Thirsty 800 Cat

by **Big Triple** » April 18th, 2002, 1:44 pm

My recently purchased '99 Pantera 800 triple is only getting 6-7 mpg. Due to mild weather, most of this season's riding (750 miles) was at around 32 degrees. Engine is stock except for 380 main jets. Plugs are dark, so I assume it's still running too rich. What else can be done to improve it's fuel economy. I believe this is the same engine as the ZRT 800.

by **Xtreme XC** » April 19th, 2002, 3:42 am

Couple key factors here, #1 it's a 2-up sled aka heavy... #2 you ride with 2 people on it aka even heavier. Jetting down is about the only way you will improve gas milage with it. But you'd have to do that by dropping a couple sizes, running it, checking pistons and plugs and then repeat until it looks "perfect" in fairly cold weather (0-15 degree's). Then go back up a size or 2 and you should be safe. You won't exactly be "racing" a 2-up sled so you shouldn't have a problem if it was to get slightly lean. As long as it isn't lean in the mid range, then you'd have to raise needles.

by **It sleeps in the back yard** » April 20th, 2002, 1:43 am

On my machine, I also only get 5-6 mpg dependiing on how hard it gets pried on. I ride a mach z 780, and am seriously thinking of trading for a new 4 stroke. Big deal if it wont be the fastest out on the trails. I'll still get to where im going.

by **michahicks** » April 22nd, 2002, 7:20 am

99 800XCR,(triple/triple w/VES) all stock, including jets, run hard on trails, averaging 9.5 - 10.5 mpg. Point is, big heavy triples CAN get decent milage...

I'd agree, if your looking for better milage get your jetting a little closer. BTW, the warm temps weren't helping your cause a bit. You might want to wait until next season when the weather cools back down into the teens and twenties to do anything in that regard.

AL

by **tcat2** » April 23rd, 2002, 5:02 am

That sounds a bit low. I have a 2000 Pantera 1000 and get 8-10 with a passanger ... and 10-12 when I ride myself.

I did some clutch work (HeelClicker Weights)and re-geared to 24-40 gears. I still have the stock jets in that sled (340's I think).

by **Big Triple** » April 23rd, 2002, 12:43 pm

I'm sure my sled could have done better in the mileage department if ridden in cooler temps, but during a winter like this last one ya gotta ride where there's snow, when there's snow! I'v heard that aftermarket reeds can help improve mileage as well as performance. Anybody know for sure?

by **tcat2** » April 24th, 2002, 7:32 am

Not sure about reeds alone ... but my "Relativly Stock" T-Cat has PSI variable compresstion heads set at stock 130lbs (For Now), Pipes, reeds, heelclicker clutch kit, tempaflow (I think that's it) and that sled gets the same mpg as my buddies ZR800 (Carb)..... around 13-15 mpg, unless I really beat on it.

The 1200 I just sold also got surprizingly good mileage. We'll see what hapens with the 1404cc kit.

by **michahicks** » April 25th, 2002, 1:46 am

I would suggest that for the amount of money they charge for reeds, of any type, that your return on that investment would be minimal. I wouldn't recommend that move for anyone that's not looking for that last little bit of performance left available in their engine. I have them now, but won't do it again, not for a trail machine anyway, even if running it hard. Lesson learned.

AL

by **treewhacker** » April 26th, 2002, 9:25 am

Michanicks
You mentioned poor mileage with your 800, I know where you're coming from. With my Atric cat 800 twin the best I can do with jetting right on is about 6 to 7. I know it sucks especially when you have to add the cost of oil, but that's how it goes with TWO SMOKES. It costs me about $25.00 to ride 4 hours, that's rediculous. And that's part of my reasoning in buying an RX1.

by **michahicks** » April 26th, 2002, 11:35 am

Treewhacker,
I was thinking the milage I'm getting with the 800 triple was pretty good. Well above a lot of performance machines (including twins) with a lot less performance...

AL