really poor gas mileage

[Odin]

Yes, that 'burbling' rather than 'gunshot' description cleared up a few questions for me too.

My bike does burble a little bit...but i have not yet heard a loud bang on deceleration.

Good to hear that the carbs and valves dont need much attention. Less tuning and more riding is better. Next thing i do is drain and refill the rear wheel gear lube.

Thanks..

Odin.

[Nogrey]

Just returned from an 1800+ mile trip to St. George, UT and surrounding area. Gas mileage on my '01 I/S was as low as 29 when bucking a headwind and riding freeway, and as high as 39 when touring Bryce, Zion etc. Seems to vary a lot depending on speed and wind conditions. On the ride from Ely to Elko, NV, we went through Eureka, which is the long way around. I should've refueled in Eureka because I ended up on reserve about 25 miles outside of Elko. Made it in just fine though, and as I recall only took on around 6 gallons, so had about 30+ miles left.

[hoser]

Don't know why, filled up today at 240 miles, 50 or so at 75 plus, 2up.
Took 5.5 gal. 43.6 mpg.  The tourer never does that good.  Hoser

[MP]

Hoser, you have to tell me your secret gas mileage formula!  That is great mileage.
MP

[hoser]

Wish I knew, MP, the only time I get below 40 is when I use E10. I do seem to be getting a lot of tail wind lately.    Hoser

[MP]

Hoser,
I am going to park my 97 next to yours at Marlinton, or in CO.  Maybe during the night they can pass some body fluids, and some of those good gas mileage genes can be infused into my purple monster!
MP

[hoser]

Maybee they'll mix the wrong juices and have a young un! hoser

[Bent]

My 98 Tourer with glasspacks, trigger wheel, different needles gets 30, if I ride hard (85 mph+) it gets mid to high 20's.  
Any suggestions?

[Bent]

Interesting, I bought the bike with the mods done.  I will probably be money ahead to leave it as it rather than spend the $$$ to get it
back "stock" for a few miles per gallon.  I suppose my mileage is normal for the changes.  I just wonder if there are a variety of needles available that might have a better balance of performance/mileage, or any other clear modifications to aid in mileage without loosing performance.  I've heard later years had some differences and stock to stock didnt preform as well?  I've never been near 40, I imagine I could get 35mpg at 55-60 mph really watching the throttle. 

I drive mostly back roads, lots of turns, hills, speed changes, stops.  Maybe thats the difference.

[Nogrey]

Hey Bent. I've been thinking about buying an entire valkyrie carburator "rack" on fleabay. You see them all the time. I forget the name of the dealer but they're in Ohio and frequently get damaged valks in that they part out. The racks are always off a bike that was running fine right up to the point where they did whatever to it. They always go for around $200. I guess there's no guarantee you'd get a stock one, but chances are good that you would. Then you'd have 6 "parts carbs" you could use, or just put the whole thing on your valk. I'd probably disassemble it first and clean everything up. Just a thought. I know there are some holes in my suggestion, but I'm still watching for one for myself.

[Bent]

You have a great point about used carbs, my wife reminded me we got 34 on a trip recently, but all I remember is the lowest MPG!
I love the performance and past that I shouldnt be alarmed, like others have posted I didnt buy it for
economy!  This winter I hope to do some maintenance so me maintenance then I'll have my first chance to
find out what I really have.  I also like the post about MMO (Marvel Mystery Oil) that stuff works miracles. 
We used in our race bikes and extended the performance, reliablity several times over.
I'll put a shot or 2 of that in my next tank and see what happens.  I'm also a big fan of Sea Foam, its a great
additive.  I read about de-smogging and vacuum leaks then start to worry.  The truth is I just need to ride it
more and worry less!

[Nogrey]

Yes, ride more, worry less. I can relate to that.
I keep track of my mileage, but only so I know how far I can go. I really don't care about MPG. Still, I want the bike running properly.
I use seafoam in the tank, and MMO I rub on my belly 

[timmer]

98 Tourer - two up or solo - 36 to 40 mpg on average (best-42mpg ) if kept at 3k or under on the tach, above 3K (70 to 90 mph) 34 - 22 mpg. Trigger wheel only mod done by original owner. Good mileage is great but ya can't be concerned with mileage on the fat lady, she is one of a kind and has a mind of her own! LOL

[Nogrey]

Just filled up tonight. Got 36.6mpg. That's on my interstate mostly riding around town and rides around the lake. Don't think I ever had it on the freeway once and cruizing around between 2.5k and 3k rpm is pretty normal for me. Oh yeah, an occasional accidental "chirp" of the tires on those occasions where it's really important to get to the next red light on time.  
Still, if your ride seems to function well and you like the way it runs, do the "ride more, worry less" thing. I promise they'll sell you more fuel at the next gas station.