Gas Mileage/ running lean?

Would there be a possibility that i am running lean if I am getting around 44 MPG highway? Not running a high flow filter, but the "snorkel" is out of the airbox and the hole into the box is bigger than stock.
82 XJ 750 btw.

Little concerned, not to wealthy right now and dont have the cash to have carbs reworked or buy a YICS tool IM hoping im ok....

 

44 MPG sounds OK. I get over 55 MPG highway at 66 MPH. 65 MPG round town 32 MPH (US gallons).

Spark plugs tip condition tell the story of how the bike is running. White and blistered is too lean, light tan is just right, black is too rich.

 

Cool, I was hoping all was good, the plugs seem to be ok, so ill just assume im good. I just love the bike and dont want to ruin it before i can afford a new one (graduate college).

 

There are a couple of short cuts to saving $, you can make your own sync tool: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=4191.html and Rick has designed a YCIS tool (cotton clothes line and mavel mistery oil) that will let you check the carbs are in sync for less than a ten spot. It is a good idea to check sync every now and then.

Ride safe.

 

I had occasion a few weeks ago to do an overnite trip to a rural area.

Ride out was leisurely on 2 lane blacktop roads at 55 MPH. That 60 miles plus a 30 mile round trip commute to work got me 45MPG.

Trip back I took the freeway and did 60 miles on the freeway at 70 MPH. YIKES! About 37MPG.

 

The XJ750D really shines in the economy figures.

I have a trip computer fitted as standard, which gives a 30 second update on economy. Was a bike ahead of it's time.

 

For a reference point, my last tank of gas came out to just over 40MPG - and that's with a full Vetter fairing and a mostly 55MPH commute. Before I got the carbs cleaned/tuned/synched last year, I was lucky to get just above 30MPG.

 

Is removing the snorkel a common practice?

Its almost a given with the XR650L's that I ride.


83 XJ750 Maxim.

 

That is dead on average for a XJ750. I get about that and only like 38 in town driving.