New guy with my first valkyrie

[stoked]

Just bought a 98 valkyrie tourer. Its so awesome ! I knew it was going to like gas but iam sorta surprised at how much it likes it. Iam new to valkyries so any info tips tricks on getting better fuel economy or tuning would be helpful. It definatly smells like its running rich.

[Rounder]

Hey welcome!!
Change that oil and gear oil and twist the throttle. Best bike I have owned in 40+ yrs. Enjoy.

[lonewolf/va]

welcome where are you from , and check the tech board.

[MP]

Just bought a 98 valkyrie tourer. Its so awesome ! I knew it was going to like gas but iam sorta surprised at how much it likes it. Iam new to valkyries so any info tips tricks on getting better fuel economy or tuning would be helpful. It definatly smells like its running rich.

You bought a Valkyrie for fuel mileage?   

Sorry.

MP

[Michvalk]

To start out, welcome to the madness! As to your fuel economy, you have 6 carbs attached to 6 cylinders, so don't expect any miracles. Having said that, make sure that all the clamps are tight on the air intake system. (there are 18) You should have the carbs balanced and maybe put in new plugs. I guess I'm saying to get it in as good of tune as you can. Then, your only other option is to stop twisting the throttle to the stop. Reports on this bike say that that is next to impossible. With my Interstate, I averaged 32 mpg, but, with the spousal unit, and some stuff in the bags, I have gotten as high as 42, loafing along on some mild twisties. Just make sure it is in good a tune as possible, and enjoy!

[Whooray]

Welcome to a group of great folks who also ride Valkyries. 

We need those pictures ! and where you located?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Along with the other tips. If it has the stock air filter put in a new one. If it has the K&N filter clean and oil it. You are never going to get great mileage though.  

[bassman]

Along with tips above check tire pressure too....minimum 40# front and 42# rear (motorcycle tire) - if running car tire check with guys on
this board to see what pressure they recommend for their particular tire brand.

[Thunderbolt]

Problem is you have to keep it below 3000 rpm where it starts sucking more fuel.  THAT is the part that is difficult.  

[Pappy!]

You may have one or both banks of enrichers hanging up a bit. Check to make sure they return to the off position and see if that makes a difference. You should be able to tell an immediate difference in running quality.
As others have said, head to the tech section and bone up on the available knowledge base there.
Welcome to the forums and to a great motorcycle!

[Jess Tolbirt]

mine got 36mpg just like clockwork..well untill i was pulling a trailer and running 90mph down the I-state, then it got 25

[slabghost]

Welcome to the madness from another newby with a 98.

[Rams]

Sorry, no helpful advice that hasn't already been offered.   Just saying welcome to a great group of enthusiasts.   Watch the board for events both close to you and over the next one or two state lines.

This motorcycle and this board are addictive!  

There are very few faster, more powerful and better handling bikes out there but none with as much style or as good looking.   The fat girls are unique and attention getters.   Most of the riders make them look even better.  

BTW, my fat girl averages around 37 to 40 mpg but, I don't even bother checking in town mileage where my throttle seems to stick WOT once in a while.     Pulling my tag along trailer lowers that number about 5 mpg.

[Valkorado]

Welcome to the asylum!  Ride of like you stole it, gasoline be dammed!

[specialdose]

     Welcome from Atlanta. This is the most informative , friendly and eclectic bunch of folks you will ever know. Diverse as we are we all have one common thread. Riding the must beautiful, sweetest ride on 2 wheels ever built. Have had my 98 Fast Black Tourer for 3yrs. My retirement gift to myself . Best gift I have received in my 68 yrs. The worst my ole Gurl has gotten is 32 and 41 for the best. The smiles per gallon just keep going up every time we hit the street.  

[stoked]

Thanks for the great welcome. Iam from Vancouver British Columbia, Canada. I'll get a pic posted soon. Thanks for the info, iam getting about 27mpg, I was on the tech board and most everyone is getting better mileage. It seems like the most common theme is I/S springs, trigger wheel, and ICM. But i cant seem to find A real good explanations of what where and how for said componants.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks for the great welcome. Iam from Vancouver British Columbia, Canada. I'll get a pic posted soon. Thanks for the info, iam getting about 27mpg, I was on the tech board and most everyone is getting better mileage. It seems like the most common theme is I/S springs, trigger wheel, and ICM. But i cant seem to find A real good explanations of what where and how for said componants.

In my opinion you don't need all that. It's probably something simple. We have a few members in your area. Maybe they can help out.

[Tailgate Tommy]

Welcome! As others have stated, I get 25-42 mpg with my IS. I've found that the real killer is how fast you go and if there is a headwind. You might try a gasoline treatment like Techron or B12 to help clean the carbs out from time to time. Don't worry, many knowledgeable others will chime in to help you.
Tom

[cookiedough]

I too changed my spark plugs and air filter when I got my bike 6 years ago even though only had 15K miles on it, neither was done in 7 years so thought it was about time.  It helped a tad, but used tons of seafoam as well and re-set my idler screw in front since engine was running too low at idle I thought once warmed up barely pushing 700-800 rpms and like to sputter and die at startup even when warmed up some.  I bumped it up just a tad to around 1000 rpms at warm idle seemed to help me but not sure on your running rich issues.  Check the plugs wouldn't hurt as well to see what they look like.  My bike also use to backfire more so when letting off the throttle, but not as much anymore for some reason.

I average 35-36 avg mpg and as low as 30 and as high as 40, but 95% of the time is 35 or 36 which I find is not too bad since I run 3000 rpms on hwy. and like to go thru the gears pretty quickly in town/from a stop.  Look at a newer F6B or Wing with fuel injection and new technology.  I bet they do not see over 40 mpg hardly at all either.   Maybe 38-40, but probably never 45 mpg.  If you want better gas mileage,  go buy a V-twin HD with less stock power. 

[old2soon]

Valkyrie and M P G very RARELY go hand in hand.  I've heard mid 40s a few times but the ABSOLUTE best I've ever done-once-38.8 on my 99 I/S. I have also gone to reserve in about 122 miles on my I/S!  IF I watch my self and IF my right wrist don't git too frisky I can and have done low 30s on long trips. BUT as others have stated I DID NOT purchase my Phatt Ghurl fer fuel mileage!  SMILES per gallon on the other hand are cursed near imposskable to count!  Again-WELCOME to the insanity that are us and this board. People have already mentioned plugs-air cleaner element-and checking operation of choke/enrichener. While cracked and broken vacuum lines may or may not hinder gas mileage-either a desmog-look up in tech section-or replacement of vacuum lines will NOT hurt a thing! Run a full bottle to a full tank of gas of B-12 Chemtool. And run it below 3000 R P Ms for awhile and let it sit overnight and do that 2 or 3 tines. Keep the B-12 off of your paint-nuther words-be cursed CAREFUL when adding B-12 to yer fuel. After awhile the fuel mileage no longer matters!  RIDE SAFE.

[desertrefugee]

Welcome to the forum!   I definitely agree that the folks here are a bunch of enthusiastic, knowledgeable, crazy, diverse cross-section of world motorcyclists.    And we have discovered, many after decades of experimentation (myself included) that this is the best all-around machine we've ever ridden.

Also, it seems that mileage is all over the map.   Mine started at around 28 consistently.  Moved the needles down a groove and picked up about 5 MPG.  I still gets lots of variation and find that terrain and riding style both affect the bottom line.   On a recent trip through Colorado, I saw anywhere from 30 to 36 between fill-ups.    I still need to dink with the idle air screws, but that won't do much during extended cruising.

Ride the danged thing!

[scooperhsd]

I like to say "My valk can pass everything on the road - except a gas station !    ". Currently running in the low to mid 30's on my '98. If I could find an interstate tank (7 gallons instead of just 5.3 on my standard ) at a reasonable price - that would be nice....   

[john]

as you approach 100 miles on the odometer start look'in for fuel ...     ???
nature of the beast ...     

[Rams]

I like to say "My valk can pass everything on the road - except a gas station !   ". Currently running in the low to mid 30's on my '98. If I could find an interstate tank (7 gallons instead of just 5.3 on my standard ) at a reasonable price - that would be nice....  

scooper,
You could do what I did.   I put on an Interstate tank and then added a belly tank.   Needless to say, I don't normally worry about finding a gas station.    Now, I need to stop for gas about the same time I need to stop to stretch, drink, and go to the bathroom and de-hydrate.    Funny how that works out.  

[Oss]

welcome

my best was 49 and my worst mileage 19

19 was in south dakota into a headwind and over 90 mph the whole way
(I was tired and it was the last leg of a 700 mile day)

49 was on the same trip on a 100 mile leg but loping at 40mph in 5th with Bear and Allan
barely twisting the throttle in Montona somewhere  I have heard of folks getting even better
Valker for instance.

Damn that right wrist can sure make a difference lol

I am now averaging 34-35 over a tank, I try to stay under 4000rpm

My guess would be combination of a petcock issue, needing to drain the dragon drool and vacuum leak somewhere

check the simple stuff 1st using shop talk  Also check the VERMIN board for help in your area

[Spirited-6]

I did not take the time to read ALL the reply`s, so all I can say is "where can you spend more for gas and have this much fun" I don`t think so..... Sit on the Girl and let her drink !!!!

[Willow]

Honestly you'll find a lot of folks bragging about what bad fuel mileage they get that really don't know much of what they're talking about.  You'll never get mileage as good as a two cylinder fuel injected or single carbed engine, but if you get it tuned as best you can you should getter better fuel mileage that if you just go out and ride planning on getting really bad mileage.  Tuned should include both setting the mixture and synching the carbs.

On a Standard or Tourer you should normally get about 180 miles to a tankful assuming you filled it all the way up.  Your per gallon mileage should be somewhere in the mid thirties but with speed and headwind could climb to low forties or fall to high twenties.  The size and set of a windscreen will also impact fuel use.

Interstate springs may give you a better feel and even slightly improved performance but won't help your fuel mileage.  An Interstate or Dyna ICM will help your fuel use a little.

Enjoy the ride.   

[stoked]

Thanks for all the responses, I've had this bike for a week know and i couldnt be happier, most awesome bike i've ever had. To bad i didnt buy one years ago, so many years wasted lol.

[old2soon]

If you were to add your city and state to you avatar you would be pleasantly  surprised at the help available in your area. As you are finding out already-these beasts are VERY ADDICTIVE.  Just KNOWING she is in her cave champin at the bit waiting/wanting/demanding to be unleashed!  Again-VERY addictive!  RIDE SAFE.

[czuch]

All of the above. Welcome.

[Hooter]

   I know this is a day  old post but I think Cookie is right. Start simple....Change the air filter to begin with if it smells rich. Whom ever said to check the intake clamps is right as well right along with the exhaust nuts. The exhaust is just a check and hasn't really got much to do with mileage. (tight it is tight and broke is broke). I'd grab a can of Seafoam and fill the tank with fresh gas and dump about a 1/4 bottle in. Ride it like you normally would then let it set over night without filling it up with gas. Ride it again the next day till almost empty then fill it again with fresh gas. My 2 cents.
Welcome to one of the best and informative forums around. (there is some insanity)

[nogrey]

So many great responses. I have a '97. I rarely get better than 35mpg and frequently around 30, when I take time to calculate it. I figure, I've gotten into the most affordable powersport a guy can get in to (considering what other powersports cost). I (we all) bought a "life support system for a 6 cylinder engine". My bike is tuned, and runs, perfectly. I find it very difficult to drive it for fuel economy.
That being said, 27mpg is on the low end of the spectrum. So, a few questions:
1). How does it run? It should be smooth as glass, no popping or missing, should idle at 900RPM
2). Are the tires inflated to the maximum pressure? Check them. It makes a huge difference.
3). You say it "smells rich". Most Valkyrie riders experience this to some degree. It's worse if you have a windscreen. Larger = more smell.
4). Does it roll easily? Put it on an ATV lift with both wheels off the floor (or one at a time), in neutral. Do the wheels turn freely? There should be little drag, although the brakes will always make light contact.
5). What is the Ethanol mix of the fuel you use. In industry testing, ethanol fuel at 10% mix reduces fuel efficiency by about the same amount. The company I work for (I drive a fleet vehicle) said that unless ethanol fuel was at least 10% cheaper, do not purchase it. That was when it was first introduced.
7). Is your mileage based on city, or country driving?
8. What is the rear tire size? If not OEM, it could be smaller diameter and cause you to run a little higher RPM. I attribute some of my poor gas mileage to the Michelin Commander II I run. It is about 1/2" shorter than stock.
Outside of these easy to check items, it gets a little more technical and I would seek help if you aren't sure of how to do them. Lot's of folks willing and able to help.
1) Pilot screws may need adjusting for altitude.
2) Carbs may need to be synchronized.
3) Some aftermarket pipes require re-jetting the carbs.

If the bike is pretty stock, I wouldn't mess with the trigger wheel. ECM's are very unlikely unless bike is running poorly or rough. Even then they are low on the list.

Welcome aboard!

[Pepmyster]

Welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Beer van Huet]

Valkyrie, simply the Best in the West
BTW Overseas too
Greetings from The Netherlands

[9Ball]

Thanks for the great welcome. Iam from Vancouver British Columbia, Canada. I'll get a pic posted soon. Thanks for the info, iam getting about 27mpg, I was on the tech board and most everyone is getting better mileage. It seems like the most common theme is I/S springs, trigger wheel, and ICM. But i cant seem to find A real good explanations of what where and how for said componants.

Welcome.

The problem with your gas mileage is the current exchange rate....you get about 3/4 the mileage compared to USA mileage. 

Good luck and enjoy.

[longrider]

Stoked

Welcome to the VRCC.   I'm from Vernon.  Nogrey has it right on.  I just purchased my third Valk.  120k on the first. 109k on the second.  The standard under normal driving at the speed limit should get about 220  km (130 miles)to 250 km (150 miles)on the main.  I was fortunate enough to find an IS tank.  I would say I travel 175 to 185 miles or so on the main.

Warren

[Crazyhorse]

Welcome to the family . Love those Valks.

[msb]

Congrats on your new (to you) Valk, from Maple Ridge BC. Have had my '99 Interstate for 15 years, ridng mostly 2-up. As most others have indicated gas milage will never be Great compared to today's machines in particular, but keeping it in tune and tight, and at least trying to keep the rpm's below 3200 or so for longer stretches should produce fairly reasonable mileage. A good day for me riding 2-up on the highway gets me about 300 - 320 km's (almost 200 mi) before hitting reserve. Hope to see you around the Lower Mainland sometime

MikeB