Hi, i have a question? last yr i was getting between 45 and 49 mpg on hwy with my 99 drifter. i stored my bike last winter at the same place ive stored it since i got it. so far this spring and summer im only averaging around 27 30 mpg. was woundering if anyone had any ideas of what going on. i get better mileage when i use shell gas almost 35 and that just the 87 octain. any sugestions and help would be greatly apreicated. planning a road trip to vegas this summer, and the more money i spend on gas means less money to have fun with lol. thanks alot. huck
Huck,
You should be using 91 or higher octane due to the elevated compression of the 1999's engine. Kawasaki warns of damage if you don't and it's pennies to go up.
Also, many of us have found that the original clutch design of the 1999 year Drifters allowed a LOT of slippage, lowering mileage and requiring rebuild with new parts and modifications. Take it out and get it up to 60 mph in 5th gear. Then crank the throttle. If the engine revs and you hardly accelerate, you've got the problem and need a clutch rebuild. Don't let a dealer use the original spring; go to the section in here under Mods and study how to rebuild it.
The mileage you quote is quite a bit lower than I had (40) before my rebuild. Do you drive it like a hot rod? Aggressively?
Varooom
Make sure you are measuring over several tanks. Ensure plugs and air cleaner is clean.
I've never gotten 45 on mine... more in the 35 mpg range. As mentioned it could be clutch slippage, but since it wasn't a problem last year this would be towards the end of my suspect list.
You might want to run some injector cleaner through the bike as well to ensure that isn't a problem.
thank you, i took it out and it dosnt feel like the clutch, i talked to a mechanic and he thinks its cause the gas station is changeing between winter and summer gas. i just had the plugs changed in march along with a tune up and new tires. im going to run some fuel injector cleaner threw her and switch to a higher octain hopefully it will help. thanks alot. huck
Tire pressure also effects gas mileage: 28 # front and 36# rear. You're not towing a construction trailer, are you???
Varooom
Tire pressure will impact fuel mileage. If you are maintaining the same pressures as last year, this won't be your problem, but as VR mentioned it is something to check... I run 40/42... but that is a different subject.
First time I've had mine out on a good ride since We all here on the forum helped find the problem. I got 37 mgp. I thought that was great. Bets the 10 I was getting ;D
37 sounds right to me... that's about what I get routinely in this part of the country, this time of year.
I get 43+ mixed driving and 50 on trips where I sit at 70 through a tankfull. Can't figure it because, since putting in a Mean Streak clutch spring and Judge washers I have often spun the rear tire by accident, I'm having so much fun with the Locomotive grunt on the old girl! I'm not chaufer driving her at all and still get hi mileage.
Must be my lever fringes.
Varooom