oiramagev wrote on 12/09/08 at 16:30:35:


I checked mine for the first time this week.  The last time I had to go to reserve I immediately pulled over and got exactly 2 gallons of gas.  Today when I had to flip to reserve I did a quick mileage calculation and discovered I only got 76 miles out of those two gallons of gas.  That's 38 mpg.  I have a the 52.5 pilot (I think), 152.m main, screw turned out 2 turns, no needle spacer at all, pod filter and custom minimal restriction exhaust.  I pulled the plug 3-4 days ago and found the insulator to be a perfect tan and and the shoulder of the plug had a very thin coat of carbon soot.  The electrode looked fine and clean.  I figure the carb is set just right or maybe just a smidge rich.  I think my riding style, speed and having no spacer probably accounts for a 12-15 mpg loss.  Most riding is to work and back.  That's a 40 mile round trip with half at 65mph and the other half stop light to stop light.  I bet if I add a washer, I won't notice any change in performance but will probably get 2 mpg back.  Adding 2 washers will likely give me ab out  4 mpg back .  Any more washers than 2 I feel will start to effect highway riding.   That's my theory.  

Gas mileage has never been an issue with me for motorcycles.  In 20 years of riding this was the first time I paid attention.  I did basically to have another piece of info to help gauge carb performance mods. I'm sure I could squeeze another 10mpg out of my current setup if I drove it like a granny on a moped on Sunday morning.  

I think I'll leave it just like it is.  If I get concerned with mpg, I'll have the knowledge that the bike gets more than double what I get with my mustang so that's just plain 'ol fabulous to me.