New oil, oil filter, air filter and plugs = lower MPGS?

[jmbo]

Putting a K&N filter on your bike will not necessarily improve your gas milage. I fact I've heard many stories to the contrary.  With better breathing the motor might perform better but adding potentially more air changes the fuel air mixture. Some computer controlled engine systems try to compensate by pumping more fuel to maintain the factory preset ratio. Not sure if this is the case with the Kawi fuel management system but it has been an issue on other vehicles.

[DrifteRizzo]

Update:
Getting the same 116-120 mi til reserve light, I spend about 10min in stop n go traffic and 30 min set at 70-75 mph.  Seems to be holding steady mpg wise.  Wouldn't mind a little improvement. Will the cobra, commander,etc. make a difference without many mods, or is that a waste of money?

to answer your questions Chief:
PO put roadhouse 2 into 1 pipes on the bike, but kept Kaw oem air filter (which I changed to K&N).
I did change the plugs, but I haven't had a chance to check the gap and make sure its right...been riding her daily since i got her.

Rizzo

[chief]

You can't judge mpg based upon one or two tanks of fuel (original mpg figure). Also, you will almost always get better mpg on long distance interstate type travel, over normal around town/area travel.  The way you ride and where you ride matters.

The bike may be running differently because it can now breath... you don't say if the bike has the oem exhaust or an aftermarket. When I added the K&N filter with my Big Willy's pipes I had to add a cobra FI box because of decel popping.
If the bike has been sitting for a while, I'd replace the plugs in any event.

[DrifteRizzo]

Recently did some maintenance on my new to me 1500 drifter, and I notice a strange phenomena.  When I bought the bike it had been garage/barn stored for some time.  I fired it up rode it home (4.5+ hrs) at 70-80 MPH and got about 140mi before the gas light.  I pulled out the old air filter(dirty) and put in the new K&N, ran sea foam through the crankcase and drained the jet black oil, new plugs (OEM), new final drive oil, and 3 tanks of sea foam in the gas tank....now I get the gas light (same speed range)  at 116-120mi and a lot more backfire at decel.  My only thought is that gap on the plugs may be off (forgot to check) and I'm running rich, otherwise I'm a little confused.

Thanks in advance for the advice.