 MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407
Adjunct
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407 |
I've riden the bike to work all week. This morning I am on my way to work and suddenly it starts to sputter and I'm thniking WTF?? I look down and I have 85 miles on this tank.....couldn't be out of gas. It kept sputtering and I thought try reserve. It clears up and takes off. I filled at a gas station close by. 3.43 gallons for 85 miles?????? That's 25 MPG. My car does better!! I did a few WOT runs when I first filled it but have riden it normally otherwise. I'm going to check it again after this tank. I'd like to see 35 at least. Should 130 mains, 45 pilots, 1 shim, and debaffled stock pipes have that much of an effect on the MPG?
I wondered why the frisbee was getting bigger......and then it hit me.
'05 BA - Mulberry/Graphite,128 mains,42 pilots,TBS needles,drilled slides,debaffled stock pipes,Uni,no snorkel
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691 |
I have close to the same setup. I also am running the stock 17 tooth front sprocket. I get about 44 miles per gallon on the average. I noticed that if I buy ethanol gas, it cuts the gas mileage about 10%. Maybe you got some real bad gas? Even when I rode it hard, before the gas prices went so high, I still got 39-40 mpg.
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407 |
I also have the stock front sprocket. And we have 10% ethanol gas here. If I remember right I got like 37 or 38 when it was new. Maybe I should try pulling the snorkle to give it more air.
I wondered why the frisbee was getting bigger......and then it hit me.
'05 BA - Mulberry/Graphite,128 mains,42 pilots,TBS needles,drilled slides,debaffled stock pipes,Uni,no snorkel
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
|
|
Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
no mods like yours but about 40-45 MPG depends town commuting or long ride
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Hard to say why the mileage was so low. I've been consistently getting over 40 mpg with a combination of in-town and highway riding. And, I do grab the throttle when the hooligan urge overcomes me. Pull the snorkle anyway and let that puppy breathe.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 390
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 390 |
I had the same problem when I first got my bike. After riding a few months, and I can't really explain it...if I keep the thing spinnin up around 4K I get 42-44 MPG. If I lug it ( man that sounds crazy, luggin at 3K lol) my mileage drops back to 20-30. I.e. the Bonnie likes to spin up pretty tight for the best fuel mileage or my Bonnie likes it. YMMV. 
Ezcue
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
Holy carp
No wonder. Seems it would be a miracle if they ran efficiently on loaves and fishes...
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Do you have a locking gas cap? Is it possible someone took a sip from your tank?
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407 |
Highly unlikely. It's in the open at work and locked in the garage at home. Holy carp....used frequently on another forum I visit. 
I wondered why the frisbee was getting bigger......and then it hit me.
'05 BA - Mulberry/Graphite,128 mains,42 pilots,TBS needles,drilled slides,debaffled stock pipes,Uni,no snorkel
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
|
|
Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
The least I've gotten is 98 miles out of a tank and I was WOT on the highway. Surprised the heck out of me!
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Holy carp? You're just being Koi.  I've done a little worse. Last year I rode from Great Falls to Helena averaging about 95mph and ran out of gas completely at 87 miles (I'm a lot to push through the wind--even at more reasonable speeds I don't get the gas mileage that most people do). I did make it to Helena but was no where near a gas station when it happened. DOH! 
Last edited by FriarJohn; 06/14/2007 11:01 PM.
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,457 |
How do your plugs look? Setup may be a little rich with stock airbox.
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 112
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 112 |
I have the 130 mains Tbike exh and get 45MPG consistently and don't baby it.Is it running good when you are driving around or getting on it? Are your plugs a nice tan? Wondering if you have a carb float that is screwing up or a feul line leak underneath. Good luck and let us know what you find.
Pete
03 Blue and Silver, AI removed,Thunderbike Pipes,132 mains,45 pilots,snorkles gone,k+n, 2 3/4 idle screws
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407 |
It starts hard and is a little flat at WOT. Otherwise it runs good. I'm going to pull the snorkel and see what happens. I also need to pull the plugs and look at them. I can't believe that any of my mods could make the mileage that bad.
I wondered why the frisbee was getting bigger......and then it hit me.
'05 BA - Mulberry/Graphite,128 mains,42 pilots,TBS needles,drilled slides,debaffled stock pipes,Uni,no snorkel
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Plugs are always the tattletale. Check both sides.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546 |
Maybe you didnt fill it all the way up the last time you gassed up? I did that once I guess when the nozzle clicked off at the pump I didn't look down and just left. I had to go to reserve at around 89 miles. Now I really pay attention when I fuel and fill it up to just below the overflow vent. I haven't hit reserve since I fill up at around 140 mi.
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691 |
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407 |
Update: I filled her full up the other day and pulled the snorkel. I drove it easy. Today I hit reserve at 95 miles. I figured the mileage at 28.4. That stinks!!!!! Maybe I should put the 42 pilots back in.
Last edited by nologic; 06/20/2007 5:47 PM.
I wondered why the frisbee was getting bigger......and then it hit me.
'05 BA - Mulberry/Graphite,128 mains,42 pilots,TBS needles,drilled slides,debaffled stock pipes,Uni,no snorkel
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Dude, I'm right at the end of the "how far 'til reserve test" and when I parked last night I was at 142 mi. and not on reserve, yet. I'll have to pull my carbs apart to see what mains and piolots the former owner put in but could we be that far off between two well running bikes?
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
|
|
Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
Quote:
Update: I filled her full up the other day and pulled the snorkel. I drove it easy. Today I hit reserve at 95 miles. I figured the mileage at 28.4. That stinks!!!!! Maybe I should put the 42 pilot back in.
looks like fuel goes straight to cylinder  carbs not involved 
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407 |
I just pulled the plugs and they are both black. The left side wasn't as bad with the center electrode being more brown. But all around it was black. I did find a cracked vacumn plug on the left side which might account for that plug looking better. I wonder if I should drop a size or two on the mains or go back to 42 pilots. Or both? The bike seems to flatten out just a tad on WOT which I assumed was a lean condition. But maybe it's too rich at WOT? What do I try first? I gotta get some MPG back with this thing but still want it to run right.
I wondered why the frisbee was getting bigger......and then it hit me.
'05 BA - Mulberry/Graphite,128 mains,42 pilots,TBS needles,drilled slides,debaffled stock pipes,Uni,no snorkel
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691 |
I have a similiar setup to yours and use the stock pilot/idle jets. Check Pat's/Dinqua's website: http://members.bluefrog.com/~pwhitbec/Triumph/carbs0.htmlHe also had a jetting "calculator" but I can't find it now (the link on this BA.com site doesn't work right now). PS. found the jetting "calculator" at: http://www.dinqua.com/index.html
Last edited by tomv; 06/21/2007 12:16 AM.
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407 |
Tom: Thanks. What do you get for fuel mileage?
I wondered why the frisbee was getting bigger......and then it hit me.
'05 BA - Mulberry/Graphite,128 mains,42 pilots,TBS needles,drilled slides,debaffled stock pipes,Uni,no snorkel
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
|
|
Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223 |
Tom, The direct link is in the Link Stash thread in the Lounge
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 202
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 202 |
mine was going on reserve pretty consistantly at about 155 miles........until last year when all gas in new england seems to have changed to 10% ethanol.....now it's down to about 135 miles.....I remember my mileage getting real bad one time when some field mice filled my air filter with dog food....
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I just pulled the plugs and they are both black. The left side wasn't as bad with the center electrode being more brown. But all around it was black. I did find a cracked vacumn plug on the left side which might account for that plug looking better. I wonder if I should drop a size or two on the mains or go back to 42 pilots.
If I understand the "shim" concept correctly your jet needle is being held open slightlly by the the shim. There's your rich condition...pop the shim(s) out and take a ride.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
 Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
Update: I filled her full up the other day and pulled the snorkel. I drove it easy. Today I hit reserve at 95 miles. I figured the mileage at 28.4. That stinks!!!!! Maybe I should put the 42 pilots back in.
How many miles does it have? When I first got my Speedy, (1800mi) I often got mid 20's mpg (heavy handed). Now, at just under 11,000mi, it's up to about 33mpg.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407 |
Quote:
Quote:
I just pulled the plugs and they are both black. The left side wasn't as bad with the center electrode being more brown. But all around it was black. I did find a cracked vacumn plug on the left side which might account for that plug looking better. I wonder if I should drop a size or two on the mains or go back to 42 pilots.
If I understand the "shim" concept correctly your jet needle is being held open slightlly by the the shim. There's your rich condition...pop the shim(s) out and take a ride.
I put the shim in to take care of a slight flat spot under normal accelleration from 1/4 throttle or so. The shim did the trick. I'm sure that would return if I pull the shim.
The bike has 900 miles. I know she's a little tight yet but I don't think the mileage will come up much more than a couple MPG once she's completely broke in. I had high 30's when it was new. Something that I changed caused a 10+ mpg drop. I don't do much WOT where the main jet would come into play so I'm thinking the pilot must be it????
I wondered why the frisbee was getting bigger......and then it hit me.
'05 BA - Mulberry/Graphite,128 mains,42 pilots,TBS needles,drilled slides,debaffled stock pipes,Uni,no snorkel
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179 |
Thought I was averaging about 45MPG. Fueled up yesterday with 83 miles on odometer and took 1.388 gallons equaling 59.8MPG???? That's with the K&N pods and 150 mains. I must be driving like one of you old guys this last tank. No complaints here.
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
If you're getting almost 60 mpg, you might need to check the accuracy of your odometer. If you don't have a GPS to check it with, try going 10 mile markers and see how close the last mile and tenth is.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,606 Likes: 2 |
My odod seems to be spot on...mapquest said 1037 miles and my odod said 1034...I'm hitting reserve at about 155-160 most times if it alot of around town riding...I have SS pipes 135 mains, 45 pilots, TBS needles, and a UNI no snork...your milage may vary but it seems like something OTHER than your jet selection...
THE VOICE OF REASON
per: Stewart
AF&AM/Shriner/Scoutmaster
130/45 TBS 2shim SS Uni 18/42
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,179 |
Quote:
If you're getting almost 60 mpg, you might need to check the accuracy of your odometer. If you don't have a GPS to check it with, try going 10 mile markers and see how close the last mile and tenth is.
Good idea, I'll give it a try. I have recently dropped the front wheel for a tire change. Speedometer appears the same though.
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691 |
I get about 44 miles per gallon.
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407 |
Tom: Do you run 42's for pilots?
I wondered why the frisbee was getting bigger......and then it hit me.
'05 BA - Mulberry/Graphite,128 mains,42 pilots,TBS needles,drilled slides,debaffled stock pipes,Uni,no snorkel
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Well at 158.2 I chickened out on the "how long til reserve" test and filled my baby back up with 3.322 gallons (works out to 47.62 mpg). It was a combo of 125 miles of unadulterated high speed highway blasting and the rest in town. When the spirit grabs me I twist the throttle. Still haven't pulled the carbs so jet sizes are unknown but the plug tips look real nice.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 691 |
Yes, I have the stock 42 pilots.
--Tom
02 TBA; 130 mains; TBS; Nology Coils&Wires;Unifilter/opened Airbox; -AI/snorkels; -2 baffles;Progressive 440s & Springs
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,337 |
I get 38- 42 mpg, depending on my mood that week  I get the MPG part, but whats the question about carp? Isn't it holy mackerel? And what does that mean anyway? 
2002 Bandit 1200/ GSXR cams/ 1277 BB Kit/ Holeshot header and can/ 38mm flatslides/ a good head/lotsa hp/lotsa tq- lots of rear tires...
|
|
|
Re: MPG....Holy carp!!!!!!
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 407 |
Holey carp! = a term used for a rough fish that has just been embedded with a well placed arrow. 
I wondered why the frisbee was getting bigger......and then it hit me.
'05 BA - Mulberry/Graphite,128 mains,42 pilots,TBS needles,drilled slides,debaffled stock pipes,Uni,no snorkel
|
|
|
|
|
