kxf450 vs kx500: Fuel Consumption....

[sintax]

I'm kinda planning out my next bike a season or two in advance. I am wondering if there are any KX5 converts that are running newer 450's (08 09). Looking for an honest feel for how they compare on fuel consumption, esp on one of the new EFI bikes.

Anyone have any input?

[KXcam22]

This is not a very scientific observation but I have been riding my 07 450 on the same trails and terrain as my KX500.  I find that the fuel mileage is about the same, not a huge difference.  If anything the KX might get a bit better mileage but thats only a gut feel.  The 450 needs a larger tank, but so far I have not run out.  Hope this helps. Cam.

[gwcrim]

Theoretically, the two stroke would use more fuel.  It fires every revolution vs. ever other of a four stroke.

[GDubb]

The only modern fourstroke that I have ridden was my friends fourtrax 450R. I was hitting the rev limiter constantly (wishing it would rev like a 2stroke) which I would assume is sucking alot of gas being wrapped out all the time. I dont know if riding a fourstroke BIKE would be the same but on my K5 I spend most of the time in mid range rpms or low rpms in tight woods so it probably does decent on fuel consumption. Only time I have ever had room to really go WFO is at the dunes where I would assume the K5 would guzzle some gas. Are bikes like cars where they design them to go a certain distance on a tank of fuel and size the tank accordingly? Probably not but just wondering out loud.


-G

[jfabmotorsports.com]

This definitely isn't scientific either. 2002 kx250 2.2 gal, 2008 kx250f 1.9 gal, 2009 kx250f 2.1 gal. I looked the 250's up because they are primarily designed for one reason, motocross, unlike the 500's, with huge tanks, that got used for everything except motocross. So I'm thinking Kawasaki designed the 250's to go about the same distance on a tank of fuel....30min +2 laps. It's just a thought.    JFAB

[The Flyin Hawaiian]

On my old 88 KX500, I would get just about 50 miles per stock tank, which is the same tank used up to 04. This was when ridden easily. My 02 YZ426 could squeeze 70 miles out of the stock 2 gallon tank if ridden easily. Maybe 55 or so under race conditions. 

[jfabmotorsports.com]

Holy Cow Flyin are we twins or is it that your mother and my mother are both mothers. I have an '88 kx500 and a '02 yz426. Off track I know...just weard. JFAB

[tharden]

Even though the kx500 is burning fuel on every stroke, the kxf450 turns a lot more rpms, and the duration in the valves could also cause the 450 to drink more fuel.  I am thinking the 450 fuel consumption will be better than the 500 but not by much.  I have never been on a 450, but would like to one day.

[Danger4u2]

   My bikes suck the fuel.  With the 1.9 gal. tank on the 08 KX500AF I don't think that I can do the full loop on the Black Trail at Crosstimbers riding area here in town.  Last time I rode the Black Trail I carried a quart Mason jar with gas, I stashed it at the trail head just in case.  We took the short cut.  I picked up the jar but I did not put it in the tank.  When I got back to the truck and looked in the tank I could just barely see the gas in the tank.  When I ride the annual dual sport ride in S.E. Okla. each fall riding the 04 KX500 I MUST carry a 2 gal. gas can with my 3.6 gal tank.  Last fall I meant to keep track of gas mileage with the GPS but when your having fun it's hard to remember stuff like that.  I would say the K5 uses gas 2 to 1 over the KLR650 on that same ride.

[dnmac1999]

Anyone ever get a more accurate idea of which one is better yet?

[meangreen500]

I get about 50 to 55 on average. If im hard on the throttle maybe following a desert race course I can get less maybe 50 max. I have a friend that when on his 500 he can only get maybe 45 because he's always on the throttle hard. I think its the way you ride, how its jetted, how its geared and jetting.

[newp500]

2009 KXF 450 setup for HS in Minnesota, last race I burned 1.9 gallons for 42 miles in 1hr 58 minutes (roughly 20 miles to the gallon). I race A class and am not easy on the gas. I also have a 1998 KX 500 (stock) that I race on the ice, with it jetted good it may get 15mpg if I'm lucky. Granted the 5 is WFO the whole time its running. The KXF gets awesome mpg with the EFI compared too my old bikes and my friends. Hope this helps.