20% decline in economy after new boots

[Remontoire]

Prior to this little planned tour, with your help, I got the coolant flushed, new o-rings, hoses, carb boots and the other usual suspects looked into. I tossed a can of Seafoam in the first tank and had some pretty poor mileage, but figured I'd give it another tank. This second one proved a wee bit better, but not much.

It worked out to 40mpg (US), 5.86l/100km, 48mpg (UK) Is this within the normal range?

Last year I saw mileage as high as 60mpg (UK)

The bike is running like a top and the power has me star struck, but I'd like a bit of that economy back though or at least some consideration about the compromises.

I changed the carb boots and there were signs they were leaking pretty badly. I did try really hard to ensure there was no clamp interfering with linkage when I put it all back together. I checked every vacuum line and doubtless the engine was sucking quite a bit of air last year that it isn't sucking now.

I changed out the K&N and installed a stock air filter.

How can I claw back some of that economy? I'm heading out on Saturday morning so I'll pop the K&N back in for now. Staintune pipes are installed. Ideas?

Ian

 

[Mark]

and the power has me star struck

Might the problem be a bit of enthusiastic riding?

 

[Blrfl]

Put the K&N back in and see how it does. If it was on the bike when you got it, the previous owner may have re-jetted the carbs to get a better mixture with the extra air.

--Mark

 

[Remontoire]

Of course not... uurrrr... ahhh... maybe.

Seriously, not much differently than usually.

 

[Remontoire]

Thanks Mark.

 

[970mike]

I think with the bike running so good your right hand can't help itself with twisting the throttle harder and harder and that is where the fuel went!!

Not a bad way to burn it tho!!

 

[Mark]

Thanks Mark.

Now that was an economical way to thank us both!

 

[Firstpeke]

I didn't get a very noticeable improvement with the K&N and nothing else apart form a carb balance, but the bike wasn't bad anyway, worst in the high 30's best in the mid 50's (UK), per gallon....

I reckon 48mpg US is about right, possibly get more by being more, erm.... circumspect with the throttle..... that's the only thing that will improve it really!

 

[Mark]

By the by:
I get 42mpg/US combined.
Freeway only I get better; but, I don't think I have ever seen 50mpg/US.
I prefer to get the low 30s which is what I get running twisty mountain roads!

 

[Remontoire]

The K&N I can change. The throttle habits, I'm not so sure. Thanks everyone.

 

[Remontoire]

Marks... I caught that after I posted and thought I might edit it, but let it float instead. Who has too much fun? Nevah!K&N is back in place. Now to see if the the tent is all together and find some cooking gear. No beer for the wicked... yet.

 

[ST_korn]

This wouldn't explain the sudden change but when i sync'ed my badly out-of-sync thorottle bodies, my MPG wen up 15%.

 

[Remontoire]

Ya and all I got was a boat load of more power! #firstworldproblem

Mine are nicely syc'd up now.