I have a 1996 Vmax DX that gets about 6 to 7 miles per gallon. When I bought it used a few years ago, it was getting about 10 mile per gallon. The next season, it would only run with half choke. I had someone go through the carbs, clean them out, replace the jets and set the floats. When I got it back, the sled runs very well, but uses much more fuel. I had the mechanic check it over again. He set the float on the lean side of the range, but the jets are the recommended jets for this altitiude. Is 6 to 7 miles per gallon normal for this model? I don't put on enough miles to worry about the cost of fuel, but the limited range is a pain.

I got 8 mpg on my 95 v-max LE. It helped a little to change the belt but was still crap.

I have a 96 V-max 500 that was really bad on gas from the factory!
I waited to re-jet until it was broken in! I went down a size on the mains & the performance & the fuel mileage got better! I still have this sled & ride it occasionally & members of my family ride it!
It usually gets 8 m.p.g. & I've seen a best of 10!
WIVIPERMAN

ya my dads 94 v-max 600 get 4mpg.. ya i know something is wrong, going to take it to a dealer sooner or later :cn:

Thanks for the information. It sounds like my mileage is in line with the sled. I will need to find a way to carry additional fuel if I ride where the gas staitons are farther apart than about 60 miles. Anybody know of a rack for a fuel can that will fit my sled?

Always got 8 mpg with my '98 600 SX. It used more gas between stops than my buddy's 800 kitty cat.

Went to a 4 stroke and milage almost TRIPLED. Last trip I figured I saved over $100 in gas!

To consider:

Sometimes people who clean carbs like to force small wires, etc through jets. Not a good idea as this can enlarge them a size or two. Also, as mentioned these units were jetted fat for warmer conditions. See a good dealer who dealt with these and they can recommend what to run in them. Make certain the small orfices on the back (intake) side of the carbs are clean - they run very rich if they are not.

Worn clutch components like rollers and cap bushings could be causing poor performance (then you squeeze the throttle more) as can a secondary hanging up. If you rebuild the primary buy the full rebuild kit from your dealer since it's a way better deal and you should do both sliding bushings anyway.

Worn belt, plugs, plug caps, etc. are normal to check also.