Poor Fuel Mileage

Hey there:

I filled my 1979 KZ 1000ST up today and only got about 85 miles or 130 km out of a full tank. (Mix of in-town and highway riding)I had to switch to reserve and get to the gas station quick.

I searched the site and found out that:

1) air filter
2)tire pressure
3)air adjustment screws

all may need to be looked at and inspected.

What screw should be adjusted on the carb? (This would be to lean out the mixture.)

Also, any other ideas as to the poor poor fuel economy and the black sooty plugs?

Any tips to figure this out?

It has a new battery and is running a stock set up.

Before messing with carburetors I would ensure that the tank was actually FULL. The shafty tank mostly doesn't get filled all the way as it will generally leak if it does. I would go a few tanks before trying to make guesses on fuel mileage. My 79 KZ1000E1 gets about 35-40 mpg and the tank isn't as big as it looks. About a 100 miles and the gas gauge is near empty and I will fill it. I have never tried finding out EXACTLY how much gas is in the tank as the bike is a tad heavy to push.

I hope your avatar has nothing to do with it! :ohmy: :blink: