KymcoForum.com
Scooters - Big Bore => Xciting 500 => Topic started by: rick71 on February 17, 2010, 10:53:46 PM
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My new Kymco's gas guage is reading nearly empty. It's just above the white line on the red zone. I only have 90 miles on the scoot. The gauge read full when I got it. I don't remember the original mileage, it was still reading KMs for a couple days. So...
Might my mileage really be that bad on a good running scoot?
Is the gas gauge on the 500's flaky?
When filling the gas, can I just put the pump handle into the tank opening and squeeze, like a car? Or do I have to watch out for blow back?
Any help/info appreciated.
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WATCH FOR BLOWBACK! The nozzle doesn't go far enough into the tank for the auto stop to work. I would suggest doing your mpg solutions on paper to match the tank level to the actual amount in the tank. Jprestonion uses a site called FUELLY. It is a data base for answering exactly that type of question. I think this is the link... http://www.fuelly.com/ (http://www.fuelly.com/)
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Well, I just looked at the capacity of the tank in the manual and it's 3.38 gallons. Now if your dealer didn't quite fill it at the time of delivery, then maybe you had only, say, 3 gallons in it. The manual doesn't say what the capicity is at the point of the low fuel warning coming on is. It's possible you might have nearly a gallon still in it at the time you posted this. So, there's 45 mpg. That's all I'm getting out of mine so far.
BTW, we need to see PICTURES of it!!! >:(
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I have sort of worked out that I should get around 220 (17 km/ Litre) on a tank. I use the trip meter so I plan my trips and filling stops at around 180-200km on the trip meter then reset the trip. I sure wish this tank was a bit bigger I commute 70 km to work and back so fill up every second day because I'm scared to try the third day in case of some delay or problem and I run out of fuel. I have a filling station 1 km from my home on the route and no other one near to the route I commute so if I miss that one I have to divert and go looking for fuel. The guage is a bit strange, after filling, it sits almost stuck on the full for about 90 km then drops rapidly down over the next 50 km then the light comes on and stresses me. I find that too unreliable and rather ignore the fuel guage and use the trip meter method. I do the same with my Suzuki GSXR750 which doesn't have a fuel gauge and the ute which does. And yes the guys are right be careful when you fill up it blows back, I was caught out with my right boot, sock and jeans soaked in fuel and spent the rest of the day smelling of fuel besides having pretty sore skin burns for awhile. Couple of new guys around the forum, so guys how about a few photos so we can see the scoot. Regards from Durban RSA.
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Thanks for all the info.
It looks like my 90 miles isn't too bad, considering the reserve light (which the manual says I have) hasn't come on yet and th scoot hasn't broken in yet.
I am disappointed in the gas blow back reports. I have major problems with that on my Scarabeo 250. Anyone have any hints on how to limit it?
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When mine was new, it took a few tanks to get the feel for how much to put in at what mileage. I too watch for blowback after similar experiences.
Mine - X500 - was averaging 46mpg with mostly city and some 70mph freeway riding. Now I have Dr. Pulley sliders installed, and they took some getting used to, mostly stopped twisting the throttle so much as takeoff was improved.
And my mechanic has fine-tuned carb and spark plug. Also added dry lubricant, graphite, to variator when new belt was installed. Now my mileage averages 50. It drops to 45-47 when loaded for touring and riding above 60mph. big motor and automatic transmission, and she still gets better than the Harley and Kawasaki 650 twin I used to ride.
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Thanks for all the info.
It looks like my 90 miles isn't too bad, considering the reserve light (which the manual says I have) hasn't come on yet and th scoot hasn't broken in yet.
I am disappointed in the gas blow back reports. I have major problems with that on my Scarabeo 250. Anyone have any hints on how to limit it?
I haven't looked at a diagram of the x500, so it is very likely to be completely different than the People 250, so what I'm saying here probably doesn't apply to you. On the P250, the tank is actually in two sections -- the bottom tank, under the left floorboard, and the top tank/filler. The fuel level float sensor is in the bottom tank. How this works in practice on my P250 is like this: I fill up, and the fuel gauge reads "F" for about 80% of the time I ride on that tank. When the needle moves off "F," it is time to think about re-fueling. I almost never let it fall below what the gauge indicates as 1/4 tank, as I'm running quite low by that point. If the low fuel LED comes on, I might have a very few miles (I mean under five) of riding left -- it's way too late unless this happens right around the corner from a gas station. Something to consider if you like to ride the Natchez Trace, as I do (and exit signs for gas do not exist... most of the gas stations are 20+ miles off of the Trace up here on the northern end!).
Now this will probably vary even between different P250s, but the important thing on any scooter (indeed, any vehicle) is to try to never run out of fuel, right? So I would recommend that you never put off fueling up. Try my trick of fueling up no later than 1/4 tank (indicated), compare the amount of fuel you can put in at that point against the known capacity, and after a few fill ups, you'll have a really good idea as to the accuracy of your gauge.
Fuelly has been a big help to me for tracking expenses, MPG and other data. As you can see, I average 91 miles between fill-ups (http://www.fuelly.com/driver/jprestonian/people-250) (and my mileage has been improving since I fixed that li'l brake issue (http://kymcojones.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-caliper-non-catastrophe.html)).
Splash-back: The filler "tank" is large enough on the P250 to keep this from being much of an issue. I try applying only enough pressure to the fuel dispensing trigger on the pump to allow fuel to flow (not always easy, depending on the pump!), and the auto-cutoff has always worked for me. I do not try to add additional fuel once it cuts off, automatically.
.
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The fuel gauge of the x500 is nearly worthless. 1/3 of the trip full, 1/3 from full to empty and stays the last 1/3 at empty.
At least the light comes on if only 2 litres left (states the manual, I once went 30km with light on without running dry). But the light is very poor, I may only notice it in the dark.
Consequently I use the trip odometer to decide about refilling.
Beware of running dry! The end gear has much friction, especially if cold, and the x500 is quite exhausting to push.
I have no problems with back sputttering, I insert the nozzle deep into the fuel cap and wait for automatic shut off. Then pulling out a little and fill the last amount (volume like a cup) slowly.
Instead of fuelly.com, most Germans use "spritmonitor.de". There are more than 200000 entries on this site!
My x500:
http://www.spritmonitor.de/de/detailansicht/169394.html (http://www.spritmonitor.de/de/detailansicht/169394.html)
(4.95 litre/100km = 47 mpg (US) = 57 mpg (UK))
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I have no problems with back sputttering, I insert the nozzle deep into the fuel cap and wait for automatic shut off. Then pulling out a little and fill the last amount (volume like a cup) slowly.
What do you mean "insert the nozzle deep". My fuel cap tube has a plastic thing which doesn't allow the nozzle to go into filler tube to the blowback guard like it does on cars. Do you push hard and compress the spring on the nozzle?
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Probably our gas pump nozzles are thinner. I can insert them about 15cm into this white plastic thing.
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I put in. 2.575 gallons. The reserve light had just come on. I REALLY hope it wasn't completely full when I got it, becasue if it was, I'm only getting 35mpg at best. I know this is break-in mileage, but I think that's a little low.
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A few others posted about the "lag" on true readings from the fuel gauge. You may have been down a gallon, and still read full. As you know your mpg will climb some once your new parts get settled in. I just love the snap you get from new rings tho!
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I've only had one trip where the mileage from a tankful was a problem. That was doing a lot of freeway riding across Louisiana which has swamps. Lots of miles and miles of swamp. A couple of times I had to plan and watch for gas stations.
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I read a few stories in magazines of people carrying smallish plastic gasoline containers with them on runs. That would almost certainly cut down stops at gas stations. I do wonder how their butts feel :-)
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I don't mind stopping after two or three hours for a break, especially if it's a long ride.
My longest so far was about 1550 miles in 5 days. One day was just over 600 miles. That's about 960 kilometers. It was fun.
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Wow... how often do you need new tires ?
:-)
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not as often now that I run Michelin Gold. My first set lasted about 15k miles. The Michelin still looks good after 14k.
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I only got 36 mpg on my last fill up. Hopefully the tech will see something when it goes in for the 600 mile checkup.
On a positive note, the speedo seems to be less than 3% optimistic. I checked with a GPS. The odometer looks pretty close too, but I've only got a 15 mile sample for that.
I'll be doing a 2-way 50-ish minute ride Saturday to get the tupperware repair estimate. I'll use the GPS to check mileage there too.
I'll get almost 2 hours on the scoot in one trip Saturday. I haven't done that in over 20 years.
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Now that I've got a little more riding time and experience on the 500 I can say that it IS a gas hog!
Haven't calculated the actual mileage yet but I'm guessing it's not the 45 I was originally thinking. Maybe more like what Rick is getting. And I don't get on the throttle much at all.
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It has alot of weight to push for a single jug. Some minor performance mods to get better accell, will actually bring the mileage up a few points. You know, more efficient = better mileage.
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I am not sure what octane was put in by the dealer, and I don't remember what I put in for my first tank. I put in 93 this last time and got 40 mpg. I've been doing mostly 20-40 mph, stop and go. The GPS says I averaged 35 mph on the trip. I filled it up this morning and was on the road for 2 hours 8 minutes, mostly 45-55 mph. The gauge is now a little above half. I'm hoping that means I'll be able to go 3 1/2 - 4 hours between fill ups on a trip. I'll fill up tomorrow morning. Hopefully I'll have a better mileage to report.
It looks like my odometer and speedometer are close enough to be considered almost dead on. My speedo read 60mph and the GPS says 59.4 mph. The odo says 76 mile s and the GPS says 74.9.
Oh, yeah... as I'll post in my othr thread, I go the plastic prices....
$523.91 for plastic. $960.76 installed (tax, estimate charge). I'll go to the insurance guy Monday or Tuesday afternoon.
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I would use nothing less than hi test
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I used high test (93 RON) for the last 2 tanks. On very stop and go, I got 40 mpg. On mostly long stretches 45-55 mph, I got 48 mpg. I got some blow back when I filled the tank, but I don't think that is enough to alter the mileage too much.
I might try different stations to see if they mileage varies with vendor.
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I have found better mileage and performance using top-tier premium grade gasoline. Top-tier is a phrase I picked up from reading articles about gasoline posted by experts, or so they appear to be.
Premium - 93 octane by U.S. standards - gives mine better mileage and performance. Mileage does drop at hiway speeds over 60mph/120kph and carrying a heavier load.
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I get 220km warning light comes on but usually only take 8.5-9 ltd depending on how ,long i ran with the light on , have run until the needle is right past the red empty mark and stll only took 10 lts . i run in 7 lts a fast watch the gas pump sign then run the last ltr or so in gently until
i can see the level otherwise it belches back /or overfills and drains down the black plastic turning it grey.My
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I just got 43.5 mpg on my last fill up. It was mostly in-town and very stop and go. That's close enough to 45 to be margin of error.
So, I have 2 fill ups that I am sure I put in 93 RON, and those were 47 mpg and 43.5 mpg, most highway-ish, and all in-town. So, maybe, just maybe, my scoot is just a little bit of a gas hog :-)
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I get 45 to 50 MPG regardless of the gasoline octane. I believe specs call for min 90 RON. This equates to 87 (R+M)/2 which is regular gasoline in the states. Here is a link to some info on octane.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating)
I also found an interesting consumer guide on octane myths.
http://www.state.mn.us/mn/externalDocs/Commerce/Gasoline_Octane_Facts_102902052227_OctaneFacts.pdf (http://www.state.mn.us/mn/externalDocs/Commerce/Gasoline_Octane_Facts_102902052227_OctaneFacts.pdf)
Sometimes more important than octane is to make sure you are buying gasoline that is of good grade from a station that sells enough that you know what you are buying is fresh and not contaminated.
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I have read and heard it said often enough to believe that premium gasoline has more detergent which keeps engine clean. The mechanic that does the majority of work on my scooter has said that engines run on premium do not accumulate as much gunk.
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I have heard that from mechanics as well, but found no real evidence to substantiate it. In an article on gasoline from CNN here is an excerpt.
"Typically, within the same brand of gasoline, between regular and premium, "the difference is really just octane," confirms Prentiss Searles, Marketing Issues Manager at the American Petroleum Institute. To call a fuel regular, midgrade, or premium, Searles explains, only relates to octane; there's no other requirement that assures greater purity, more detergents, or better additives.
Nielsen says that the emphasis on detergents and additives for premium fuels is also misleading because in most fuels you have plenty of detergents to keep modern computer-controlled engines clean. "Unleaded is just fine," he insists."
Some brands do claim to put in more or better detergents, but apparently it goes into all grades. Then again when you are only buying 2 or 2 1/2 gallons the cost is not appreciablle for peace of mind.
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Detergents are the garbage they "THEY" put in, Octane is the principal! The theory does meet in the end
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I get 45 to 50 MPG regardless of the gasoline octane. I believe specs call for min 90 RON. This equates to 87 (R+M)/2 which is regular gasoline in the states. Here is a link to some info on octane.
From my Owner's Manual: "Use unleaded gasoline with a research octane number of 91 or higher". Gas stations in my area have 87, 89 and 93, so I have been putting in 93. I do think the quality of the gas varies a lot in my area. I am going to try using a station a little farther up the road next time.
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After doing some reading, it seems 87 (R+M)/2 is supposedly sufficient. I'll give it a try next fill up.
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You will see rick that if you use hi test in one tank full, and standard grade in the next. your performance will fall of, mileage will go down, and you may even hear the death rattle of pre ignition. Cheap pump gas is for washing paintbrushes.
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Ok.. what's everyone here using.. regular or high-test?
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Only the highest octane I can get at the gas station! I forget whether it's 91 or 93. My scoot barely runs on regular (87)!
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I use the lowest available.
For years it was "normal" with 91 ROZ / 82.5 MOZ and since about 1 year only "super" with 95 ROZ 85 MOZ.
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The dealer told me I should use only premium so that's what I've done. What I'd like to know is which gas DOESN'T have ethanol in it so I can use that. Seems every station I go to has it.
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I use the lowest available.
For years it was "normal" with 91 ROZ / 82.5 MOZ and since about 1 year only "super" with 95 ROZ 85 MOZ.
How does ROZ and MOZ compare to (R+M)/2? IS ROZ the same as RON?
Why did you switch to super from normal, and did your mileage change?
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Ok.. what's everyone here using.. regular or high-test?
..shell V-power 93 octane high-test premium go-juice...
;D
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..shell V-power 93 octane high-test premium go-juice...
;D
Is that 93 (RON + MON)/2 ?
You'd think figuring octane ratings wold be easy.. but nooooooo ....
RON, MON, ROZ, MOX, AKI, (RON + MON)/2.... sheesh.
it's looking like the answer to my questions is ...screw the octane rating numbers, use high-test.
:-)
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...i'm not even sure wht th' heck ron mon is...lol...
..but, yeah...my lil A50 runs like crap with anything less than the best...
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.screw the octane rating numbers, use high-test.
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How does ROZ and MOZ compare to (R+M)/2? IS ROZ the same as RON?
It's the same. Sorry, I forgot to translate the abbreviation.
Why did you switch to super from normal, and did your mileage change?
No more "normal" fuel available and no (significant) change in mileage.
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Yeah, what he said. Shell V-power Premium. Or Chevron premium.
Mechanic pulled the heads on mine at 24k miles and said the engine looked almost new. Premium has more detergent cleaning power.
And I can tell the difference on how my Puff runs as I did try a couple of tanks of regular after she was broke-in. Premium is best.
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I've got 1118 miles on the scoot now. Since 700 miles, I've averaged 41.35 mpg in town, mostly 25 - 45 and many stops. I did a 98 mile trip yesterday, highway-ish (45-60, few stops) and got 49.52 mpg. The mpg picture looks much better than when I first got the scoot, but I was hoping for a little more. Still, 40+ mpg city isn't too shabby :-)
I am now up to date on www.fuelly.com (http://www.fuelly.com), too.
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My zx/50 is bumping 30mpg.
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My ZX50 was getting 120 km per tank but I have since dropped a bomb on that, more like about 80km/tank now.
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It will steady out. Still not much better tho. I could not believe the fuel consumption w/ the kit vs w/out. Now I just laugh when people ask if I get over a hundred miles to a gallon.
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Yeah, they looked shocked when I tell them their car probably gets better mileage! :D
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Yep, if you want the economy dont do the mods, if you want the mods, bugger the economy.
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...i MIGHT be gettin' 40-45 mpg on my A50 4t....
..was gettin over 90 mpg when it was new...@ 30-35 mph.....