30mpg Curvy.
 

I have a curvy SV and it's only returning about 30-35mpg currently.

I'm not particularly riding it hard and compared to previous SVs I would be expecting at least 45mpg.

I've replaced the carbs and checked them - all seems okay.

It appears that no fuel is leaking, at least not significant enough amounts to cause such a drop in mpg, but there is quite a smell of fuel.

The chokes do not appear to be sticking.

The bike runs fine - but, the last time I took a plug out the rear cylinder was running quite rich and the front was fine.

I've not yet checked the fuel tap to see if that is leaking - but anybody have any other ideas?

Last tank the light came on 96 miles and I filled up at 120 miles and put it 15 litres.

Re: 30mpg
 

With the amount of black soot on your exhaust they are running far to rich.As you are going to Scotland on Friday it would be worth getting them set up by a specialist or somebody who really knows what they are doing,not just the balance but the mixture--------------IS THE AIR FILTER CLEAN? basic question but this can contribute to bad fuel consumption.
The difference between 30mpg and 45mpg on a 1800mile trip is about £120 so it might be worth the expense as you would save money in the long run.

120miles for 15lts is 36.4 mpg.

Re: 30mpg
 

Carb strip and clean time.
Check your running right jets,float hights for your mods ,and the float valves not leaking

Re: 30mpg
 

C'mon DT don't get your knickers in a twist! I know it's not long!

Air filter is clean and it was only the rear plug that was black, the front looked pretty spot on.

Re: 30mpg
 

Revs too high?

Check the boot the carbs sit on for splits. Big rubber circle things that sit on top of the engine under the carbs, have a big jubilee clip round them

IIRC, I had one of those go on me once, its hard to find a split, but 'I think' I remember having stinky fuel out the exhaust.

Re: 30mpg
 

The smell comes from under the tank more than the rear end.

It's not reving to high either, idle is about 1,250-1,350rpm

Re: 30mpg
 

The last time I saw thins the choke plunger on one carb wasn't moving cleanly, or the choke Y piece was sticking I think, leading to one plunger sticking on.

I know you say they're not sticking though.

Re: 30mpg
 

Carbs balanced?

Re: 30mpg
 

Carbs were balanced about a month ago.

Re: 30mpg
 

Curvy+smell of fuel may = tank filler well drain rusted.

This is a long shot as far as your fuel consumption goes, so I'd start with the above mentioned, particularly the choke as the rear cylinder has a sooty plug.