Probably already covered, but....

[TxRIIIRider]

Most of the compact cars that get close to that gas mileage have smaller motors than the Rocket.. and not as much power either.. And, while they do get in the 30s, I don't think any of them get 38 MPG except maybe one the hybrids...

You could also look at the other bikes with as much power as ours.. with half the displacment.. They Hayabusa, ZX 14, all the liter sport bikes all get worse MPG than the Rocket..

 

[MikeM]

Most of the compact cars that get close to that gas mileage have smaller motors than the Rocket.. and not as much power either.. And, while they do get in the 30s, I don't think any of them get 38 MPG except maybe one the hybrids...

You could also look at the other bikes with as much power as ours.. with half the displacment.. They Hayabusa, ZX 14, all the liter sport bikes all get worse MPG than the Rocket..

The fuel management on these cars is a lot more sophisticated/complicated also IMO. With variable valve timing, shutting cylinders off and etc....

I have a friend who has a Vmax (older design) and thats about all he gets (38 mpg).

 

[HeR3tic]

I've experimented periodically using high test versus the recommended mid grade at less than normal throttle enthusiasm. I've only achieved a very minor, maybe 2mpg, improvement with high test. And, I've experimented with normal throttle control and find high test actually gets me a smidgen less mpg. My conclusion is that I do get more power but I don't get more mpg. My Tourer (and Standards) vs the Touring has a recommended mid grade requirement. The Touring model will not likely get any appreciable (equivalent percentage) mileage improvement from the near 10% increased costs. I usually get 31 mpg with mid grade.

To be sure, bypass any filler-up stations that are in the process of having their tanks refilled at the time. You don't want the stirred up garbage fouling an injector. There's question as to whether pump filters do or don't catch the finest of particles that may accumulate.

 

[Gunshots]

I might just be imagination but my observation is that you need to by fuel based on the 12 min tune you are running. I get increased milage and seat of the pants power and undoubtably less decel popping when burning higher octane with a 12 min tune that was run on higher octane fuel. If your normally burning lower octane make sure the 12 min was done on lower octane. !!

 

[tdragger]

Is the R3T spec'd to run 87 (Regular) or 89 (Mid-Grade)?

The non-Touring models are spec'd for 89 ( (R+M)/2 Method).

Over the holidays I traveled to see my parents and my brother brought over his '06 Bonnie. We went out first thing in the morning and it took forever to get the Bonnie going. He said that it was always cold-natured. I asked him what kind of gas he was running and he said Premium. I recommended that he run the spec'd 87 Regular so after a day of riding he filled up with Regular. The next morning we went outside and the Bonnie fired right up.

Obviously our FI Rockets will adjust for this but it makes sense to me to run what your bike is spec'd for. Running Premium is simply a waste and may even be detrimental (sp?).

just my 2c...

 

[wildrooster]

I was told mid for my R3T.

 

[ROCKETHEAD]

I have been running lowest grade in my 05 Rocket and 08 Rocket Touring and used to get 28-34 mpg on the 05 and 32-36 on my 08. Same riding style...

HEAD

 

[Triple Trouble]

Both of my Triumphs, Sprint ST and the Rocket are spec'd for mid grade (89 R+M). I'va always run 87 in the Rock and never noticed any difference when using higher grades. The Sprint however hates it and must use at least 89 or it pings like crazy under heavy throttle.

 

[BigWillie]

I have tried them both and have gotten no difference in the mileage or the power. I was told 87 was the spec. Mileage sucks no matter what I run in it. Got to get a tuneboy or something and see if I can get some changes.