Gas Hogging Venture

mantonmaniac

New member
Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Messages
4
Age
61
Location
Ann Arbor MI
Website
www.recdir.com
I have a 1998 venture500 with 3000 miles on it. What fuel mileage is considered normal or excessive,the last few tanks averaged less than 7 mpg. This is with about 250lbs/two people. I have two other Yamaha triple 700s, they get twice the mileage.Ive jetted down one size,adjusted needles also. The plugs always seem darker than the other sleds I own. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
Jetting and clutching are going to be the key here. Get it jetted down to where it is safe on all the circuits (idle, mid, and wide open) which are the pilots, needles, and mains. Also a good, efficient clutch setup will make your mileage better because you don't have to be in the throttle near as much to do the same speed on average. That being said, the twins are also not as good on fuel as the triples from yamaha.
 
And if your hauling 2 people, you're working that mill. Might not be too far off.

It's funny how different engines use fuel. I think the worst I ever had was a ZR 580 - that thing screamed but probably only got around 6 or 7 mpg. On the other hand, the most economical runner was a Wildcat 700 EFI - it usually got 15 to 17 mpg and flat out would haul ***. Bigger motor, heavier sled and yet a lot better milage.
 
i have a yamaha xlv 540 twin 12000 miles that sled has always been a hog bullet proof but if you're lucky 8 mi per gal. and thats normal for that sled i've even heard for that motor. yet my 700 srx is double that.
 
I have a 97 500 Venture that averages 10 mpg, and only 8 mpg at times, and that is with one 200 lb rider. -So your 7 mpg with- ( is it 250 X 2 ?) may be normal. But if you jetted down and the plugs are still black you could check for a problem. Are both plugs the same? It would be unusual for both carbs to have the same problem.
 
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Have to remember that is a small motor for the size of sled and what it is carrying, the twins are not that good on gas ( I guess you have heard that now)..I have a 2000 Venture 600 Tripple and I am very happy with the gas milage now 15mpg, lake and trail running with over 300lbs on the back ..I had to set up the clutchs and adjust the needles in the carbs to get this...Good Luck...
 


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