really poor gas mileage

[ricoman]

last two tanks: 1st,124 miles, 4.9 gal; most recent 116 miles 4.4 gal. That's 23-26 mpg. Care taken to fill to same level each time. Not aggressive driving mostly under 4000 rpm, cruising 3ish or less.
Any ideas what to look for? Carbs were done by the local dealer about 300 miles ago. Will be pulling plugs later this AM to check what they look like.
Is it possible a hose is loose somewhere causing evaporation? Wrong jet setting? Had a strong gas smell behind the right cylinder intake runners a couple weeks ago, seems gone now. Have checked for a leaky fuel valve. Always shut fuel off if the bike is not running.
When I first got the bike (3 mos. ago) I was getting 150 miles before going on reserve. That doesn't seem to be right either.
Won't be here to hear what anyone thinks after 9AM but will be back about 2.

[storm]

There is a fix for the gas millage and it's really quite simple

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvRzWYCZ2e0

[NITRO]

When I first got the bike (3 mos. ago) I was getting 150 miles before going on reserve. That doesn't seem to be right either.

That's about what I get before hitting reserve.

[Valker]

First off, are you sure you didn't leave the choke on? (Don't ask...)
The RPMs seem to be the most important factor in Valk mileage. I have gotten as low as 26 and as high as 53. Most of my normal riding is low to mid 30s for mpg. Riding the Blue Ridge Parkway got me a consistent 45 mpg, mountains of CO and NM a bit higher.
Now, if the choke is not the issue, you could certainly have a stuck float. Looking at the plugs should tell you if you have a really rich cylinder. Other than that,q if you still have winter formula gas in it, that will severely affect mileage. If you can't find anything, just try a tank or two of fresh gas. Take a roadtrip for 'investigative' purposes...yeah, that's it.

[mikehallbackhoe]

ethanol will lower your mpg also, around here gas stations post it on the pump if there is 10 % ethanol. I avoid those pumps . I have never gotten less than 40 mpg, and usually get 45-50 mpg.mostly mountain driving

[dennisraz]

+1 on the ethanol.
I learned years ago to stop and take a break,get fuel and have a smoke.
I don't care about the mileage.
It's all about the ride!
 

[ricoman]

Pulled plugs after posting question- they look good. All were the same color, little drk, no extra black anywhere.
Happened by the local HD dealer late this AM to find a guy with a bike lift for sale. He wasn't there but 4 guys on Hondas were. One a Valk. 98, same as mine ridden by a guy with lots of Valk knowledge. (offered to help me tear into things if ever I decide to). He suggested I get the tool for the "d" thingy on the bottom of the carbs. Seems they should be open 2-2 1/2 turns and maybe they were misadjusted when the carbs were done. Worth a shot but now I have to find a source for the tool. Anyone?
Confession- I have been so impressed with the Valk that maybe (not admitting) I have been doing the leave 'em all behind trick when ever I can run through the gears. That may have an effect if I were doing it.
Will take the sage advice offered by Taz and this week will burn through at least two tanks of gas for scientific study purposes only. Have not left the choke on and cannot escape gas with ethanol. Corn should be grown to pop not to be added to motor fuel.
Will try jelly on the rear fender and have attached a cat (with bungees, not sheet metal screws) to the fork brace. If this helps the motion I'll let you know!
As always, I appreciate the info.

[Nogrey]

Your story brings to mind a guy on a harley right in front of me at a stop light. We were both in the left turn lane, him in front, me behind. I sat there at the light looking around. I couldn't help thinking that this guy in front of me, 20 years younger than me, everything looking as cool as it could be. From his exposed bald cranium (by choice mind you) to the blazing tatoo on his right arm, down to his tank top shirt and cool looking blue jeans. His custom painted harley with a two into one and gleeming chrome "bo-wapping" in front of me....thinking that he is going to take off like a bat out of hell to show the old man behind him what he could do. I guess my testosterone boosters were in check that day as the light turned green. I watched him go through 4 gears in a fraction of an instant, front tire popping off the pavement an inch or so each time. As he slammed on his brakes some quarter mile in front of me to avoid hitting traffic in front of him I smoothly glided up behind him barely breaking 35mph (posted speed limit). I just grinned to myself. I didn't feel like I had to prove anything. I guess it's because I know already what he probably doesn't, and that's that I could leave him 3 miles behind me any time I want. I just didn't "want" in that kind of traffic. Anyway, "he wins". Oh well.

[Cartman]

well heck I get pretty good mileage on my standard even loaded down most times unless hitting real bad head winds.  I get on average about 34.879 mpg  and in the country riding closer to 39-43.  Now in Iowa and Wisconsin there is a petrol station chain called Kwik Trip and Kwik Star....they use corn whiskey in their gas called Top Tier and normally the mid grade corn whiskey blend is cheaper than regular.  I will make a point of stopping at those petrol stations because my mpg go way up in either my bike or car.  The bike or car feel great running it and I do too.  Now not all corn whiskey is the same so in some parts of the country you might have some low grade corn whiskey but I sure as heck know in Iowa and Wisconsin anyways they have top tier stuff.  I will get easy at least 40 to 46 mpg on my bike and in my Grand Prix over 35 and that is not taking it easy on the throttle.

So partners get on over to Iowa or Wisconsin or both and get your petrol at Kwik Trip/Star and have a drink on me.....oh so good.

[jgcable]

I have a 2001 Standard with a Windshield. I get a consistant 33-35mpg at spirited driving and almost 45mpg if I keep it at 3K or under which is fairly difficult.

[Cartman]

thats good for sure....you got the throttle down to a science for sure.....where ya live?  what gas do you normally use?

[mikehallbackhoe]

throttle control is definitely the key to getting decent mileage. six carbs use alot of fuel, fast starts, and running over 3,000 rpm, are the prime offenders, the key to better mileage is to maintain a constant throttle speed, preferably under 3,000 rpm. some guys are constantly on and off the throttle. every time you open that throttle, you are sucking fuel. everyone finds it hard to believe I get the kind of mileage I do, but most of my riding is 60 mph and under. frankly, I find it hard to believe the low mpg numbers  some of you guys report.

[dennisraz]

I bought my toyota for the 30+ mpg,and I'm thrilled.
I bought the valk to go fast.
If i wanted great mileage,I would have bought fuel injection.
Anyone know the average mileage for the rune?

[mikehallbackhoe]

gas mileage will soon be the least of my worries, vehichle registration is going up 77% and sales tax going up 1 percent here in california

[TAZ]

well we have a new governor butthead and he is raising the taxes on everything and the price on plates, cigs, public washroom use, coffee, gun license, dog tags, income tax, funeral tax, cremation tax, phone and cable tax....lets see about the only thing right now is if your butt ugly you get a refund and free bus ride to the Proving grounds in NM and or area 51.  Makes alot of sense to him anyways, the rest of the state needs to revolt this butthole.