New Guy, Poor Gas Mileage

[ziginthewoods]

Hi,

I found this site and hope it will help me get a little info from other Rocket III owners. Out of every Rocket owner I've talked to I am the only one having problems. I know it doesn't get super gas mileage but I'm barely getting 20 mpg. The Triumph dealer worked on it when I brought it back for my first service. I was having problems with it staling when it idled. After they worked on it it didn't stall but now the gas mileage stunk. Then I got the recall notice about this problem. But now they don't want to work on it. They told me the bad mpg was from the gas in NJ. Which of course is a bunch of crap. Anyone have any ideas before I go to the dealership and freak out?

Zig

[Jhancock93061]

Originally Posted by ziginthewoods

Hi,

I found this site and hope it will help me get a little info from other Rocket III owners. Out of every Rocket owner I've talked to I am the only one having problems. I know it doesn't get super gas mileage but I'm barely getting 20 mpg. The Triumph dealer worked on it when I brought it back for my first service. I was having problems with it staling when it idled. After they worked on it it didn't stall but now the gas mileage stunk. Then I got the recall notice about this problem. But now they don't want to work on it. They told me the bad mpg was from the gas in NJ. Which of course is a bunch of crap. Anyone have any ideas before I go to the dealership and freak out?

Zig

Iam still on my first tank lol havent checked out the gas milage yet

[emmitw]

Zig,

Never experienced a problem with the bike, so not sure I can be much help. My mileage is typically 35 to 40, on the highway. It might be better, but I tend to ride +10. It sounds to me like a throttle body problem. Or, a chip problem. I suggest you have what we here in Missouri call a "Come to Jesus" meeting with the dealer. My dealer has always been on top of any issues, so can't complain there either.

Hope you get it solved soon. The bike runs and handles to well to have it in the shop.

Emmit

Originally Posted by Jhancock93061

Iam still on my first tank lol havent checked out the gas milage yet

[rndtaylor]

My mileage started out about 20 mpg, and it took several thousand miles (maybe 5000) before it came up to about 35 mpg.

I just came back from a trip where I went the length of the blue ridge parkway, both directions, and I saw 40 mpg the entire length, with a high of 44 mpg. our normal speed on the parkway was 55-60 mph. We were going hard enough in the curves for me to scrape the right muffler once.

Everyday around home, I get about 37 mpg.
I have @22,000 miles now.

[Xchoppers]

When new my Rocket got 27-28 mpg. Now with 3,000 miles it gets 32-33. Freeway speeds average 80+ in these parts.

[jrhorton]

Originally Posted by ziginthewoods

Hi,

I found this site and hope it will help me get a little info from other Rocket III owners. Out of every Rocket owner I've talked to I am the only one having problems. I know it doesn't get super gas mileage but I'm barely getting 20 mpg. The Triumph dealer worked on it when I brought it back for my first service. I was having problems with it staling when it idled. After they worked on it it didn't stall but now the gas mileage stunk. Then I got the recall notice about this problem. But now they don't want to work on it. They told me the bad mpg was from the gas in NJ. Which of course is a bunch of crap. Anyone have any ideas before I go to the dealership and freak out?

Zig

Zig, first a few things.

I just moved back to NJ and also own a Valkyrie. I'm in Woodstown, so we're pretty close. Shoot me an email if you want to set up a ride or just kick a few tires.

Now, the mileage I'm getting is upper 30s to low 40s. Almost as goood as my wife's VTX1300. I'd say you have a problem that needs looking in to. My '07 is just past the initial break-in mileage, so it should get even a little better if I can stay off the throttle.

Your dealer sounds like an idiot. Would you mind sharing the details so I can avoid this place?

Find someone that's willing to work with you and don't settle for any BS about bad NJ gas.

John

[blueyzarsoff]

What is this thing called fuel mileage ? That was the last thing on my mind when i bought a 2.3 litre motorcycle..I ride it until the gas light comes on and then i fill her up..Would not have a clue how much i get..Cant ride it at a consistent speed for long enuff to try and find out..Right hand just keeps twisting back
I think i get about $30 per litre in speeding fines I'm going to enjoy it now before it gets to the stage that we cant afford gas anymore..The way its going up it wont be much longer..

[Xchoppers]

I guess my Rocket is fully broken in now 'cause it's getting the same mileage as my other 3 bikes, 34MPG. I'm perfectly satisfied with that. I know full well it would be higher if I rode differently but I didn't buy fast bikes to ride them slow! Every so often I go on a ride with others that ride slow. It's just no fun!

[3ngin33r1]

This may be an obvious no brainer but have you checked your tire pressures?

Don't count on the dealer to do it when its in for service, you should be checking routinely and low pressure will have a huge impact on your fuel economy among other things.

[Xchoppers]

Originally Posted by 3ngin33r1

This may be an obvious no brainer but have you checked your tire pressures?

Don't count on the dealer to do it when its in for service, you should be checking routinely and low pressure will have a huge impact on your fuel economy among other things.

If you don't mind my asking, what air pressures are you running?
I have found the reccommended air pressures on some of my other motorcycles are too low. Triumph also suggests air pressures that I think are too low. I run 40 psi front and rear on my other bikes and have set my R3 to that as well. I've found anything less and I get premature tread cupping wear. By the way, I got a screw in my rear tire yesterday at only 3,600 miles I've got an Avon Cobra on order...