How many Miles to the Tank?

[mecki]

I use super unleaded to improve tank range (the higher the octane rating of a fuel, the slower the burn)...
I also have a further concern however, in that I suspect that "ECO" mode could rely on the burn of a charge that, rather than using fuel to cool the valves etc. relies upon gas temperature falling because a very weak mixture is used.

Why do you think you use less fuel if it 'burns slower'?
AFAIK the only thing higher octane rated fuel does is that the fuel-air mix doesn't explode before ignition in high compression engines. But the GTR hasn't got a high compression engine so filling up with super is just a waste of money. The only way you could improve tank range is using fuel with more energy so you would get the same performance with less throttle.  But since Super doesn't contain more energy than normal (except E10) I can't see how this could work. And even if the slower burning would actually improve tank range I don't think it would be significant. Surely not enough to justify the higher price you pay for a tank full of gas.

And how is the fuel supposed to cool the valves in a fuel injected engine?

[flatfour]

 A slower burn produces more energy over a longer period than a rapid burn and a smoother, more even pressure rise within the cylinder. The mixture cools the valve heads and piston crown rather than the valve seats, so the manner in which it is delivered into the cylinder has no bearing on the matter, neither does compression ratio, as nearly all engines now rely upon "knock sensors" to prevent detonation.

Anyway, each to their own. If using "ECO" suits, the warranty is quite lengthy on a new bike, so if its use is going to cause problems, it is perhaps most likely to happen within that period in any case, providing it has been used in that manner regularly from new.

I still wonder, however why, if it is a good idea to use "ECO" at all times, it defaults to the standard setting on start - up?

[O.C.]

I still wonder, however why, if it is a good idea to use "ECO" at all times, it defaults to the standard setting on start - up?

Ah, but then it wouldn't be an option/feature and options and features are part of marketing policy and marketing policy is part of pricing policy 

[Lonewolf]

I put cheap unleaded fuel in the GTR, I turn the knob, I press the ignition button, it fires up first time, (always) and I ride off into the sunset. As long as that keeps happening, everything else is a bonus and I'll be a very happy chappy. 

[mecki]

So how should they call it then? WASTE mode perhaps?
In normal mode the bike offers superb fuel economy but for those who want more horsepower or drag-race at the lights we have a WASTE mode as well. 

[Boomer]

If you bought a 1400cc, 155Bhp, 160Mph, 0-60 in 3.2secs motorcycle to save the planet (or save yourself money) then you are a moron. 
If you want fuel economy buy a smaller bike, or better yet an Electric bike.

At the moment it's eco this and green that.
It's worse than the Apple marketing twonks with their i-shite.
The world would be a better place if we shot about 90% of the marketing people out there.
I am so very sick of everyone and his dog trying to sell me shite I have no need or use for.

[Lonewolf]

I've just had to tell my I-phone & I-Pad that you didn't mean what you said about them...they're sensitive creatures you know. 

[mecki]

If you bought a 1400cc, 155Bhp, 160Mph, 0-60 in 3.2secs motorcycle to save the planet (or save yourself money) then you are a moron. 
If you want fuel economy buy a smaller bike, or better yet an Electric bike.

At the moment it's eco this and green that.
It's worse than the Apple marketing twonks with their i-shite.
The world would be a better place if we shot about 90% of the marketing people out there.
I am so very sick of everyone and his dog trying to sell me shite I have no need or use for.

I can agree with the first statement.
And what you say about marketing people and the i-shite of course. 

About the rest all I can say is .

Fine, you give a  about the environment.
And maybe you are right and the human species doesn't deserve to survive because they are too stupid to look after their planet.
But why waste hard earned cash on fuel that burns for naught if with the push of a button you can save some money?
And if you do something for the planet at the same time that's a bonus.

[Lonewolf]

mecki, lighten up, this isn't Question Time. 

[Winston Smith]

Well they reckon the planet has about a billion years left if we carry on..........Mmmmmm, let me think?

Do I give a shit?  Nope - mine to ruin, let the kids worry about saving it...............

[Charlie747]

Just caught up with this topic

Thanks for the info as I've a trip to Limerick next Friday to do a Woodworking Show with a customer that Saturday.  This is what I've been looking forward to when I spent my ££££Wad on the GTR

So I can work on 38 to 65 mpg then.............

Cheers

Charlie

[mecki]

Well they reckon the planet has about a billion years left if we carry on..........Mmmmmm, let me think?

Do I give a shit?  Nope - mine to ruin, let the kids worry about saving it...............

Well, either you haven't got any kids or you should ask yourself why you hate them so much?

[aljaxon]

yeeks!! I get around 30mpg!!!

what octane rating fuel do Kawasaki recommend for the 2010- models?
I just shove super unleaded in all my bikes. cant see the point in spending thousands of pounds on a bike then scrimping a few pennies on cheap (nasty) petrol.
same with oil. I laugh at people who once again spend a fortune buying the bike and then subject their pride and joy to cheapo oil.
owning a classic 2 stroke I know quite a bit about the evils of ethanol and its anti knocking properties and its basically nil resistance to pre-ignition
gimme super all day long.

[howard]

Just of to northern Spain,Picos De Europe and then through the Pyrenees and back through central France home to the Charente,the bike will be fully loaded up,i exspect to get 50mpg but theres a lot of mountain roads to enjoy. The bike is sitting in my barn fully loaded and very clean. Im now getting itchey feet,leaving tomorrow at 7am. Doing this trip with a French mate who rides a Kawaski 1000sx so will be interesting to see what his bike does to the gallon/litre.
Theres alot to be said for living in south west France with some amazing roads just on my door step...H

[doebag]

aljaxon
According to the handbook, the GTR needs a minimum of 90 octane, with no more than 5% methanol or 10% ethanol content.
Personally I only use standard unleaded in the UK and have never noticed any problems.
Some people reckon super gives slightly better MPG, but mile per pound obviously equals out dure to higher cost.

If you are only getting 30mpg, I would either  look at your riding style  or visit your dealer.