Gas Mileage...

[us385south]

Okay, background...

I have a (sweet lil') 1998 Standard.  It had pretty much been sitting for two years.  Most of the last year... outside.  I have done a rear end inspect/repack/re-build.  I have pulled the front end and bought 2 new tires... I have a new battery... I have cleaned, wiped and polished.  I have replaced the timing belts.  While in there, I added a 4 degree timing wheel.  I upgraded to a an IS/ICM. 

All in all... my gas mileage jumped from 24 to 30 MPG.  Which, I consider impressive... but... Is that enough to get e from Del Rio, TX to Sanderson, TX?  (maybe) Or from Study Butte, TX to Presidio, TX? (maybe)  Or from Sierra Blanca, TX... north to US 180 over through Gaudalupe Pass to Texas RR 653 to Orla and then down to Pecos. ('Prolly not!)

There is a decidedly gassy smell around the bike as it runs.  It is a very noxious gas... like some starnge unburt fuel issue... like a solid wall of carbon monoxide... it is so bad that when I am gearing up... it makes me gag.  I have to let the bike warm up 50 feet away.  It's worse when the bike is cold and/or the choke is on.  What is up?

So what's next?  Sych the carbs?  Rebuild the carbs?  I want to to get the maximum yield from every gallon I buy...

Suggestions...

[Red Diamond]

Why don't you check the map for mileage between these locations. For example, the distance between Study Butte to Presidio is only about 75 miles. It's more than an hours ride because of the winding Rio Grande, which the Hwy paralells. If your bike has been sitting for awhile, I think the consensus would be to remove the carbs, clean, rejet if necessary, raplace dried o-rings, etc. You will probably get additional help for the board.

[dago mooserider]

Something is definitely not right. My pops and I both have 98 standards and on a recent ride we got within 1 mpg of each other 37 him, 38 me. Almost a 500 mile day. Speeds were 60-80. Both our valks have stock timing. Oh and neither of us ever smells gas, hot, cold. Must be a leak somewhere.

[John U.]

Did the previous owner change jets, shim or change metering needles? It could be one or more loose jets or bad floats allowing too much fuel to pass.
Wide open pilot screws might cause the smell at idle and would cause some reduction in mileage.
The enricher mechanism could be stuck partially on. Some spray lube like WD-40 would help free things up.
A dirty air filter could cause bad fuel mileage.
If the bike sat for a while, check the exhaust pipes, a mouse nest could cause a blockage that would also hurt mileage but the bike would run poorly and have no power. It would also smell like something other than gas.
How do the plugs look?

[Chrisj CMA]

If its not desmogged, I will bet the vacuum lines are shot.  And, either way tightening the 18 intake clamp screws will help get rid of gas smell as well as help with the mileage