1st week with new/old bike gas mileage yukky

1986 vfr700 F2
Well, I got just about 110 miles on a full tank. Not sure what I should be getting on average. I did drive the bike like I stole it on occasion but not all the time.


I have done no maintenance yet. Planning on having the carbs adjusted and the plugs replaced. Hoping I get a little better mileage.


What does everyone else experience on an 86 VFR 700?

I am new to riding so I have no idea what to expect...

 

Update...

I am going to sync the carbs and see what that does... Some interesting artcles on carb sync do it yourself guides. Seems easy... Just need to figure out what RPM gives the max Torque on the 86 vf 700...

 

Don't look for too much more MPG. My '83 VF750F Interceptor gets no more than 120 miles before reserve.

 

I got 150 on my last tank, same bike as Philly's. But I think my speedometer is a little ambitious. So probably 110-120 in reality. But I've got a 48 tooth sprocket on the back, too.

 

ahh.. ok, good So I am not crazy.

How does the sprocket make the bike perform?

I need a new chain and thought it would be a good time to go for some extras.

Also looking at a Jet kit... Any recommendations?

 

I consistantly get 50 mpg commuting; but will drop as low as 35 mpg with continued & extended speeds in the triple digits. I've pushed a tank out to 220 miles on reserve the last 20 or 30; the boring commute the idiot light come on around 185-190 miles, a day of fairly aggressive corner carving 165-175 miles, if spending a lot of time over 125 mph it will come on 135-145 miles. Plugs would be a good idea, I just posted the NGK iridium cross in your other post. Check your air filter, mine had a mouse nest in it when I first aquired it, consider changing to a K&N filter or similar( I have a brand new UNI filter w/ new cans of cleaner & oil you can have for the cost of postage; very poor fit & finish though will require some massaging w/ a file to fit properly in the air box PM me if intersted). Carbs could need cleaning & snyc'ing; mine has needed this for a couple years & I still gets good mileage. So unless it has been sitting for some time thats not likely the cause.

 

What is the tank capacity on this era of VFR? 220 miles is an awesome number!

 

5.28 gals per the specs listed under the VFRinfo tab, not sure if I beleive that or not but have never run it long on reserve. Generally around the 200 mile mark when doing the commuter duty I'm putting 4 to 4.2 gallons. If that figure is correct I should be able to push it to 250+, if I get really bored sometime I'll take a 1 gal gas can for a ride & find out.

 

I'm getting 50mpg with the stock size sprockets, and normal driving...

 

What kind of RPM's are running @ 60 mph in 6th w/ the 48 tooth rear? Is there a noticable low/mid performance improvment? I have a 48 I've been toying with trying out so your input would be appreciated.:smile:

 

Meh, I don't like it very much. I'm thinking I'll step back to a 46 tooth when I get finished with the front end and get the CBR wheels on. First and second are moderately violent, but very short affairs. It would probably stunt really well if I got the feel for the clutch, but with me being a guy who'd you take for a Hardly rider if you saw me away from the bike (translation: I'm fat), I was afraid I'd auger it in when those puny 37mm forks came back to the ground. The hydraulic clutch seems less willing to cooperate than the cable clutch on my FZ-1, too. Tach shows about 5200 at 60MPH in 6th (!!!) which makes cruising a bit on the buzzy side, another reason I want to roll back yon teeth.
I honestly can't speak for "improvement", as my 700F2 is my first VFR, and I bought it with the 48 already there, and the original 45 not included.
Dynojet lists a stage 1 jet kit I thought I might try, but I haven't messed with the carbs yet. They probably need a good cleaning/syncing on my well-worn 21,000 mile gal. I wouldn't mind input on that, myself.

 

I'm getting the same as tbones86; about 180 miles while only commuting; 170 or less after some hard driving.

I recommend you sync the carbs and do it cheap with the yardstick carb sync tool (Check out an example here)

It does a good enough job and is certainly cheap. On the 86 you'll need to buy some 5mm nipples like these.

 

I finally got the Clymer manual and want to perform the cheap yardstick carb sync. The only problem is the manual gives an example of where to place the vac lines and only shows 1. Does anyone have any pics of a carb sync on an 86 vfr 700?


I am not mechanically inclined but know how to take stuff apart. Putting it back together is another story. Anyway, the manual makes it sound pretty easy. I just cant seem to locate the vac screws and adjustment screws. Suggestions would be appreciated...

On Another note, here are my plans once I figure this out.

1. New oil filter and oil change
2. New Plugs
3. Sync Carbs.
4. Universal filter. I would like a K&N but don't want to spend the $50, unless everyone thinks this is worth it.


Hopefully she runs a bit better, 4-5 k stutters a bit and I get a ton of backfire.... This is my first bike so I am not sure what to expect. This thing just seems to be lacking in the TQ factor. Not enough kick in the pants... To linear. Maybe it is the Vfour vs twin thing I have read about. But the HP/TQ/History say it should have some more.

BTW, Wheelies are non existent, even with a clutch dump and weight back.... Not that I want one, but it should be able to pull itself up.



Side Note: Anyone around philly want to get together for a carb sync party? I could use the help and would like to meet everyone.

 

Left Rear carb sync point


Left Front carb sync point


The carb sync points are in the same place on the Right side of the bike; just harder to see and access. They may have nipples already installed; especially if your bike is a California model. I provided a link to the 5mm nipples you need above. I know Motion Pro sells some too; they call them "carb adapters" I believe.

I've added these pictures to the first gen gallery as well. Image credit goes to "faceman" Glen who provided these to me when I was looking for them myself. Thanks Glen!

 

What an awesome detailed response. This site and its members are top class... seriously. Most sites I belong to for my car has a bunch of @ssholes..


Thanks again, this is awesome info.

 

I agree . .

My sentiments exactly; the multiple car forums I've belonged too have always had way to many rude individuals. That's why I try to help out here because everyone has always been helpful to me.