Mileage& Brakes

 

Just bought a '03 V-Star Classic I have 2 questions.

1. What mileage should I expect to be getting on this bike? Mainly city
driving...Using the bike to get back and forth to work. I think I am
getting about 42 mpg....does that sound about right? I had to fill up
again after 149 miles...small tank?

2. The bike has about 10,300 miles on it and I just noticed a squeal in
the front brakes every time I apply them, I assume that is not
normal....The dealer I bought it from here in Arizona stated they had
checked everything out on the bike and it all looked (and sounded?)
good. The squeal just started in the last 50 miles or so....when would
you do a brake job on this bike?

 

M EDDY wrote:

Feel lucky. My 87 Virago 535 gets the same mileage, but with its 2.2
gallon tank I get about 80 miles between fillups.

 



1. IMHO you are doing well---I assume it is an 1100, correct? You can do
better AND increase power with aftermarket free flowing pipes and a more
open air filter. This would force you to re-jet the carb but it is worth the
investment. I am getting about 45mpg on my 1600 Roadstar Silverado while
riding two up and NOT taking it easy.

2. It is time to change the pads when the brake material and the backing
plate are the same thickness--especially if they are OEM Pads---get a good
brand of metallic shoes. You can stop the squeel by taking some medium grit
sand paper and 'rough up ' the contact area on the disc a bit but it is only
temporary. Don't do it too often either---throwing the life of the disc away
if you do it once a week. LOL