650 K3 does about 100 before the light comes on and i only normally put 12 ltrs in to fill it up.

Thou's are thirsty. It could be the change in weather, it may be that your throttle bodies need synchronising. It could be that you're just getting more confident with the throttle, using wider openings to get up to speed quicker. Check your tyre ressures are not too low aswell

SV1000's, along with many other 1000cc twins, are very thirsty, I want one but I dont know if I want to run one as an every-day bike.

My SV650 does anywhere between 120 miles and 150 miles for 13 litres of fuel used. 4 litres left in reserve aswell

Originally Posted by Holdup

How many litres are you putting in each time?

About 12-13 litres each time. I generally stretch it out to about 10-15 miles once the light has come on, so usually 13 ish. I always fill to the top regardless, you know, the point where if you pulled the pump hose out any further, you'd spray petrol all over the forecourt.

It's been going on for the best part of a year, as I said I'd try something and see how it went, then try something else etc. I've tried some fuel cleaner (again!) and the light hasn't come on yet at 86 miles, so maybe I'll get a few more from it still. I need to synch the throttle bodies again anyway soon as I've just hit 15k.