I just had another thought: How is your oil level? Is it rising? Does it smell of fuel? Is there excess fuel inside the airbox? (Use the drain tube behind the exhaust crossover pipe. It's the one that is plugged.)
I ask this because a faulty tank vent could allow the tank to 'overpressure' causing the fuel to disappear somewhere via carb overflow. The airbox is one place. The crankcase is another. Inspect both. Check the tank vent hose on the right side.
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'Biker' Bill
'97 EN500LTD 'Hidalgo'
157,000+ miles so far
VROC #3833
IronButt #6024
Levelland, TX
SlipStreamer Enterprise II, Vista Cruise,
Fiamm air horns, Cobra Spots, Drifter solo seat,
Pro-Tac backrest, 17/42 sprockets, Darkside rear,
ScottOiler, F&S luggage rack ,Throttle Rocker,
Willie & Max bags, 800A saddlebag supports,
Victory Vegas handlebars, Kuryakyn grips,
LED & HID lighting, 4-gal AUX fuel tank
you said +1 on the front sprocket? that's a factor in the fuel milage. your crusing rpm is probably alot higher. remember that +1 in the front is close to -3 or -4 in the back.
And it makes the gearing taller and REDUCES the RPM.
I'll be doing all the suggestions you guys have given me, in order from least troublesome to most
I'm a first year law school student. . so time and money are a BIG luxury, and this bike is my main form of transportation. I also own a small 4 banger ford Ranger, but it's 18 mpg make me want to REALLY avoid riding her.
Thank you guys so much for all your help, I WILL look into this and post back as I get through each step.
Ok guys. This issue has been finally resolved. I had to buy an OEM air filter, and after installing it, MPG's returned to high 40's ( %100 city driving), which is slightly higher than before, but there's still a lot of room for improvement in the mpg area. Playing with tire psi, shorter warm up times, etc.
The problem was the combination of Dyna Pipes and K&N filter on stock jetting leaned the bike out way past what adjusting the pilot air screws could've helped.
2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD
Linear Mode
