Poor fuel economy.

mackinnon0909
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Poor fuel economy.

18 May 2016 19:51

Finally got my 78 kz659sr on the highway but I'm only getting 180km out of a tank of gas. Power seems good through the rpm range, and can't see any fuel overflowing from the carbs. Not sure where to start looking.

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Patton
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Re: Poor fuel economy.

18 May 2016 19:57

#727339

Would first rule out gasoline intrusion into the crankcase.
Use the sniff-test and examine the physical quality of the crankcase oil.

Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD

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650mod
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Re: Poor fuel economy.

18 May 2016 20:38

#727354

At most, if I ride the bike without really ripping the throttle open, I get 200km on a tank. If I really ride hard, I might see 170km to a tank. '78 kz650 with a 720 big bore, 4-1 pipe, stage 3 jet kit, and pods.

78 kz 650 custom
Wiseco 720cc big bore
Dynajet stage 3 carb kit with pods
2002 Kawasaki Z750 exhaust
2001 Buell lightning front end
1999 Ninja 600 swingarm with 1999 Ninja 900 rear rim
converted to monoshock rear
Too many goodies to list fully

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650ed
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Re: Poor fuel economy.

18 May 2016 21:03

#727357

Is the 180km after the full tank or is that when you must switch to reserve? Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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Patton
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Re: Poor fuel economy.

18 May 2016 21:31

#727362

mackinnon0909 wrote: Finally got my 78 kz659sr on the highway but I'm only getting 180km out of a tank of gas. Power seems good through the rpm range, and can't see any fuel overflowing from the carbs. Not sure where to start looking.

Exactly how many gallons are being burned to travel the 112 miles?

Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD

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martin_csr
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Re: Poor fuel economy.

19 May 2016 05:05 - 19 May 2016 05:06

#727392

Fill the tank. reset the odo trip meter. ride 160 km. fill up the tank. do the math to calculate your kpl. repeat as necessary. report back.

1981 KZ650 Competition Sports and Road

Last edit: 19 May 2016 05:06 by martin_csr.

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mackinnon0909
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Re: Poor fuel economy.

19 May 2016 19:17

#727514

Just switched to reserve and put in 11.3L so not so bad for 180km. Its been at least 4 years since that bike has seen the highway and is my first real bike so wasn't really sure what to expect.

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Patton
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Re: Poor fuel economy.

19 May 2016 19:46

#727522

mackinnon0909 wrote: Just switched to reserve and put in 11.3L so not so bad for 180km. Its been at least 4 years since that bike has seen the highway and is my first real bike so wasn't really sure what to expect.

Equates to a little over 37 mpg.

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1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD

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650ed
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Re: Poor fuel economy.

19 May 2016 20:12

#727530

37 mpg is not abnormal on my KZ650. It depends on how hard I'm riding. I've gotten from low 30's to mid 40's. Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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