2008 Mastiff - Gas Mileage

[smartinez1984]

Still trying to get used to my new 08 Mastiff - from the ride on that big, fat, monster 300 tire in the back to living without a gas gauge (bike is not EFI). I've taken it out for about 3 rides so far and I filled it up before the 2nd ride. I reset the odometer at that time and rode for about 40'ish miles.

Took it out again this past weekend and was at about 90 miles when the bike started to sputter. I clutched the bike, throttled a few times, and it sputtered a few times, and then seemed ok. Took off again and about a minute later it started to sputter then turn off.

I pulled over, switched to reserve, pumped the throttle a couple of times, started the bike, and off we went.

I pulled over at the nearest gas station (I was at about 100 miles here) and filled it up. The tank filled up with 2.5 gallons so I'm thinking I wasn't running on empty when the initial sputter occurred.

I'm thinking I had a bad batch of fuel the last time I filled - I couldn't have been out of gas, could I?

What type of mileage do these bikes get?

Thanks!

-Samson

[narow37]

I always fill up around 100-120 but I always seem to have about a gallon left. I have a K9 which is a 4.4 gallon tank. Yours is a 4.6 including the reserve so it should be about the same given that you ride the same but, every bike is different.

[Dakotabos]

No way were you out of gas. When you fill your bike do you fill it to the neck of the tank?
Have not checked the specs on your bike but thinking it should be 4. some gallons of gas.
Just checked and your bike fuel specs
Fuel - Total............................................. ............ 4.6 Gal
Fuel - Main.............................................. ........... 3.9 Gal

One problem might be check your reserve switch. Make sure its full on and not sticking.
OR
It might be vacum lockup on you. Not sure if Big Dog has fixed the problem they had with the gas cap not venting.

My 04 Chopper needs fuel every 125 miles and usually takes 3 to 3.5 gallons

[Chopper Dave]

First of all Welcome..... you should go in the introductions and introduce yourself...then pin the map.....and after that ....lets see some pic's of your scoot!
Congrats on your new bike....

[barhopper]

I took out my venting in my cap. Fixed that problem. I get gas from 80 to 100 miles just to be safe.

[smartinez1984]

Thanks all for the info! I'll look more into the venting on the cap.

And I'll go through the introduction as well...

Lovin' the bike, btw. Last ride before this was an '06 HD Springer Softail. Man... am I glad I made the change...

-Samson

[Raywood]

Welcome to the forum. a couple things for you to know as a new owner.

1. don't use the enricher if you don't have to and then only to start the bike and then turn if off and use the throttle. It will foul your plugs very quickly.
2. get a battery tender if you don't already have one. Your motor needs lots of power to the starter to start up so keep you battery in tip top shape.
3. reset your tripometer after every fill and you will get to know how many miles you can get on a tank. I get about 125-145 with a 3.4 gl tank. You will learn that some of our models don't have much reserve even though the manual says we do.

Oh, how did you hear about us?

Later,
Ray

[Dakotabos]

My Reserve gets me started but thats it
Hate it

[BBChopper]

Sounds like all models get about the same. I start looking between 85-90 miles depending if I know the area or not. If not I look sooner, I hate to push!!!

[WB Cycles]

I hit 100 .... I start to get nervous on the chopper. Past experience tells me I have another 10 max.

[KnotSo]

Couple of observations:
1. The tank on the mastiff, the fill hole is in the wrong location and the petcock is in the middle of the tank.
2. I have never put in more than 3.7 gals and have hit reserve several times, running out twice coasting into the svc station.
3. normally fill up at the 100 yardstick but will go a bit further with a good amount of concern.
4. This is the best point: around 90-115 mph you get incredible mileage, seriously.

See Ya!

[Vegas]

I agree with Knotso. I have been on reserve and only got 3.7 in the tank. Most of the time when I fill up I only put in 2.5-3 gallons. If you are not topping off you could very well have been on reserve. Do not top off unless you plan to ride for atleast 30 miles.

[smartinez1984]

Originally Posted by Raywood

Welcome to the forum. a couple things for you to know as a new owner.

1. don't use the enricher if you don't have to and then only to start the bike and then turn if off and use the throttle. It will foul your plugs very quickly.
2. get a battery tender if you don't already have one. Your motor needs lots of power to the starter to start up so keep you battery in tip top shape.
3. reset your tripometer after every fill and you will get to know how many miles you can get on a tank. I get about 125-145 with a 3.4 gl tank. You will learn that some of our models don't have much reserve even though the manual says we do.

Oh, how did you hear about us?

Later,
Ray

Excellent points - will remember to do that. I know the instruction manual talks about using the enricher for every cold start - is it really necessary? My previous bike was EFI so I didn't worry about that and it's been a long time since my last carburated cycle...

I'll go get me a battery tender this weekend - gonna make a run to S.A. anyway, might as well do it while I'm there.

As for this site, I'm glad I came upon it. I googled for a Big Dog group and the first site I went to really sucked (i'll leave it off just for the sake of being nice). I couldn't even register... plus the black on blue (or was it white on blue... whatever) screen was killing me...

Again, thanks for all the pointers, guys... awesome!

[P8RIOT]

When my bike was new, I found I had to use a bit of enrichener to have it start immediately and reliably - but then I would push it off immediately. After it broke in, though, there was no need for the enrichener at all. Now all it takes is one or two full twists of the throttle so the accelerator pump shoots in some raw gas, and it fires right off every time.

[smartinez1984]

Originally Posted by Raywood

Welcome to the forum. a couple things for you to know as a new owner.

2. get a battery tender if you don't already have one. Your motor needs lots of power to the starter to start up so keep you battery in tip top shape.

Ray

Do I need to be specific about which type/model/brand/etc of battery tender that I get? Just wondering if there's any reason I need to go with the one that the BD dealership carries or if I can run to the local motorcycle shop and get one...

-Samson