[jkv357]

Your commute is certainly less than optimum for high MPGs, so those numbers from a ZX6 are even more impressive.

Another factor currently holding the numbers down is winter-blend gas. You'll see a significant drop in MPG just because of those changes. It changes to winter-blend after Sept 15 in most areas, and I did notice a MPG drop with the car just after that time even though the weather was still reasonably warm.

Running a synthetic oil with a lower grade of 5W would probably help you also. A 5W-40 synthetic like Rotella T6 will reduce some of the oil's resistance to flow when cold and during warm-up. Because your commute isn't very long, and the temps are pretty low, I doubt the oil temp is getting high enough to reach its high range (40), so most of the time it's in-between. Oils with low "W" ratings give better mileage because they flow easier during the significant amount of time the oil takes to reach its high temp rating. All of the mileage advantage from lower viscosity oils (like Mobil1 0W-30 "Advanced Fuel Economy") comes during that time - there's no mileage increase once it's fully warm.

Gas without Ethanol will also help bump your mileage. Depending on the additional cost, and how much mileage increase it gives, it may cost less per mile or it may not.

My SV doesn't mind in-town riding, and has delivered almost the same mileage in-town as on the hwy, but it's not a full-fairing model so it's pushing a lot of wind at speed.

Let us know what you get at a steady 60 MPH if you get a chance, but don't be too worried if it's not what you hoped - I'm sure the mid-summer numbers will be significantly higher.


Jay