Gas mileage on my Sturgis trip

[BamaDrifter64]

I have a '99 Valk I/S with 6 packs, no baffles, Rifle tall windshield.  Carbs have not been rejetted.  I'm 6'1", about 250, and probably had another 50 lbs. of gear on the bike.  We consistently ran 75 mph on the slab, according to my GPS, which is approximately 3500 rpm.  I was doing good to make it to 150 miles before I hit reserve, and alot of those times I hit reserve I needed anywhere from 5 gallons to 5.5 gallons of gas to fill back up, but I was squeezing as much in the tank as I could.  Seems like my mileage is off, but this is the first road trip I've taken on this bike since I've had it.  Sound low to you?  What are some of the simple things to look for to increase my gas mileage if it's low?  Thanks in advance!

Dave

[Sharkey]

I got 22 MPG across Kansas on the way to Inzane. A strong head wind, and running around 80.I hit reserve right at 90 miles on my standard. My best ever was in the high 30s taking it easy on two lanes with my Harley buddies. I would say my average is in the very low 30's.

[Big Rig]

I have run varied rides speeds and have maintained 37-38mpg...I have done super slab at 75-80MPH amd still managed low to mid 30's. I am 6'4" and 250 bike was loaded and the RPMs were hovering at 3500....could have been elevation...east coast riding...maybe 1000 ft about sea level....at the highest.

[sandy]

If you're getting 27-30 at 3500 RPMS, then I'd say you're normal. Maybe a bit low. If the 6 pack is Cobra pipes, you may be too lean and the cylinders aren't firing every comp stroke. The condition is called a lean misfire. Slightly richening the pilot screws may actually get better mileage. If you have Two Brothers pipes, then the mixture should be OK and you just need to slow up 5 mph.

[fudgie]

I normally get 32-34 mpg on my Tourer. I would get around 155 before she needed the reserve. On our trip to sturgis I saved most of the gas rec and mileage. I figured 1 gas stop up and I was at 31 mpg. This was 2 up 420 lbs, loaded bags, luggage on the rear rack, leathers on the bag racks, and helmets & rain gear on the hitch rack. 75 mph or so, 3200 ish rpms. Not sure if this means anything but when I cross the Mississippi I use the E-10 fuel in the valk. Have since 06 when I go west. Seems to run better on it. I do my own maintance also.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

My I/S gets about 32 mpg when running 75mph and 2up. If I go a little faster or have a headwind it'll drop to about 30. best I've gotten is 36.5 taking it easy.

[semo97]

I get 34 running 2 up 75 mph with my I/S if there is no head wind, or side wind. If you put 10% ethonol fuel which most is up north that will hurt some on mpg. You got to remember there is a lot of flat front end to the valk and it is not arrow dinamic what so ever. I think the bike does pretty good on mpg the way it is shaped, and it will do its best to keep the speed you want no matter what the load or weather. You did all right with the set up you have.

[Hoser]

I get 35-40 on my interstate and tourer at 75 solo, but I only weigh 175, don't sound too bad to me.  Hoser

[franco6]

on my 97 tourer, 2-up + travel gear 75 mph is around 3200 rpm  for 29 to 33 mpg depending on the wind

[Printer Mike]

Tested my '98 Tourer with Cobra 6 into 6's...(stock jetting).

128 miles to reserve. 37 miles to empty. 165 miles total.
(Includes, full throttle acceleration, 20 miles of interstate(65-95), around town stop and go, and a 30 mile 2-up slow ride.)

[Robert]

I get usually 38 to 42 on the highway and usually 34 around town. The best mileage improver is advance the timing and keep the carbs clean and well adjusted. But otherwise your mileage is about perfect.