99 MILES ON A TANK OF GAS.GOT STRANDED.

[doubleminded]

I was on my 98 tourer,had99 miles on a tank of gas,all the sudden bike lost power,was getting any gas,managed to cut across 4 lanes of traffic into a flea market parking lot.The tank looked empty,by sloshing around firmly i could see about a thimblefull of gas in there.Not literally, but almost no gas.I called the wife,she came to the rescue with a gallon of lwan mower gas.The bike started and ran fine ,i stopped for gas,put 4.2 gallons in.So I must have been out of gas.

In my driveway my wife said look at those tubes hanging down.2 plastic tubes,looked to be clear originally now yellow discilored like a vent tube off a carburetor,and they were y'd into another tube that was hooked to a canister under the bike.charcoal canister i suppose.There seemed to be no place for the 2 ends to hook to.I had run the bike on reserve since filling up.I took it to the honda shop,they had a black tourer for sale.That bike did not have all the tubes hanging downmy bike did.He said try running it on "on" instead of reserve so i will.I got the bike only about 3 weeks ago,and it was on reserve then.That day i got 2 exits down and the fuel shutoff sensation occureed that time.I switched it to on and 2 tankfuls no more problems until today.So I suspect a fuel valve malfunction,i will just ride in the on position,but why 99 miles on a tank?Doesnt make sense.


one last thing-i have the six into six exhausts,so that might lower my mileage too right? I aint taking them off,dont care if it gets 12 miles to the gallon-well i care-but i love their sound so if they cost me 1 mpg tough.Also,i cant ride 55.I tried several times today.Every time i looked down i was doing 70.Nature of the beast.

[eric in md]

might  have a problem . but look at all the smiles you have got already man . i have had my interstate out of gas before in 89 miles reserve and all out.. 6.6 gallons out

[MP]

Doubleminded:

I have gone on reserve at 74 miles several times!  The lady is thirsty.  Some do better.

Run it on "on", and turn to reserve if needed. Should be about 1 gallon of gas when switched to reserve.

MP

[Red Diamond]

If you have the canister underneath, you just have a California bike.

[doubleminded]

thanks for replies.I cant keep myright wrist from twisting.too much fun.if my 96 aspencade had run like this i might still have it.nah,it was too heavy.

[The Anvil]

I have the Cobra 6x6 peeps and it's been jetting accordingly to run slightly rich of peak. With that I get about 125 to 135 miles BEFORE tapping reserve (but I've been known to get less when I ride like an asshat).

But even with that I should have at least another 20 on reserve miles before running dry. So 99 miles would seem to be unusually short. But are you 100% sure you were completely full up at the pump last time? I've had some really finicky pumps tell me I was full when I was not to the tune of more than a gallon. But you should always run on reserve. That's why it's there.

[98valk]

most likely the cobra needles are installed and are too rich. lower them one notch by installing the clip up one notch. cobra still has the install pdf on their web site.
open up your idle mixture screws 2 1/2 to 3 turns. cruising down the hwy u should only be using about 1/8 throttle for best mpg.
check your air filter also. if using stock oem tire odo is off. add 2.5 miles per 100 traveled.

[YoungPUP]

Had cobra 6x6's and a whole lot of right wrist cramps( ) and was still getting 110ish before reserve on my 99std. Check the plugs you want a toast tan color. Then go from there 2 1/2 out an the pilot screws is a good way to start.

[doubleminded]

Thanks guys.Some really good technical information.I bet the cobras are the culprit.

[old2soon]

I have the i/s with the larger fuel tank. Lot of factors play into fuel mileage. Right wrist-but you know that. Cross and or head winds. Proper tire pressure. Right wrist. The others have already mentioned air filter and spark plugs and jetting. A lot of variables. But keep in mind-6 cylinders 6 carbs 100 H P. It takes lotsa gas to make H P. And these fat girls ARE always THIRSTY. Ain't trying to make ya mad-but with these machines of ours-wannaplay?? gotta pay. RIDE SAFE.

[old2soon]

Dang near forgot to remember. Make your last stop before you go home the gas station. That away ya don't have to question yourself. Also the i/s have fuel gauges. RIDE SAFE.

[Dougger]

You have a bunch of good guys in Texas. I am sure they would be willing to help you De-smog your bike

[The Anvil]

Dang near forgot to remember. Make your last stop before you go home the gas station. That away ya don't have to question yourself. Also the i/s have fuel gauges. RIDE SAFE.

I trust fuel gauges on motorcycles about as much as I trust a smiling clown, which is to say: not even a little.

[John U.]

If the bike is new to you then you have some maintenace items to check on. Take a look at the shop talk section.
Unless you had a big headwind (which I hear-tell happens sometimes in Texas), or you were having a lot of fun, the first item to check is the air filter. They sometimes don't get enough attention since you'll have to remove the tank.
Keep 44 or 45lbs of air in the rear tire. This will give you better tire longevity as well.
Run some Techron fuel system cleaner just to keep things clean.
Congrats on purchasing one of the best bikes ever made.

[doubleminded]

If the bike is new to you then you have some maintenace items to check on. Take a look at the shop talk section.
Unless you had a big headwind (which I hear-tell happens sometimes in Texas), or you were having a lot of fun, the first item to check is the air filter. They sometimes don't get enough attention since you'll have to remove the tank.
Keep 44 or 45lbs of air in the rear tire. This will give you better tire longevity as well.
Run some Techron fuel system cleaner just to keep things clean.
Congrats on purchasing one of the best bikes ever made.

Thanks for the information.Yep i have owned 17 bikes.This is my favorite.Better than the bandit,the venture,the vulcan,the harley ultra,the 96 wing,the boulevard,better than them all.What weighs 700 pounds,has a cushiony ride,can go 140 mph and makes me look back at it before i go in the house? My valkyrie.

[Paxton]

I had virtually the same experience the day after purchase. The seller told me that he had just filled the tank.
The trip counter showed 8 miles... 
I rode it around town and was out of fuel @ 87 miles on the counter.

So, I used the same gas filling technique I employ with my naked '77 GL1000 - Gold Wing.
(Yes, the GL1000 does have a fuel gauge... universally notorious for inaccuracy!)...
Here is my experience with MPG calculations and fuel tank capacities.

FILLING THE TANK.

1. Set mileage counter to Zero (000000).
2. Set Petcock to "Reserve."
3. Fill the tank up to the highest level possible... before spilling gas.
4. Close tank cap, seat on the bike and get her up straight.
5. Reset Petcock to "ON."
6. Double check step 1 (above)
7. Start and go...

30 MPG:
Since I bought the Valk back in March, I've average 70 MPH on the open road; 25-35 MPH in town.
Surprisingly, no right-wrist-urges... No hard take offs.
My riding could not be any milder. It feels like I am driving my '66 Lincoln Continental through downtown...
This is the naked Limousine of motorcycles!

Although I treat her like a new-born-baby, it runs out of gas at 150 miles on the counter. I then switch to reserve and ride for another 33 miles ...
On the GL1000 I average 90 MPH. I always ride it from 1:00 AM on...pure joy. It cruises @ 100-110 MPH sustained speeds... and I still get 42 MPG. 

VALKYRIE:
Will it get better mileage after replacing the plugs, engine oil and oil filter? The air filter has under 2K miles since replacement... we'll see... 
Yes, I went D/S but have not experienced MPG changes. Running the car tire @40 PSI.

I wonder what Motorcycledom would be like w/o Valkyries... 

 

[Disco]

While 99 miles on a tank is not unheard of, it sounds low unless 1) there is a problem, 2) you've really been twisting the wick, 3) you've been fighting a mighty headwind at highway speed, or 4) there is a combination of factors at work.  4.2 gallons + 1 gallon should not have filled your tank to the brim, so I suspect there might be a problems.  At the very least, some things need to be inspected.

[R J]

I'd pull the petcock out of the tank and inspect the screen.   Sounds like it might have some crud in the tank, and the bottom 1/2 is plugged.

2nd.   ARE YOU DAMN  Sure you get a full tank of fuel?   I set on mine in the most upright position and fill it to the top.   I've reamed out the vent hole so it will fill faster.    Also, we do not have those funky ya got to push on it to fill your tank.   Them  nozzles, just don't get the job done even trying to hold the trigger thing up.   

[dubsider]

 I've reamed out the vent hole so it will fill faster.    Also, we do not have those funky ya got to push on it to fill your tank.   Them  nozzles, just don't get the job done even trying to hold the trigger thing up.   

Hey RJ .. 
Can you explain this procedure...  (pics help if possible)... I try to fill'r up but that last little
 bit is often messy..

[9Ball]

I had virtually the same experience the day after purchase. The seller told me that he had just filled the tank.
The trip counter showed 8 miles... 
I rode it around town and was out of fuel @ 87 miles on the counter.

So, I used the same gas filling technique I employ with my naked '77 GL1000 - Gold Wing.
(Yes, the GL1000 does have a fuel gauge... universally notorious for inaccuracy!)...
Here is my experience with MPG calculations and fuel tank capacities.

FILLING THE TANK.

1. Set mileage counter to Zero (000000).
2. Set Petcock to "Reserve."
3. Fill the tank up to the highest level possible... before spilling gas.
4. Close tank cap, seat on the bike and get her up straight.
5. Reset Petcock to "ON."
6. Double check step 1 (above)
7. Start and go...

30 MPG:
Since I bought the Valk back in March, I've average 70 MPH on the open road; 25-35 MPH in town.
Surprisingly, no right-wrist-urges... No hard take offs.
My riding could not be any milder. It feels like I am driving my '66 Lincoln Continental through downtown...
This is the naked Limousine of motorcycles!

Although I treat her like a new-born-baby, it runs out of gas at 150 miles on the counter. I then switch to reserve and ride for another 33 miles ...
On the GL1000 I average 90 MPH. I always ride it from 1:00 AM on...pure joy. It cruises @ 100-110 MPH sustained speeds... and I still get 42 MPG. 

VALKYRIE:
Will it get better mileage after replacing the plugs, engine oil and oil filter? The air filter has under 2K miles since replacement... we'll see... 
Yes, I went D/S but have not experienced MPG changes. Running the car tire @40 PSI.

I wonder what Motorcycledom would be like w/o Valkyries... 
 

you'll have to explain what setting the petcock to reserve before filling does...doesn't make any sense to me other than exercising the valve.

[Hoser]

I don't know why, but I have never hit reserve before 150 miles on my tourer, in 10 years and 85000 miles, E10 or regular.   I do not have cobras.  Hoser  ???

[R J]

 I've reamed out the vent hole so it will fill faster.    Also, we do not have those funky ya got to push on it to fill your tank.   Them  nozzles, just don't get the job done even trying to hold the trigger thing up.   

Hey RJ .. 
Can you explain this procedure...  (pics help if possible)... I try to fill'r up but that last little
 bit is often messy..

Open the gas door.

Look on the right side of the gas filler.

Up toward the seal.

Ya see a little hole?

Okay, let's try it again.

Where the cap seal to the tank.

See the little hole now?

Remember how big it is right now.

Okay, go get an ice pick or an awl that will fit the hole.

Put it in the hole and woller it around, you should see the hole opening up.  It is soft aluminum so go easy.    Get that damn drill out of here.

When the hole is about twice the size of original, ya is all done.   Wipe up any mess ya made, close the gas cap and go for a ride.

When ya get almost home, stop and fill it up.   

Did ya notice how much easier it was to fill at the almost full mark?

One more thing, pull slightly on the gas pump handle.   Don't be grabbing a whole great big handful, it is going to splosh out and get the boyz wet, and that makes them have a burning sensation.   Makes ya want to rub em, don't do that, go get them washed off ASAP.

Let me give ya a hand, ya done did good Grasshopper.   

I'm proud of ya.

Aw hell ya old stick in the mud(s), laugh, it takes less muscles to laugh and smile than it does to frown and gripe about something.

Usually griping, all that does is piss someone off and ya done did lost a friend already.

Now back to our normal programming.

[Momz]

On my 98 I have Cobras and I consistantly get 40+ mpg.

Tire pressure should be adjusted, only use the choke until it idles smoothly (<15 sec.), stay away from the dreaded "stop and go" traffic, carb sync is also quite important, as is a clean air filter.

I tend to ride "briskly" but I choose my routes carefully so as not to have to make to many throttle changes too often.

[Willow]

If you put 4.2 gallons into and empty tank, the reason you ran out at 99 miles is you're not filling the tank.  The tank should take at least 5.3 gallons when empty.

Run the bike with the petcock in the on position until it runs out and then turn to reserve.  You should have 1.1 gallons left.

Ignore Paxton's advice about changing from on to reserve while filling.  There's only one tank.  The reserve position is just a lower drain point. Filling on the on position will work just fine.

Try to make a habit of checking the valve to be sure it's in the on position when you fill.  That way you won't be surprised to find you're completely out when you thought you had a reserve 1.1 gallons left.

You likely have nothing wrong other than you're not filling the tank and you had the petcock in the wrong position.

[Valkpilot]

If you put 4.2 gallons into and empty tank, the reason you ran out at 99 miles is you're not filling the tank.  The tank should take at least 5.3 gallons when empty.

Run the bike with the petcock in the on position until it runs out and then turn to reserve.  You should have 1.1 gallons left.

Ignore Paxton's advice about changing from on to reserve while filling.  There's only one tank.  The reserve position is just a lower drain point. Filling on the on position will work just fine.

Try to make a habit of checking the valve to be sure it's in the on position when you fill.  That way you won't be surprised to find you're completely out when you thought you had a reserve 1.1 gallons left.

You likely have nothing wrong other than you're not filling the tank and you had the petcock in the wrong position.

I think he put in a gallon from a can his wife brought, then put in 4.2 at the gas station, so I don't think underfilling was the issue.

[Willow]

I think he put in a gallon from a can his wife brought, then put in 4.2 at the gas station, so I don't think underfilling was the issue.

Good point.  I ignored the gallon of rescue gas, didn't I?

[YoungPUP]

Ran out of gas twice when I first got the Standard. Finally figured out on a long shot that at some point while it was apart that the fuel shut off had gotten turned 180 degrees, essentially making on- reserve, and reserve-on. I dont know how you'd check that. I just tried it on a whim.

[Valkpilot]

I think he put in a gallon from a can his wife brought, then put in 4.2 at the gas station, so I don't think underfilling was the issue.

Good point.  I ignored the gallon of rescue gas, didn't I?

I missed it too, the first time I read it.

[doubleminded]

man you guys are good.i tend to go with simplest solutions first.spending 2 years on venturers forum will teach you that.u could post a problem there and some guys would haveyou dismantling your bike while others used the less is smarter approach.I think after you guys advice i will do the following:
1.ream out that hole like one of you said.
2.make sure the bike is upright when i fill it.It wasnt.
3.fill it all the way to the top.it wasnt.
4.not take for granted the dealer did anything to the bike to make sure it was in good working order like i did.
4.check the air filter and replace if necessary.
5.fill with the petcock in the on position.

Then wait and see what happens,making sure the wife is available if i ride on sundays not near a gas station.

[Paxton]

QUOTE: "you'll have to explain what setting the petcock to reserve before filling does...doesn't make any sense to me other than exercising the valve...."
=================================================================================================================

Like Young-PUP said, I too do things on a whim. 

I started dialing to reserve on a whim when my (5) old Gold Wings seemed unwilling to fill all the way up! ???
Thereafter, filling up was never a problem. Did it work...?

Well... at least I "perceived it" that way. So, I formed the "opinion" that it worked for ME...

As you point out, it exercises the Petcock... and it, indeed warns me 'bout impending Petcock leaks ... (as such is the nature of 'ol vintage bikes).

TO BE SURE, I agree, "it doesn't make any sense." However, it has become second nature to me and it hasn't cause negative effects.

I hope everyone understands that I'm merely sharing "my experience with MPG calculations and fuel tank capacities..."
I always anticipate that others might not agree with my approach to things... and that's OK by me.

As someone said, "...Ignore Paxton's advice..." on this item. I'd enthusiastically second that!

"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth."
— Marcus Aurelius

[Six Guns]

 Paxton

Private Message Sent.

[The Anvil]

As far as turning the petcock goes, typically it's a good idea to exercise valves and switches lest they become frozen or gunked up. I read a lot of posts regarding petcock issues on the Valk so maybe on this particular bike that's NOT a good idea. Though maybe they leak because they don't get enough exercise. I know I rarely use reserve so the valve doesn't see much action. I don't know enough about this specific issue on this particular bike but I do know that on some aircraft like Piper and Cessna that during preflight run and maintenance checks you're supposed to set your tank selector valve to left, right, then center (both tanks) for takeoff and flight. This is both to isolate each tank and make sure it's drawing fuel and to keep the action of the valve free and clear.

[Paxton]

QUOTE: "... I read a lot of posts regarding petcock issues on the Valk so maybe on this particular bike that's NOT a good idea.
Though maybe they leak because they don't get enough exercise..."
==============================================================================================

The Anvil; Your point is well taken...
When talking about leaky valves, I was referring to my several, old vintage GL1000 Gold Wings.
https://picasaweb.google.com/103917731019176896112/Jun172011?authkey=Gv1sRgCJTAq8-_io-waA

However, I think the valve exercise could apply to all.
Thanks

[9Ball]

just an inquiry, not meant to hurt any feelings....some actually think there is a "reserve tank" and didn't want anyone to think this was the case if that was the point.  I suggested that if it was to exercise the valve then it made perfect sense.

it's good to have a routine...keeps things working as intended.

[doubleminded]

just an inquiry, not meant to hurt any feelings....some actually think there is a "reserve tank" and didn't want anyone to think this was the case if that was the point.  I suggested that if it was to exercise the valve then it made perfect sense.

it's good to have a routine...keeps things working as intended.

Makes sense to me.

[dubsider]

I guess there are differences in bikes.. but I still live by what I learned at the MSF class.. to start the bike remember FINE C ..  #1 F - turn the fuel valve "on".. suggests when the ride is over the fuel valve is turned off.. I always do this... that's just me

[Mildew]

My oem petcock was giving me fits at 100 miles on a fresh tank when I ran it hard. Mpg hasn't changed with 6x6's