Ran my windshield for the first time for an entire tank of gas, went from getting 40 mpg to 33 mpg.

Is that normal?

 

I had a windshield and a fairing, alternately, on my 05 Road King and never did worse than about 38 MPG for comparison. If you're sure that's the only change, the windshield, then that's it I guess. But it seems excessive.

Alan

 

Yes, it absolutely is! If your new windshield is 6 feet wide and 5 feet tall. Otherwise, look somewhere else for your lousy mileage. I can't say for sure in your case but I would be skeptical of the way 95% of the people figure their gas mileage.

 

I figure fuel mileage this way

Start with full tank of fuel and trip odometer on zero. Drive till time to refuel, fill tank completely. MPG = miles driven / gallons to fill tank

All of my fill ups have been logged in Fuelly. The only thing that has changed is put the windshield on this morning.

 

I always get 42 mpg or better with windshield on.

 

Out of curiosity, in all your fill-ups did you ever have one that averaged 33 before. I average just at 40 but I've had fill-ups that were 48 and some that were 32. If I'm hauling at 85 for a long time, at altitude or fighting a strong headwind I will see my mileage drop significantly. The worst I ever had was Vegas to Barstow (high speed, up hill and a strong head wind) for 150 miles. Fuel light came on at 165 miles.

 

I get 40+ with my batwing.

 

stuck in traffic or more city driving?

having a windshield on my street bob doesnt hurt my mileage one bit, doesnt matter naked, windshield, or cafe fairing. I can get 40+ all day long just cruising around on back roads and even hammering it in the twisties, but as soon as I start riding stop and go, city driving, my short commute to school and one of my jobs... my mileage tanks to 32-34.

 

I used to take mine on and off both my old Road King and Heritage and never noticed a difference in mileage....

 

to many variables,gas with more crazy alcohol content, headwind,temp, humidity,passenger,bricks in saddlebags, tank a little less full than last tank.