Gen one on board MPG accuracy?

Kyle_E

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Mar 3, 2019
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I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide.
Just curious for those that track their fills. How accurate is the on board MPG calculator in your experience?
Only 20 fills in so far, but it's off 1mpg. I reset the MPG average when I do the trip odo then check the numbers.

Usually around 38 (by the math) with the display with indicate 39.~. Not a big deal always carry extra gas, just wondering if I should trust that 1MPG difference on a longer trips.
 

Eville Rich

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Sep 15, 2016
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Wisconsin, USA
I've got a gen 2 and sound it to be off by about 2 mpg. Not too bad. But whether gen 1 or gen 2, both with a 6 gallon tank, being off my 1 mpg means you are at most off by six miles for the entire tank. I know that can matter out in the hinterlands and getting to the next gas station, but cutting it that close is risky.

I start to sweat when I approach a 1/2 gallon remaining and typically fill up with a gallon or 1.5 gallons remaining. Not always possible on some trips, I know.

Eville Rich
2016 S10
 

jeckyll

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May 11, 2016
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651
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Lotusland
I start to sweat when I'm on reserve and am not within sight of a gas station

I wouldn't sweat a small difference, I'd have extra gas if the distance is so close to my max range... I wouldn't count on the fuel usage indicator
 

Kyle_E

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Joined
Mar 3, 2019
Messages
672
Location
I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide.
I've got a gen 2 and sound it to be off by about 2 mpg. Not too bad. But whether gen 1 or gen 2, both with a 6 gallon tank, being off my 1 mpg means you are at most off by six miles for the entire tank. I know that can matter out in the hinterlands and getting to the next gas station, but cutting it that close is risky.

I start to sweat when I approach a 1/2 gallon remaining and typically fill up with a gallon or 1.5 gallons remaining. Not always possible on some trips, I know.

Eville Rich
2016 S10
Yeah more or less checking that my 1~ mpg is legit over time or if it vary's wildly and I shouldn't trust it . With wind and speed can take huge hits to a bike mpg just wanted something I can base stops on the fly.

I know it seems silly on a bike but I cant get over the mind set of gas prices. I know its something I should just shrug off but my head goes, "Damn gas is $5 here in Quatzsite, and 30 miles down the road in Parker its $3. Now logically I know just toss a gal in it to be safe, but noooooo!
 

Eville Rich

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Joined
Sep 15, 2016
Messages
464
Location
Wisconsin, USA
Rolling the dice. Keeps life interesting.

I think the mpg estimate is reasonably good. The fuel gauge less so, but maybe more important. The difficulty is what you pointed out - late into a tank, a headwind, higher speed, uphill travel can mean the second half of the tank might be worse than the first half. Relying on the mpg estimate is then potentially misleading. It's pretty good for giving you a general idea and maybe signal an operating issue. I wouldn't use it for much more than that.

All that said, I watch the mpg estimate closely and reset it each fill-up. I get 3mpg worse with my side cases. And when it gets cold and we get winter gas, I see a 10 percent lower mpg. I appreciate the OCD, I mean discipline, of closely watching fuel performance.

Eville Rich
 
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