digger wrote:
Doc not familiar with in out method going to see if i can find it.

Idle should be set to about 900.

Slowly turn the PMS in until the engine begins to stumble, then counting the number of turns, turn the PMS out until the engine stumbles. Halfway between these two points is where to set the PMS.

If you have a tach then just set the PMS to max revs.

Doc

You guys are absolutely top notch!!! I've been reading here for a couple of weeks and by the end of this article, my bike was fixed. The shop had jetted it too rich and I went straight to the settings you guys suggested----wow what a difference. I did end up at 3 3/4 turns out on the pms, but I have shorter pipes than most of you guys, so I kind of expected that. Once again, thanks to all who posted on this, as you saved my butt a lot of time and money getting it right.

We're glad you found the Clinic to be of use.

Doc

Latest Update; Got back from SE Kansas on Friday (953 miles round-trip) and the bike ran great except for the MPG issue; still low. It was between 33.4-37.6 for an average of 35.3 mpg. That was running on interstate and state highways anywhere between 55-80 mph. So it looks like I may be going to a 170 main jet or adjusting the setting on the needle, per Doc's advice to see if that helps. But first I want to pull the plugs and see how they look; don't want to go too lean and risk burning up a valve, etc...
I am a little confused on the issue though; Yesterday I went on a group ride of about 160 miles at speeds slightly lower (50-70 mph) and my mileage was 40.9 mpg. Would the slightly lower speeds make that much of a difference in mpg? Or could it be the difference in fuel? I've read on the forum that most use regular unleaded, with a 87-88 octane level. Ever since I got my first bike in 1985 I've always used premium with octane levels of 92-93. Well, on this trip, after getting out of the St. Louis area, the highest octane level I could find was 91. So yesterday before leaving on the ride I filled up with 93 octane and my mileage went up. Just wondering.......
One last comment/question; It seems that by removing the fuel pump I may have made my fuel light obsolete. Maybe not obsolete, because it still comes on and is an idicator of when I've used 4 gallons of gas, but it comes on after I've already switched to Reserve. If my theory is correct, the fuel pump was able to keep pumping the fuel when the level dropped below a certain point. Now that it's gravity fed, there's nothing to keep the fuel moving when it gets low. So now I'm on reserve for as much as 5 miles before the fuel light comes on. Would venting the gas cap take care of this?
Sorry for being so long-winded. Just trying to work through all this and any input would be aprriciated.

In The Wind,
Aaron

2005Roadstar wrote:
Latest Update; Got back from SE Kansas on Friday (953 miles round-trip) and the bike ran great except for the MPG issue; still low. It was between 33.4-37.6 for an average of 35.3 mpg. That was running on interstate and state highways anywhere between 55-80 mph. So it looks like I may be going to a 170 main jet or adjusting the setting on the needle, per Doc's advice to see if that helps.

When you're cruising at highway you're not using the main much; it's mostly the needle. Try lowering the needle half clip. So if you're running - washer, 4th clip, spacer, sliver washer - change to - washer, 3rd clip, spacer, 2 silver washers.

I am a little confused on the issue though; Yesterday I went on a group ride of about 160 miles at speeds slightly lower (50-70 mph) and my mileage was 40.9 mpg. Would the slightly lower speeds make that much of a difference in mpg?

That's why the US went to 55 mph!

Or could it be the difference in fuel? I've read on the forum that most use regular unleaded, with a 87-88 octane level. Ever since I got my first bike in 1985 I've always used premium with octane levels of 92-93. Well, on this trip, after getting out of the St. Louis area, the highest octane level I could find was 91. So yesterday before leaving on the ride I filled up with 93 octane and my mileage went up. Just wondering......

Use regular unleaded. You don't need the high octane and it does not burn as well in the OEM engine.

It seems that by removing the fuel pump I may have made my fuel light obsolete. Maybe not obsolete, because it still comes on and is an idicator of when I've used 4 gallons of gas, but it comes on after I've already switched to Reserve. If my theory is correct, the fuel pump was able to keep pumping the fuel when the level dropped below a certain point. Now that it's gravity fed, there's nothing to keep the fuel moving when it gets low. So now I'm on reserve for as much as 5 miles before the fuel light comes on. Would venting the gas cap take care of this?

The fuel light is tied to the sensor not the fuel pump or absence of it. The fuel sender (float) in the tank tells you how much gas you have. Why would you be switching to reseverve before the light comes on? When do you switch to reserve?

Doc

Man, Doc reads and types fast. Aaron, were you carrying the Mrs. with you on that trip ( I'm guessing yes). Some guys get fantastic gas mileage from their bikes , some don't. I'm a solo rider (but 325) so it's alot like what most husband/wife combos weigh in at. Rode 185 miles yesterday (backroads,mountains,freeway@80-90mph) and still have not hit reserve (probably next 5 miles,seriously). But that's like 43mpg. What kind of weight were you carrying total? 35-37 with a w/s , saddlebags, passenger, and a heavy wrist might not be out of line. Just a thought.BB

Thanks for the input guys! I'll answer Doc's question first. The reason I was switched to reserve before the fuel light came on was because I had to; motor started cutting out like I was running out of gas. Switched to reserve and away I went! Then, like I said, about 5 miles or so later the fuel light would come on. That's why I was wondering about venting the gas cap. Would that allow the fuel to flow better, eliminating this situation? So far I haven't had a problem with venting or fuel flow.
Now for Big Bear's question; No, I was riding solo with some luggage. Total weight of about 240 pounds. (That's 210 for me and about 20-30 for luggage.)
I know what you're saying about mileage. Before I had the bike rejetted last November, I was averaging 42-45 mpg, solo or two-up, running the same after-market air kit and pipes. Now I'm running a 175 main jet, which was put in when it was rejetted, verses the stock 182.5 and I'm back to the stock 35 pilot jet instead of the 37 the shop put in. So I'll try the needle adjustment per Doc and see what happens.
Thanks again for the input and advice!!

In The Wind,
Aaron

I know it may seem a little anal to be worrying about a few miles per gallons, but with the price of gas, every little bit helps!!!!<br><br>Post edited by: 2005Roadstar, at: 2007/05/21 10:21

Hit reserve this morning at 187 miles. That is roughly 43.5 mpg. Not bad. But then again, at 3.17 a gallon, we'll all be in a quest for better mpg's. BB

Big Bear wrote:
. That is roughly 43.5 mpg. Not bad. But then again, at 3.17 a gallon, we'll all be in a quest for better mpg's. BB

Got off work, walked out to my bike, tore into it and put in the 167.5 main, 3rd groove w/ 2 washers, and went to a hair under 2 on the PMS. I'm lookin for more mpg too.

Plus it's been a long time since I screwed around with my jetting and firgured it was about time.

We're never happy, Huh. Post your results! BB