Terrible Gas Milage

M

Manuka

New member
Joined
Jan 27, 2005
Messages
16
I have a stock 96 vmax 500. Last year I was getting horrible gas milage. I was going through twice as much gas as my friends with similar sleds. I weigh a few more pounds then they do but not so much to make this big of a difference.

Any suggestions on things to check?

Not asking because of gas prices but I almost didn't make it to a few towns when we were in the U.P.

Thanks,
Mike
 
What do you have in there for jetting? That would definately be the first place to start. The other HUGE thing that most people don't even think about is clutch setup. A good clutch setup will use MUCH less gas than a poor one. What do you have in it for clutching, and how does it rev? The 500 and 600 twins are far from stellar on fuel economy but they can be made decent.
 
The sled is totally stock. I havn't changed a thing since I have had it. I have cleaned the clutch carbs and basic maintenance. I have no clue about jetting.

I didn't have all these problems before. But it seems last season was extremely bad.

I will try anything to make it through the winter. I also want to keep it around for newbies in the long run. I am up to trying anything, but I do not want to dump a lot into it.

Someone has mentioned the reeds to me. Would that make a difference?
 
Last edited:
theres a couple things I would look at, I really would need more information, but you can see if you have any of these symptoms:
1.) does the sled foul any sparkplugs?

check to see that the choke plungers are clean and seating properly into the carb, there should be a 1/8" slack in the cable to adjuster.

2.) Does the sled engage and run at the proper rpm still?

Check for a sacked out primary spring, if its never been changed and has alot of miles on it or age, its most likely taken a set, and this means youll have to apply more gas to keep the sled at the same mph on a trail, cause the rpm's will be low to a weak spring, they do require to be changed from simply age.

3.) Have you ever tightend up the chain in the chaincase or the track tension?

Alot of times a chaincase thats adjusted too tight will do this, or a track, too tight and it takes much more power to turn it at the same mph at a given rpm
 
-Havn't had a problem with fowled plugs.

- I will check the chokes

- I was considering the clutch spring update. I am sure it could use it.

-The chain has been replaced a few years ago by the dealer.

- I will check track. Whats the recommended slop?
 
Yes the chain was replaced but do you adjust it every 1000 miles or so? Adjustment is critical, all part of maintenance. For the track, loosen it til it ratchets, then tighten it until the ratcheting goes away, you want it as loose as possible just so it doesn't ratchet.
 
I know how to adjust the chain. How do you know if it is loose or tight?

And how tight do you want it?
 
Since the machine has been stock all this while, my first look would be the clutches. Springs, bushings, rollers, buttons could all probably benefit from replacement to bring it "back to stock" specs. While it's certainly a good idea to check the reeds, it's likely the clutch components will have worn out long before the reeds.

Once you're "back to stock" the Holtzman Tempa-Flow is an excellent add-on for this machine. You've probably noticed that the machine "gurgles" a bit in warmer temperatures and runs like a champ when it's cold. The Tempa-Flow compensates for the temperature change allowing your machine to run like it does when it's cold all of the time.

Have fun
;)!
 
check the clutches I bet you are over reving which will cause bad mileage.
Chain and track tension will definatly help as well. Do all of the above and you will not only see better gas mileage but performance improvement as well.
 
Thanks for the replys everyone!!!

I will deffinetly do the clutch and check tensions.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.


Back
Top