gas mileage

[bensallen]

I know the Spyders aren't known for great gas mileage and I just got mine today so a couple of "Newby" questions, so be kind please. LOL I read that the tank holds 6.6 gallons. When I picked mine up it was near the red on the gauge. It would only hold about 4.7 gallons before the pump shut off. I rode quite a bit after that and the gauge got back down to the "red" and I filled up again and, again, it only took about 4.5-4.7 gallons to fill up. I had ridden only about 120 miles. Questions,,, is that normal to only take that little to fill up? Is there that much left in reserve? I feel like my mileage sucks but then again my trike only has 2200 miles on it (2011 RT-S) so it might not be completely broken in. I hope that when I get used to the proper shift timing my mileage will improve. What are you guys and gals getting?

[Purple Guy]

I've kept track of my mileage since my first tank of gas.
I log my fill ups at Fuelly.com
Here's a few stats from my 49 fill ups...
7842 Miles - 12,620 Kms
All time avg 35.6 MPG - 15.1 KM/L
Last Tank 39.8 MPG
Best Tank 41.0 MPG

Last 10 fill ups...






Date
Miles
Gallons
MPG






15-05-31
193.37
4.861
39.78






15-05-31
121.66
3.556
34.21






15-05-27
221.71
6.057
36.60






15-05-23
212.14
5.887
36.04






15-05-18
199.09
6.148
32.38






15-05-09
84.20
2.795
30.12






15-04-21
198.65
5.882
33.77






14-10-20
177.71
5.312
33.45






14-10-19
180.63
5.485
32.93






14-10-04
101.35
3.181
31.86

[Bob Denman]

:welcome:
The fuel gauges have historically NEVER been all that accurate... :shocked:
When I had my 2010 RT; I'd plan my fuel stops for right around 135 miles or so, and I'd normally take just over 4 gallons. (Usually about 33 mpg...)
An awful lot of it has to do with how your right wrist "dances with the loud grip". :D
Most of us have gotten used to using the trip odometers as the basis for fuel stops. I would always use "Trip A", for fuel stops, and save "Trip B" for accumulated mileage totals... The fuel gauge itself, was almost NEVER looked at... ;)

[AY4B]

Has anybody here ever intentionally let their spyder run out of gas to see how much it takes on the refill and how many miles can their spyder go on a tank? You could take a gallon along for when it happens.

[Bob Denman]

:D That actually HAS been done...
Search the fuel mileage threads; it's in there! :thumbup:

[BlueLghtning]

Has anybody here ever intentionally let their spyder run out of gas to see how much it takes on the refill and how many miles can their spyder go on a tank? You could take a gallon along for when it happens.

I was riding with a friend this weekend that has a 2010 RSS Spyder and her husband had to catch up to me to let me know she needed gas soon. I don't remember how many gallons it took, but she said she had been on no bars for awhile. I know the 2013 RS I'm borrowing if I fill up soon after the light comes on, it's usually just a little over 4 gallons to fill up so it's holding about 2.5 gallons in reserve on the light. It seems to be pretty consistent on the volume and the fuel indicator, so it really just depends how comfortable you are traveling on the fuel light.

[Highwayman2013]

Last trip I checked on our RT was 29 mpg. I went 142 miles took 4.8 gallons. Do not try to squeeze more gas in after the nozzle kicks off. If you want more peace of mind get one of these:http://www.reda-innovations.com/

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

My experience is dry tank to gas overflowing is right at 6 gals. About 20 miles after last bar goes off.

[Firefly]

Last trip I checked on our RT was 29 mpg. I went 142 miles took 4.8 gallons. Do not try to squeeze more gas in after the nozzle kicks off. If you want more peace of mind get one of these:http://www.reda-innovations.com/

Don't trust those REDA gas cans!

Had one leak fumes and gas on me while on a long trip. All my clothes smelled like gas for the rest of the trip.

When I contacted REDA they said they had some defective caps go out. To me this was unacceptable. Left the REDA at a gas station near Boston.

[Bob Denman]

I would caution that one bad experience with them; doesn't mean that they're ALL bad... :shocked:

[Chupaca]

:welcome::nopic: keep an eye on who is posting what mileage. The new 1330 ACE engines get much better mileage and have a different tank capasity. Most RT owners (998 twin) have disconnected the fuel and temp guages because they aren't that good. When you do this the fuel and temp appear on the panel digitized. They replace the dash guages with outlets or other guages (voltmeters, ampmeters, oil pressure etc). The best way to know is to run out of gas but also know the tank does not hold 6.6 gallons. There is air space and the most I have gotten ,without running out of gas, was 5.4 gals. Also remember the different model 998 twins get different mileages. Mine is an RS :thumbup:

[Highwayman2013]

I would caution that one bad experience with them; doesn't mean that they're ALL bad... :shocked:
Agree.
Been using mine for 4 years in the saddlebag. I don't keep clothes in the same bag though. Rain suit, tools, mini air compressor, tire plug kit, extra oil. There is a slight smell but nothing overwhelming.

[sduskin]

Has anybody here ever intentionally let their spyder run out of gas to see how much it takes on the refill and how many miles can their spyder go on a tank? You could take a gallon along for when it happens.

I put 6.001 in my last tank for a 2014 RT-S and I had been on E for quite a while. If I remember the manual correctly, it's only a 6.1 gal tank.

[billybovine]

All models 2013 and earlier have a fuel tank capacity of 25 L or 6.6 G
2014/15 RS and ST models have fuel capacity of 23.5 L or 6.2 G
2014/15 RT models have a fuel capacity of 26 L or 6.9 G
2015 F3 models have a fuel capacity of 27 L or 7.1 G

[Bob Denman]

Thanks, Billy! :clap:
Wasn't it determined, that the useable tank capacity for the 2010 to 2013 RTs was just about 6 gallons? :dontknow:

[billybovine]

Thanks, Billy! :clap:
Wasn't it determined, that the useable tank capacity for the 2010 to 2013 RTs was just about 6 gallons? :dontknow:

Depends on how you fill it. Couple weeks ago I drove into the gas station with no bars for a while. Took 24.2 L that's 6.39 US gallons. So i don't think the 6.6 gallon capacity rating is too far off.

[ARtraveler]

Our experience from just a week or so ago.

I failed to gas up on the 2011 at an appropriate point in our ride.

The gas light always comes on at about 150 on this particular :ani29:. The 2010 used to come on at 135.

We went 178.2 miles and put in 5.5 gallons. That was 32.4 (32 mpg--on that trip).

My longest on a 998 Rotax--180.4 and 5.8 gallons. That is 31.1 (31 mpg for the trip). It is a bit scary when the fuel gage is on empty or below. We always set mileage odometer A to zero at every fill so we know how many miles on the tank. Most fills are at the 150 mile marker.

My experience with the 1330: The gas light comes on between 200 and 205 miles. I get between 39 - 42 mpg--depending.

[WEB-WVR]

When I first looked at Spyders back in 2008-2009, for me an avid motorcycle rider....the small gas tank and poor mileage was a real negative. I just purchased a Spyder this April....the negative still remains.

IMO: The Spyder needs a larger fuel tank. A bike designed for touring with such a small tank makes no sense. Second, the design engineers at BRP really need to work an better fuel efficient engines... some cars weighing 2-3 thousand pounds get better mileage.

Still lovin the :spyder2: :thumbup:

[Big F]

I've kept track of my mileage since my first tank of gas.
I log my fill ups at Fuelly.com
Here's a few stats from my 49 fill ups...
7842 Miles - 12,620 Kms
All time avg 35.6 MPG - 15.1 KM/L
Last Tank 39.8 MPG
Best Tank 41.0 MPG

Last 10 fill ups...





Date

Miles

Gallons

MPG







15-05-31

193.37

4.861

39.78







15-05-31

121.66

3.556

34.21







15-05-27

221.71

6.057

36.60







15-05-23

212.14

5.887

36.04







15-05-18

199.09

6.148

32.38







15-05-09

84.20

2.795

30.12







15-04-21

198.65

5.882

33.77







14-10-20

177.71

5.312

33.45







14-10-19

180.63

5.485

32.93







14-10-04

101.35

3.181

31.86






What is your take on why the last tank had the best mileage??? getting 39+ is awesome!! I usually get low to mid 30's when I check mine (2014 RT Limited)
BIG F

[Bob Denman]

It might just be the dance that your right wrist is doing with the loud grip... :D :thumbup:

[JayBros]

Purple Guy and I are close. Through 7,440 miles my average is 36.0, best tank 40.5 and worst tank 32.2.

[retired1]

What is your take on why the last tank had the best mileage??? getting 39+ is awesome!! I usually get low to mid 30's when I check mine (2014 RT Limited)
BIG F

When you get to the trip odometer screen, look at the top corner on yhr right side and it gives you average mph for that tank of fuel. Do that a few times and you should be able to find the "sweet spot for your bike.

[Stranger1759]

So what is your trick get to get the most MPG?
Always shift @ what RPM?
Avoid speed's over what MPH?
Any other thoughts?
I know that RPM, shift points etc... depend on motor size and transmission variable's.

[Leslee]

On my 2011 RTS-SE, I averaged about 30 mpg. I used Trip A for tracking when to get gas--usually 120 - 140 miles. I usually got only 4 - 5 gallons in. Rarely had fuel light come on. One time when it did, I went 20 miles before finding a gas station.

[robmorg]

I know the Spyders aren't known for great gas mileage and I just got mine today so a couple of "Newby" questions, so be kind please. LOL I read that the tank holds 6.6 gallons. When I picked mine up it was near the red on the gauge. It would only hold about 4.7 gallons before the pump shut off. I rode quite a bit after that and the gauge got back down to the "red" and I filled up again and, again, it only took about 4.5-4.7 gallons to fill up. I had ridden only about 120 miles. Questions,,, is that normal to only take that little to fill up? Is there that much left in reserve? I feel like my mileage sucks but then again my trike only has 2200 miles on it (2011 RT-S) so it might not be completely broken in. I hope that when I get used to the proper shift timing my mileage will improve. What are you guys and gals getting?
That's about 25.5-26 mpg. I'd say that is typical for an RT with the V-twin engine. I've NEVER been able to get more than 25.5 mpg out of mine - mostly it's closer to 25. I know folks here have reported better mileage on RT's with the 998 engine, but I sure don't know how they do it.

As others have said, the fuel gauge is not accurate at the lower end. But there should be about 6± gallons of usable fuel in the tank on these models, so at 25 mpg, that would take you 150 miles. In my case, I certainly would not go beyond 140 miles without getting more fuel, and then only if I knew I started out with a very full tank. That would give me a very small margin of safety.

[John Moody]

I have a 2014 RT Limited and I get an averaged of 35 to 39 mpg with a average of 5 gal per fill up (around 180 to 200 miles per tank). Do not want to run too low in gas (don't like to walk :( ). Driving normal and hot like an speed demon will give you a better gas milages and driving 65-70 mph on highway is better than 70-85 mph.

[robmorg]

keep an eye on who is posting what mileage. The new 1330 ACE engines get much better mileage and have a different tank capasity. Most RT owners (998 twin) have disconnected the fuel and temp guages because they aren't that good. When you do this the fuel and temp appear on the panel digitized. They replace the dash guages with outlets or other guages (voltmeters, ampmeters, oil pressure etc). The best way to know is to run out of gas but also know the tank does not hold 6.6 gallons. There is air space and the most I have gotten ,without running out of gas, was 5.4 gals. Also remember the different model 998 twins get different mileages. Mine is an RS :thumbup:VERY wise advice for the OP, who stated he had a 2011 RTS. There are folks in this thread talking about their mileage on 2014 RT's, and those are a completely different animal when it comes to fuel mileage.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Most I ever put into my tank is 6.45 gallons. That is of course assuming the meter on the pump was accurate!

[Bob Denman]

1. Keep your bike in tip-top shape.
2. Make SURE that your tires are properly inflated.
3. Present the best possible aerodynamic profile that you can...
Keep the windshield at a low position
Don't add stuff to the bike that sticks out into the airflow
Get the adjustable lower air deflectors, and run with them in the center position
Don't add a hitch to your bike
4. Carry the least amount of cargo in the bike as possible; excess weight KILLS fuel mileage
5. Your right wrist... :shocked:
Shift early
Roll the throttle on gently, and accelerate NO faster than is absolutely necessary
Cruise at a slower speed... With my 2010, I found that there was a 6 mpg difference between 62, and 72

[Dan McNally]

I don't understand the "run out of gas" concept to see how far you can go.

Given that you won't know where you will be when that happens . . . could be in traffic, when a semitrailer is bearing down on you from behind . . . it seems to be a less than safe thing to do. Knowing how far you can go by running out of gas only shows how far you could go on that particular tank . . . ryding at highway speeds with strong winds, and cruising down Skyline Drive at 35 MPH on a beautiful day can effect gas mileage by as much as 10 or more MPG on my 2013 RT LTD.

On my ride to Tucson, and back, there were times I refueled when I could only add two gallons to the tank, because, according to my Garmin, the next gas station was 100 miles away . . .

Use your Trip A and Trip B functions, and calculate your MPG when you fill up if you need to know your MPG . . . but remember, it will change, based on how you are ryding . . .

[Cheribrun]

I know the Spyders aren't known for great gas mileage and I just got mine today so a couple of "Newby" questions, so be kind please. LOL I read that the tank holds 6.6 gallons. When I picked mine up it was near the red on the gauge. It would only hold about 4.7 gallons before the pump shut off. I rode quite a bit after that and the gauge got back down to the "red" and I filled up again and, again, it only took about 4.5-4.7 gallons to fill up. I had ridden only about 120 miles. Questions,,, is that normal to only take that little to fill up? Is there that much left in reserve? I feel like my mileage sucks but then again my trike only has 2200 miles on it (2011 RT-S) so it might not be completely broken in. I hope that when I get used to the proper shift timing my mileage will improve. What are you guys and gals getting?

I have just under 2000 on my 2014, semiautomatic & am getting about 32 mpg. That's mostly mountain riding, so I feel that's pretty good. When fueling don't put the nozzle in very far & you can put more in than the automatic shut off allows.

[dlby]

I have a station close to home
Pushed the limit as far as i dared last week

Was sble to actually put 5.4 gallons in

Normally its 4.6 etc

[cplbayou]

brought my first Spyder a week ago three rides have taken my about 250 miles, kinda short but waiting on mods as i'm handicapped. My 2012 Spyder RTS with 998 is averaging 26.7 mpg with mixed city / highway miles.

[latony007]

Since this thread was picked back up... i seem to only get about 150 miles on my 15 RT. I am hoping it improves as i only have around 850 miles on it so far. Also the tires were fairly low so hoping the increased pressure helps to get me to 200.

[Bob Denman]

So what is your trick get to get the most MPG?
Always shift @ what RPM?
Avoid speed's over what MPH?
Any other thoughts?
I know that RPM, shift points etc... depend on motor size and transmission variable's.
For the Record:
9746.6 miles
248.067 gallons
39.3 mpg overall average.

Best:206.6 miles 4.762 gallons: 43.4 mpg
Worst:163.9 miles 4.628 gallons: 35.4 mpg

I run with the windshield JUST off of it's lowest possible positioning, and I usually keep my adjustable air deflectors (BRP's) in the center position, so as to reduce aerodynamic drag.
I shift at no more than 2,500 rpm when getting into 4th, 5th, and 6th.
I usually set a pace of 53 mph on two-lane roads, and 63 mph out on the four-lanes...
I also run 93 octane fuel, and I set the tire pressures at 20 psi up front, and 25 psi in the rear.

[kngfsh27]

1. Keep your bike in tip-top shape.
2. Make SURE that your tires are properly inflated.
3. Present the best possible aerodynamic profile that you can...
Keep the windshield at a low position
Don't add stuff to the bike that sticks out into the airflow
Get the adjustable lower air deflectors, and run with them in the center position
Don't add a hitch to your bike
4. Carry the least amount of cargo in the bike as possible; excess weight KILLS fuel mileage
5. Your right wrist... :shocked:
Shift early
Roll the throttle on gently, and accelerate NO faster than is absolutely necessary
Cruise at a slower speed... With my 2010, I found that there was a 6 mpg difference between 62, and 72


For the Record:
9746.6 miles
248.067 gallons
39.3 mpg overall average.

Best:206.6 miles 4.762 gallons: 43.4 mpg
Worst:163.9 miles 4.628 gallons: 35.4 mpg

I run with the windshield JUST off of it's lowest possible positioning, and I usually keep my adjustable air deflectors (BRP's) in the center position, so as to reduce aerodynamic drag.
I shift at no more than 2,500 rpm when getting into 4th, 5th, and 6th.
I usually set a pace of 53 mph on two-lane roads, and 63 mph out on the four-lanes...
I also run 93 octane fuel, and I set the tire pressures at 20 psi up front, and 25 psi in the rear.
To get the best gas mileage, I make sure to plan my trips so I am always going downhill with the wind to my back.:roflblack::roflblack:

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Since this thread was picked back up... i seem to only get about 150 miles on my 15 RT. I am hoping it improves as i only have around 850 miles on it so far. Also the tires were fairly low so hoping the increased pressure helps to get me to 200.
#1., at around 2,500 mi. it will begin to improve........#2. "fairly low" & "increased pressure" are useless terms...........#3. "only get about 150 mi. on my RT" ????.....I think you mean before you REFILL IT ???.... This is not telling you How many MPG's you are getting............See Hayfield's post above on how it's done................None of what I just said was meant as any sort of SLAM..............Mike :bbq:

[Scotts8826]

Short answer: The gas mileage stated by the OP falls into the typical range for the model and year of his RT.

[latony007]

#1., at around 2,500 mi. it will begin to improve........#2. "fairly low" & "increased pressure" are useless terms...........#3. "only get about 150 mi. on my RT" ????.....I think you mean before you REFILL IT ???.... This is not telling you How many MPG's you are getting............See Hayfield's post above on how it's done................None of what I just said was meant as any sort of SLAM..............Mike :bbq:

i hear you Mike, #2 was about 15-16 in the front and about 23 in the rear, increased to 20 in the front and 28 in the rear. #3 no i mean 150 miles before all the bars are gone and i start getting worried about finding a station before it goes belly up. I cant remember exactly what i put in it but it was around 5+ gallons, i know it was the most i have ever been able to put in it since i got it having never run it down to zero bars before. And thats me running with the stupid ECO mode on pretty much all the time. I try to shift around 3-3500, i know it wants you to shift a little earlier but i dont like it that low.

[Bob Denman]

To get the best gas mileage, I make sure to plan my trips so I am always going downhill with the wind to my back.:roflblack::roflblack:

:D It couldn't hurt... :thumbup:

[Bfromla]

http://www.pure-gas.org
Im no expert but ive found Ethanol free will get you better mileage Rpm range 4k-7500. Seems to be sweet range on the 998's


I wasn't there but I still care! POW /MIA VETS

[Commander]

After reading everything it seems to me that every fuel gauge is different. On my 2013 RTL the fuel gauge was horrible. When it indicated that I was just about empty I still had a half a tank of gas. When I got my 2015 the gauge seems to be pretty accurate. Of course I am not getting anywhere near the millage the manual says i should get, but it is a lot better than the 2013. I go by approximate millage from my last fill up as well as my gauge for fill ups. I have less that 1K miles on my 2015 so I expect a lot better millage as the season goes on.

[Spyder in La.]

I tanked up today and rode 180.3 miles to empty. I set my cc at 72mph.
At 134 miles: 2bars and low fuel light
At 154 miles: Zero bars, low fuel light
At 180 miles: engine s/d, flipped kill switch and coast to shoulder.
I was carrying 1.5gal in a 2gal can in my left saddle bag.
I simply wanted to eliminate the anxiety of low fuel light and confirm bike range at hwy speed.

[Glenn B]

I've got a 2012RTS, I ran it to the point where it died on me. I managed to 70km when the light came on. I also worked out that I can get 35km per bar. I disconnected the old fuel and temp gauges and replaced them with a voltage and oil pressure gauge. I also use 98 octane.

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I've got a 2012RTS, I ran it to the point where it died on me. I managed to 70km when the light came on. I also worked out that I can get 35km per bar. I disconnected the old fuel and temp gauges and replaced them with a voltage and oil pressure gauge. I also use 98 octane.

Sent from my HTC_PN071 using Tapatalk
Well that's 11 points more than it needs .....but it will run on that...............IMHO using any gas gauge to determine how far you can travel on the amount you THINK is in the tank is foolish......Especially where you live if you are in the " outback "..........good luck......Mike :bbq:

[ARtraveler]

To get the best gas mileage, I make sure to plan my trips so I am always going downhill with the wind to my back.:roflblack::roflblack:

That sure beats walking uphill in four feet of snow, in a blizzard at 10 below zero, to and from school back in the 50's. :roflblack::roflblack::roflblack: