XS Southeast 2015 discussion

[kboehringer]

Mileage Update

70 miles to low fuel light is a bit early. But that may have been with 2 up riding. One should expect 115-132 miles before low fuel light and 138-158 miles before walking. Based on 35 and 40 MPG.

XSFolks,
I did a little testing the last couple days. I filled to the tippy-top, fortunately no leaking as I do not have Partzilla cap seal yet. Low fuel started flickering at 97 miles. Filled up at 107. Based upon the amount of fuel taken vs. mileage I'm getting only 30.5 mpg. This is all one-up driving and pretty much keeping to the speed limits.

My plugs do look pretty good with only the very slightest hint of soot. BUT, as stated I was seeing a good bit of soot in the tail pipes. I made an adjustment to the carbs (in 1/2 turn leaner on each) before the test. Doesn't seem to have had any effect. I may go a little further?
I'm at 1-3/4 turns out from fully seated at this time on all carbs. Sync is perfect across the board. Floats are within 1mm of each other and at proper height.

KURT

[MPittma100]

XS Southeast

4 Weeks until XS Southeast

1 Week until T Shirt Order Deadline

[jetmechmarty]

XS Southeast 2015

[jetmechmarty]

Purchased from Partzilla as soon as I saw the post! They didn't show that seal on the XS1100SG part listing only the full cap (discontinued) or I would have purchased one long ago.Thanks again Marty!

The XS1100SH fiche shows the cap broken down. Some of the XS650 fiches show it broken down as well.

Don't forget the vent filter. I changed my seal and ran out of gas with an almost full tank. A good filter is required.

5 weeks until XS Southeast!

[kboehringer]

It will cost twice as much, but will last at least 20 years instead of two.

Purchased from Partzilla as soon as I saw the post! They didn't show that seal on the XS1100SG part listing only the full cap (discontinued) or I would have purchased one long ago.Thanks again Marty!

[jetmechmarty]

Gas cap Rubber Seal 1976-84 XS650

This one from Mike's XS is correct. 2M0-24641-00-00 is the OEM one. It will cost twice as much, but will last at least 20 years instead of two.

When you replace the seal, your tank is likely to no longer vent as the vent filter is rotten. I replaced mine with a tiny piece of Scotch-Brite.

[MPittma100]

Plug Reading

20-0036 is a cap seal from Mikesxs.com. I believe this is the right one. Someone may help VERIFY this.

Look at your plugs and read them. 40+ mpg plug will be light tan color and no black soot. Will post a picture of one.

Black Sooty Plug - Carbs too rich:



40+ MPG Plug - Carbs Just Right - All Mikuni Parts - Light Tan Color:



If your plugs look like this, just ride:

[brcree]

WOW.....now i'm well versed on this subject! Thanks for the great info....wasn't expecting it but....thanks again!

[MPittma100]

Mpg

XS Folks,
I need to provide a bit more information here to clear up the confusion I made.....

I usually DON'T fill it up to the tippy top. I'm using a big Viton O-ring as a cap seal which SEEMS to work pretty good but the original cap seal is long gone. I've been a little scared of going to the tippy top. I was scanning some of the other threads here and somewhere read that a seal for a particular Toyota thermostat (?) was a dead ringer for a proper seal. Haven't got one yet.

While trying to fill to basically the same level (1-1/2" inch or so) from the top I've been able to gain estimates of mileage anywhere from 28 to 32. I use only SUPER in this machine and my Lil' Maxim. I read a couple antique write-ups from back in the day when they were evaluating the XS11 and found that about 30mpg was what they experienced. I thought I was doing pretty good....

Although my plugs look nearly perfect, I do see a bit of soot in the tail pipes. I suspect this is unburned fuel and I was intending to make a slight adjustment for this (maybe 1/4 turn). Perhaps this could gain a mile or two if I'm correct but I don't see this special getting much more than 33-34?

Most of my driving has been two-person so I would suspect a should expect slightly reduced mileage?

I haven't seen anyone selling OEM or aftermarket cap seals....????

KURT

P.S. My Lil' Maxim gets about 50 miles to the gallon and I usually drive that alone.

20-0036 is a cap seal from Mikesxs.com. I believe this is the right one. Someone may help VERIFY this.

Look at your plugs and read them. 40+ mpg plug will be light tan color and no black soot. Will post a picture of one.

[XJOK2PLAY]

Kurt,
I've been around the XS11 for many years now.
I've ridden thousands of miles, on mine, and with other owners.

When I first got my '82 Maxim, 30-32 was it's best mileage performance.
After the carbs were triple-cleaned, reworked, and a Dynajet kit installed, and 3 times test riding, taking the carbs back off, re-adjusting the rod positions, and carefully synching them, I finally achieved a routine 40 mpg.

The only rider I've ridden with that bettered that was Bohn Frazer. His would get between 42-45. (Highway mileage, long trips.)

BUT, remember... When you're gonna be riding 2-up at the rally, most of the time you'll be running in lower gears, and higher rpm's.
Even my C14, that normally will get 50 mpg on the highway, got 30 on the Dragon!

But, don't fret about it. This rally has outstanding leaders, planning, and the ride is well overseen, complete with folks who have first aid, and paramedic training.

Brent always does a great job watching the rear in case something should happen, and I've been there with him on another ride when someone crashed.
He was great help, and knows what to do.

They know these roads well, and the rides are pre-ridden before the rally.
There'll be several folks with Specials, and the fuel stops are pre-planned with that in mind.

All you gotta do is stay sharp, and enjoy a fantastic ride.
You'll be fine! Those roads are in great shape, and tons of fun!

[kboehringer]

More Mileage Information

70 miles to low fuel light is a bit early. But that may have been with 2 up riding........Proper running Special should yield 40 MPG. One should expect 115-132 miles before low fuel light and 138-158 miles before walking. Based on 35 and 40 MPG.

XS Folks,
I need to provide a bit more information here to clear up the confusion I made.....

I usually DON'T fill it up to the tippy top. I'm using a big Viton O-ring as a cap seal which SEEMS to work pretty good but the original cap seal is long gone. I've been a little scared of going to the tippy top. I was scanning some of the other threads here and somewhere read that a seal for a particular Toyota thermostat (?) was a dead ringer for a proper seal. Haven't got one yet.

While trying to fill to basically the same level (1-1/2" inch or so) from the top I've been able to gain estimates of mileage anywhere from 28 to 32. I use only SUPER in this machine and my Lil' Maxim. I read a couple antique write-ups from back in the day when they were evaluating the XS11 and found that about 30mpg was what they experienced. I thought I was doing pretty good....

Although my plugs look nearly perfect, I do see a bit of soot in the tail pipes. I suspect this is unburned fuel and I was intending to make a slight adjustment for this (maybe 1/4 turn). Perhaps this could gain a mile or two if I'm correct but I don't see this special getting much more than 33-34?

Most of my driving has been two-person so I would suspect a should expect slightly reduced mileage?

I haven't seen anyone selling OEM or aftermarket cap seals....????

KURT

P.S. My Lil' Maxim gets about 50 miles to the gallon and I usually drive that alone.

[MPittma100]

Cell Service

Quote from XJOK2PLAY (Bob):

I dunno if it was just my AT&T cell carrier, or if it's all cell carriers, but I had -0- cell service anywhere in a 25 mile radius of the I-H lodge!

Cell service in the Smoky Mountain area can be sketchy. It has gotten a little better over the years, except for AT&T. Best service there is through Verizon, but is not yet optimal.

[jetmechmarty]

One should expect 115-132 miles before low fuel light and 138-158 miles before walking. Based on 35 and 40 MPG.

I can get 30 mpg on a good day. I walk at less than 120 miles.

[MPittma100]

Agreed

Just noticed in one of the posting here that one of you went looking for fuel at 70 miles? I'm getting like 126 miles before my fuel light comes on.....was just asking?

70 miles to low fuel light is a bit early. But that may have been with 2 up riding.

Proper running Special should yield 40 MPG. But will vary depending on rider habits and riding conditions. I would start looking at the tune up and fuel system if I did not get at least 35.

IIRC, the Special's fuel tank is graduated as follows:

3.96 Gallons Capacity (Not A Lot)
3.3 Gallons Main / .66 Gallons Reserve

One should expect 115-132 miles before low fuel light and 138-158 miles before walking. Based on 35 and 40 MPG.

[brcree]

south thread...

Just noticed in one of the posting here that one of you went looking for fuel at 70 miles? I'm getting like 126 miles before my fuel light comes on.....was just asking?