MPG

[YardBoy]

Got to ride the backroads today exactly 100 miles.  Topped off at 2.50 gallons.  I guess theres something to be said for the Dyna 3000 setting 7 and the K&N air filter.  Best up to today was 36.5 mpg.

[Tropic traveler]

You done good!
30-35 is about my '97 Valk's range. Wife's '98 consistently gets 2-3 more MPG than I do. ???

Must be me!

[Zorba]

i get 35-36 at 75 mph on my 97 std with a 6 degree trigger ,K&N and Dyno jet kit and straight pipes after i richened it up!

[Bladedog]

Still trying to find out why I'm only getting 28-30 MPG on my 97 standard.  Seems to be running very smooth, I stay on the tire pressue regularly, recent oil change, brake shoes are ok, ran some Techron through about 4 tanks ago, any other suggestions?

[Bladedog]

no mods other than chrome odds and ends, exhaust seems normal, altitude is close to sea level.  I haven't checked the plugs lately.  Good idea.  If they look normal, what else should I try?

[Jack]

I consistently get 40+mpg but I keep it below 70mph.  The worst I got was 30mpg at 90mph.

[dreamaker]

The best I got was 39.5 mpg, that is running under 3000 rpm at around 50-55 mph. I have an interstate mod. and using a Dial-a-Jet but is still running a slightly rich. The biggest gas eater is the right hand twist.

Dan

[Tundra]

If I can keep the tach. under 3k I will be rewarded with 36-38mpg. Over 3k, It drops significantly. Recently ran a 3 hour trip, all interstate at no less than 90mph, got horrible milage, only around 28mpg. I couldn't help but think, can I damage my bike running this speed this long? I told myself no, not with  a valk running synthetic oil and synthetic in the rear, with fresh anti-freeze. It sure was hot though! and screemin for that 6th gear!

[MP]

I have a 97.  I always get less mileage with a group of valks than the newer ones.  The 97's have a different cam and a different carb.  They are a little more powerful, and you pay for it with GAS.  I figure 3-4mpg less than newer ones, running with the group.  The other 97's get less too.  Running 80 mph I get 25, at 60-65 I will get 33-36 mpg.
MP

[Brovietnam]

My '97 is coming up on 90,000 miles and it gets about 37 to 40 mpg below 70 mph.   It has been that way since I got it.  Original 6 degree trigger wheel, K&N filter, stock pipes.  I have been thinking about checking the vacume lines, I might be getting a air leak.  the plugs are ususally light chocolate after I get of the raid, depending on where I get gas.

[Zorba]

Still trying to find out why I'm only getting 28-30 MPG on my 97 standard.  Seems to be running very smooth, I stay on the tire pressue regularly, recent oil change, brake shoes are ok, ran some Techron through about 4 tanks ago, any other suggestions?

Hey Bladedog, on the Classified section there's a "Dynojet stage one kit" buy it after you check the parts # (i think it should be an 1166 not sure if it's the right one?) ahttp://www.dynojet.com/jetkits/motorcycle/honda.aspx  and put it on ,it will allow you to adjust the richness with 4 settings on the needle valves ,you can lean it out one notch and pull more gas milage plus you'll feel the extra HP in your seat!
I set mine on the 3rd notch and it worked great for a 97 which has the "Air /fuel mix pilot screw set at 2 turns out, different from 98's etc, don't adjust your "Pilot screw", ride it 300 miles then check your plugs to see how lean or rich it's running!  oh yea sync the carbs when you have installed the Dynojet kit!

[Bladedog]

Ok, here we go.  looked at the left bank of plugs, all seems good.  Went to the right bank, pulled the wires, and.....  AAAAUUUGGHHH!!!!



NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!



Ok, calmed myself, used up every bad word I could think of, and cleaned out the wells as best I could.  Pulled each plug and looked, and other than the obvious:



 the gaps seem ok





Now about the *gasp* r- r- rust, is there major cause for concern?  Is this the beginning of the end?   Anything else that may be dragging down my mileage?

[ricoman]

I have the same problem. Last two tanks got 25 mpg on the best. I do get on it a bit but shouldn't it be near 30?
It was suggested to adjust the "D" dealie on the carb bottoms. Need to get the tool. Is that a possibility? Carbs were done at the dealer 2 mos ago and the mileage went south after that.

[MP]

Sounds like you answered your own question.  If mileage went bad after the dealer, whatever he did, caused it.  Probably.  May have set them too rich.

[John U.]

Bladedog,
Unless your bike has been underwater, it looks like the drain holes at the bottom of the plug insets
are plugged. The rust was deposited on the sides and on the sparkplug boot by being full of water for a period of time. Compressed air and/or a piece of stiff wire might clear them. Put plugs back in the holes first.
Be sure the plug wires are making good contact with the new plugs.
Good thing you found it before the plugs rusted away completely 

[Bladedog]

Definitely going to correct this issue this weekend!!  Any suggestions on plug types/brands?  No use replacing just the three, gonna do all six.

[98valk]

all carbs, all needles, for all bikes and for all yrs are the same. only part #s from the '97s were changed in '98.

There have been much debate on different cams for the '97 and the other yrs. According to the tech manual only cams btwn calf., bikes and 49 state are different, yrs make no difference. There was a member a few yrs back that actually had a set of '97 cams and another yr. He spec'd them out and found no difference. He didn't state if they were ca or 49 state.

I have a set of '97 pipes which I used while i was modifying my '98 pipes, the '97s did have a slightly louder tone to them. Enough to dyno 100hp and 100 lbft like the mags printed for the '97, no way! The '97 tested in the mags IMO was a modified production model. I tweaked my '98 with jetting, airbox mod and glass pack exhaust and hit the 100/100 #s @ 70 degree temps. hit 98hp at Inzane II @ 92 degree temps inside the dyno truck. I've talked to others who changed valve springs and shaved their heads and dyno'd 104hp. Do basic mods and there is some hp lurking there. $$$ and MPG will vary.

[Bladedog]

Back to the drawing board. 

Replaced the plugs and after two tankfuls still getting about 27 to 28 mpg.  Those are mainly hiway miles, too.  I stay pretty close to the speed limit.  I live near Santa Barbara, CA.  I guess the next step is to see if the carbs need syncing?  Unfortunately I don't have the knowledge or equipment to do it myself, so if I take it to a good shop how much should I expect to pay?  This is getting very frustrating.  I want to go on some group rides but I don't want to slow everyone else down because I have to stop for gas every 115 miles.

[FLATSIX]

Yesterday I went for a short ride (as I always do) and hit reserve at 170 km (106 miles) - that gives again 27 mileage.

So , you are not alone - I have the same problem, but as said , I only take short ridings - many stops and I like to accelerate when motor got warm.

In a few weeks from here I will do a trip of about 200 miles - then I will know what mileage it will be, but surely will not be 38 or 40 !!

I thought about sync. the carbs and turn the pilot screw - but I don't live in the paradise for Valkyries - here I very rarely see Flatsixes (F6C) and garages are only expensive, but the result ????

Success and if you find THE solution - please inform me as then I'll do the same on the Fat GIRL.

[timk519]

I'd suggest checking your vacuum hoses - mine sprang some leaks due to age, and pulled down my mileage as a result.

[John U.]

A vacume leak is a real possibility. While you're at it check the vacume plugs, you might want to replace the intake tube O-rings and tighten the band clamps that connect the tubes to the carbs (two clamps on each). How is your air filter? After you get all that done run it for a while and check the plug condition, if they look rich you might be able to adjust you pilot screws a bit tighter (2 to 2 1/4 out from lightly seated).
Let us know what happens.

[FLATSIX]

I just filled my Baby up with gasoline - went 166km with 11,3 liters = 6,8l/100 km = 34,5 mpg

1/2 of trip autoroute with speed between 75 and 100 mph (1 time 120 mph - couldn't help it, my wrist again..

the other 1/2 town

So it seems that when riding a longer trip I have 35 - short distances and wristing = 27 mpg

It is all in the head with me. With 35 mpg I can live !

[Bladedog]

Went for a nice long ride Saturday over hwy 154 to Paradise store for an outstanding tri-tip sandwich, used up most of the gas, then today, pulled the tank to check out the ol' air filter and........


YUCK!

EWWWW!



So looks like this could be a major factor in my lousy mileage!

Now, should I go with the standard OEM filter or upgrade to the K & N?  If I upgrade, can anyone tell me the correct one to get (and where?)

[John U.]

This will no doubt start a lively discussion but IMHO a K&N will let the engine breathe easier at the sacrifice of letting more dirt through; if you keep the bike long enough it may save you some money.
After reading the results of a comparison test of various OEM and after market truck filters and noticing the thousand points of light visible through a K&N, I'm using stock filters. FWIW

[Ricky-D]

Your filter does not actually look that bad. It is doing the job very well. Knock off the dirt and use it again. it definitely is not affecting your gas mileage.

[John U.]

If it's like my bikes, that dirt won't knock off. There is an oily residue that combines with the dirt.
It's your bike and your money. If it was mine, I'd change the filter.

[petahb]

I bought a 98 Tourer last year that had been left uncovered outside a bunch. It only ran on 4 cylinders.
Upon checking 2 of the spark well drain holes were plugged, full of water and shorting out.
I took a large paper clip and straightened it out and used some pliers and shoved it through the drain holes and the water ran out(with the plugs still in). Put the boots back on and it ran on all six.

[petahb]

Forgot this. The drain hole is right under the spark plug...may be hard to see with all that crud in there.

[petahb]

Mr Moderator...can you move these posts to the right thread. I messed up.
Thanks

[Bladedog]

Maybe I did jump to conclusions but it sure looks bad checking it in the light of the garage.  Anyone else think the filter is overly dirty or is that just normal (for maybe 1500-2000 miles) buildup?  After I replace the filter, if the mileage doesn't pick up I'll be looking at carb adjustments. 

[R J]

Maybe I did jump to conclusions but it sure looks bad checking it in the light of the garage.  Anyone else think the filter is overly dirty or is that just normal (for maybe 1500-2000 miles) buildup?  After I replace the filter, if the mileage doesn't pick up I'll be looking at carb adjustments. 

The 1st carb adjustment you need to make would be not to twist that right handle bar thingie too far.....

If you bought a Valkyrie for gas mileage, you bought the wrong bike.........  You can get good mileage out of them, but it isn't constant as the biggest offender is that right handle bar thingie that moves as you move your wrist....

My best mileage has been in the low 40's, my worst was coming across SD from Sturgis 4 years ago, I got a whompin 19 MPG, and NO trailer, and on carburetors, no Blower....

[Bladedog]

You mean speed?  Well I would neeeeever....

I knew when I got it that the mileage is not very efficient, but it just seems lately the BEST I had gotten was 30 and the worst in the low 20's.  Low 40's seems like a wet dream!  Anyway, I talked to the local Honda mechanic and he also suggested I kick the tire pressure up to 42-43 (especially since I ride two up a lot) and that actually helped.  I went 135 miles over the weekend before I had to switch to reserve, which is the BEST I had ever done. On Friday I went on a short ride with a bunch of co-workers, one of which rides a Harley, and he mentioned it seemed to be running rich.  Ah well, it's one long learning experience.  Once I get the new filter installed we'll go from there.

Oh, I just ordered a K & N from Bikebandit.  They matched the price I found online from a competitor ($66.95!)  Awesome folks over there.