Rode 160.1 miles today mostly at speeds at or below 60 mph occasionally to 65-70 to pass. I stayed off the interstate altogether. I filled the tank to the same level, even with the little hole in the top of the filler tube. I had no low fuel light when I stopped for gas. Pumped in 3.167 gallons of 93 octane gas.
Total miles 160.1 divided 3.167 gal. = 50.58 mpg. Not bad at all for the Switchback.

 

I have no idea why the Switchback isn't more popular. Folks are overlooking a great bike....

 

That's about average for any stock Harley motor and/or bike.

 

Yes I was a little surprised at that mileage. The best I ever got from the Low Rider was 48 mpg. The Low Rider is 52 lbs. lighter, than the Switchback.
Yup, I will say all Harley"s get very good mileage. When you can keep from cranking that throttle.

 

I have to ask, what gear and rpm`s where you at around 60 mph?

 

Definitely in 6th gear at or above 55 mph at 60 mph the engine turns 2220 rpm and at 65 the engine turns 2400 rpm.
I set out from the house with the intention of making a economy ride. Do I shirt and downshift in accordance with the owners manual recommendation all the time? No I do not but this thought was in my mind during this ride. Especially shifting into 6th gear at 55 mph.

 

6th gear, 60 MPH, 2250 RPM? I mean, you can but the engine is working harder than it has to be, working harder is more wear; these 103's don't make any actual power until 2600 RPM and up, it's always better to be in the power band of the engine when you're riding unless you're well practiced at rev-matched downshifting 2 or 3 gears.

As a test I have done 60 MPH in 6th, 50 MPG was the average I was getting. I just came back in from a day ride running 64 - 68 MPH in 5th; 48.94 MPG; the engine isn't working as hard as it's producing more power and I'm in the power band. And this is with a tuned bike. Run you economy ride again, same speed but keep it in 5th and see what happens

 

FWIW, 50 mpg sure sounds good but no way I'm gonna ride my LR in 6th gear at 55 mph...at 50-54 mph I'm still in 4th gear. lol I use 6th gear when I get to an indicated 67 mph, that's 2500 rpm reading on the tach.

I sometimes let the engine go down to 2300 rpm(rarely) but when cruising the county roads, I like to run at 62-65 mph in 5th gear, that's about 2600-2900 rpms. I got 45.2 mpg today, but usually get 42-44. I'm happy with that.

The engine just feels better (to me) when staying above 2500 rpms...but whatever floats your boat.

 

You nailed it SB; below 2500 RPM the engine is a slug, you can feel every power pulse in it. I'll bet those cheap pressed cranks and Chinese bearings love that

Not a half bad thread on why running too low of an RPM isn't what you want to be doing HERE

 

Gentlemen, Gentlemen,
During my mpg solo riding run on level roads at or near sea level. My engine was never in to high a gear or lugging the engine situation. My point for better fuel economy and without lugging the 103 engine. Shifting into the next higher gear as soon as possible will save on gas. At the same time reducing engine rpm saves wear and tear on the engine.
Do I like full throttle blasts shifting at maximum torque 98 ft. lbs @ 3,500 rpm. Why yes, yes I do.