I have a 2001 Big Bear 4wd and it gets really poor gas mileage. Any ideas what could be causing this? It seems to be running fine just going through the gas. I do not ride hard trails just the edges of fields hunting carrying myself and gear with a total weight of around 200lbs.

 

Check the coke plate to see if the lever needs adjusting.

Check air cleaner to see if it is clogged.

How many miles on the Big Bear?

I had a 2005 with 4850 miles and the gas mileage was in the low 20's.

Best regards[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Colder weather, longer idle time, 4wd, tire slippage on snow and ice...lots of reasons why the winter is tougher on gas.
None of the 4wd utes gets good milage,and winter is even worse, especially if youre working them hard.
You could try a few things, clean and reoil the air filter, check to be sure the choke isnt staying on, making sure the float level isnt too high,checking for gas leaks(like from the overflow tube on the bottom of the carb),and changing oil to a more winter grade.
In the winter my foreman struggles to stay in double digits for mpg, but it sure is a blast to ride in the slippery conditions.

 

And you should check the valve clearances for proper gap , and install a new spark plug ! .............williebee