Are later bikes better on MPG / Tank Range?

[Rasher]

Having sold my K5 bike a few months back due to not using it much for a couple of years as I had a job where commuting by bike was not an option things have changed and I really could do with having another bike for commuting.

The old bike was managing high 50's to the gallon even with 45k on the clocks and a K&N Filter and different end can - and with the 22L tank it meant I could easily top 250 miles on a fill-up.

I believe from 2012 onwards the tank was reduced by 2L, so I am wondering if the fuel consumption of later models goes any way towards making up for the tank reduction?

As I may be doing a 120 mile per day commute next year I need a reliable 240 miles per tank, my guess is I will be shopping for a pre 2012 bike to achieve this?

[UK_Vstrom650]

Depending on your right wrist, weight etc you can do 240 miles on a 2012+ 650. With no regard for the above & lots of city traffic I usually get a minimum of 60mpg (bike computer) which usually means my reserve light flashes around 200 miles with the 2nd warning coming on later. If I'm on the motorway without going too fast, this mpg goes up especially if there's variable speed limits involved.  I always ride with a 52L top box so removing that would possibly give improved mpg.
I do have a K&N air filter fitted,  but I think having the OEM provided slightly better mpg.

[hotbulb]

I, too, get at least 60mpg (bike computer) unless really "pressing on"........ I usually refill every 240 (or so) miles.
(2014 650)

[Old Biker]

Whilst not commuting with my 2013 650 I have over the circa 15k miles I have had the bike averaged 78mpg. This is not the bike computer figure but total fuel vs total miles on a mixed bag of riding 

[oslin]

well I do not do that much traffic as I live in the country but there is some of course, but my late 2014 v-strom 650 returns 74 mpg normally but I am not a hard rider only the odd moment of madness :-)
Keith

[Yellow Peril]

I get a real 74 mpg riding on the B and minor A roads of Suffolk, Norfolk and Lincolnshire, "making progress" when the road allows and sometimes refuel at 300+ miles (though it does require a leap of faith).

[JhT]

My Glee is one of the first L2 units -end 2011.
I do my daily commuting with her, with B roads, A roads and some city, heated grips and auxiliary lights, 52l box and my being a dad bod always achieve 60+mpg.

Merry Christmas!

[Rasher]

Sounds like the later bikes will do fine, as long as they can do a reliable 250 miles on my commute (all main roads and motorway) all will be good.

I am pretty sure the K5 was comfortably topping 55mpg even with an indicated 80+ on the motorway sections and some filtering in the congested sections.

Will wait until I have been in the new job for a month or so and then start looking for a Strom.

[harmony]

I commute 109 miles a day on my 2012 glee.  A good deal of 75mph and then plenty of London filtering.

I put approximately £9.60 worth of fuel in it daily at the old Kent road asda. 

[Lincsman]

One time when I was just pottering around the Wolds, my 2016 650 was doing 83MPG.
On average I'm seeing the high 70's.

[vstroman]

I average around 61 mpg, I suppose if I rode easier I'd get into the high 60's but there's no fun in that, I refill every 200 miles because I read it's not good for the fuel pump on these to run too low on fuel.

[brettchallenger]

The official Suzuki quote is 69mpg, which in fact is what I mostly return on my '18, 650.