OK guys and gals, I've got a problem I can't seem to figure out.

I've basically got a stock '09 Max with only the airbox restrictor plate removed and a K&N air filter.
For the first 12k miles, I rode hard and averaged 25-30mpg. Around that time, I converted to the HID headlight. Most of the HID headlight wiring had to be stuffed in a scoop and blocked most of the left side intake. I also disonnected my exup valve because I liked the throaty sound and it also seemed to increase my bottom end torque just a bit. It was about this time that I noticed my mileage dropped to around 15-20mpg with my driving habits staying the same.

Well, after a couple of burnt out headlight bulbs, I took all the HID wiring out and put the original bulb back in. I also re-connected the exup cables in hopes to bring my mileage back up because I'm tired of topping off my tank twice a day just to get to work and back.

It didn't help. I'm still getting barely 70 miles per tank and I'm even riding easier because of a couple of friendly visits by the Arizona Highway Patrol. I thought for sure that opening up the intake and re-connecting the exup valve would get me back to normal.

Any ideas??

Grover

Assuming that is when you light comes on 70 miles thats poor and hi way driving terrible , I have about every mod and combined riding my light comes on right at 80-85 miles and highway maybe 90 -95
and I have a 240 rear might think about putting your baby on a dyno and look at the AFR's that might tell you something , Brett my riding buddy get's about 30 MPG with Pipes flash mid PCV ect ect
I know Ethanol does not help either , I ran a couple of tankfuls of AV gas and milage increased 3-4 miles per tank and believe me I have a heavy hand on the throttle , I know it's a major pain but you are right in the
sparkplug check replace zone too.

Engine efficiency should improve after break in. Since yours is stock with over 12,000 miles on it, I would think it would be getting better mileage than when new..
Have you checked the air filter to see how dirty it is? It could also be an 02 sensor fouled and failing, or the catalytic converter starting to block up, or a host of other things.

My advice, Unleash the V4. Help it to be more eficient and open that exhaust up SOON!

Add an ECU reflash (funds providing)

You won't be on here bitching about fuel economy

I'll be getting new exhaust setup soon after I decide who's system works best,will sell you my xpipe at cost and all you'll need is PCV. I get 33mpg on average

Was fuel economy the first question before you bought the Vmax, or did you ask how much longer your arms would be, how wide your smile would be at full power. How many bikes can you out run. The fact when, when the bike start to hooks up and you think, glad there is a hump in that seat to help stay on. Is not for fuel economy. Best of LUCK

Seems something is up for sure.
I have lots of mods, but still get 75 to 85 miles before the light comes on, that is usually 3 gals, then an easy nother 20 miles before I fill up. assuming highway or fairly easy daily driving

sounds normal to me /shrug

Yeah Capt, I was thinking that it may be about time for a plug change. B_M, I have cleaned and re-oiled the air filter even though it didn't really need it. The other mods you mentioned are on my wish list but still pending, awaiting the necessary funds.

And No, fuel economy was never a concern. I knew what I was getting into completely. It's just a noticable change and I'm just wondering why. For the first 12k miles, the fuel light always came on between 90 and 100 miles unless I was really pushing it hard. Now it's coming on between 60 and 70 miles with mostly highway and much easier riding than before.

Hell, maybe I need to open her up. Blow out the cobwebs.

Big Al - Thanks for the offer. I'll talk 1:1 with you about that.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

Grover

Hi Grover, the mileage on my Max got better after the break-in period. Much better!

However, there is definately a difference in mileage during the winter and summer time. In winter the mileage is worse than in summer. Do you have large temperature changes in Arizona?

Are you folks kiddin me???? For Real???? I get 20-22mpg.... thats it. Nothings broke.