average fuel consumption.............
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average fuel consumption............. - 5/10/2008 8:36:19 PM
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Sportster_Guy
Posts: 135
Joined: 5/4/2008
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08 1200C
Anybody know what kind of fuel usage i should be getting with a 4.5 gallon tank and conservative riding? Just a rough guess? Im asking because my fuel light i dont trust at all. First ride, it came on at 88 miles and I was not sure so i top it off and only took 2.2 gallons. So im trying to see without running it dry what distance i should be at before hitting the gas stop.
Thanks......
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08 HD Sportster 1200 Custom Vivid Black/Silver stripes
Ridin everyday! Thanks to So. cal. weather.......
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/10/2008 10:00:57 PM
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RATROD HOG
Posts: 282
Joined: 7/10/2006
From: East Coast side of Pa
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how many miles on your bike ?
i have 06 carb with 4.5 tank and these are some figures
highway steady speed=180 till res
around town=165-170
beat the hell out of it=145
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(06) Sportster
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/10/2008 10:56:46 PM
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Teek
Posts: 1260
Joined: 5/17/2007
From: "Useless", TX (DFW)
Status: online
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You should be getting around 40-45 mpg.
My "low fuel" light comes on consistently with 1.8 gallons left. I get everywhere between 36-53 mpg. The lowest being ringing out the gears while merging onto urban highway traffic, and the highest a steady 70 mph on road trips. Generally, I get around 40 mpg or a little better.
My '07 Low got around 45 during break-in, but I've gotten more aggressive with the motor since then. I still haven't hit the rev limiter, though.
I assume you are still in the break-in period? If so, and you do the break-in "correctly", your mileage should sort of suck anyway. You don't have a tach, but 4,000 rpm is way above the manual recommended shift points. If you follow the manual recommended shift points, you'll likely be lugging the engine which is not good for it, and your mileage will suffer. Just for point of reference, here are MY "conservative" shift points:
1st = 20 mph
2nd = 30 mph
3rd = 40 mph
4th = 50 mph
5th = 60 mph
My normal shift points are 5-10 mph above each of those. When merging on the highway, it's not unusual for me to be up to highway speed before I get into 4th, then put it into 5th at 70 or 75. Doing this four times a day, you can see why my mileage can get in the upper 30's.
Also, it appears as though the '06 and earlier model carbed bikes get a helluva lot better fuel economy than the EFI, like 45-50, sometimes 60 on the highway. If I get 45 I'm happy.
Teek
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/10/2008 11:09:46 PM
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Sportster_Guy
Posts: 135
Joined: 5/4/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Teek
You should be getting around 40-45 mpg.
My "low fuel" light comes on consistently with 1.8 gallons left. I get everywhere between 36-53 mpg. The lowest being ringing out the gears while merging onto urban highway traffic, and the highest a steady 70 mph on road trips. Generally, I get around 40 mpg or a little better.
My '07 Low got around 45 during break-in, but I've gotten more aggressive with the motor since then. I still haven't hit the rev limiter, though.
I assume you are still in the break-in period? If so, and you do the break-in "correctly", your mileage should sort of suck anyway. You don't have a tach, but 4,000 rpm is way above the manual recommended shift points. If you follow the manual recommended shift points, you'll likely be lugging the engine which is not good for it, and your mileage will suffer. Just for point of reference, here are MY "conservative" shift points:
1st = 20 mph
2nd = 30 mph
3rd = 40 mph
4th = 50 mph
5th = 60 mph
My normal shift points are 5-10 mph above each of those. When merging on the highway, it's not unusual for me to be up to highway speed before I get into 4th, then put it into 5th at 70 or 75. Doing this four times a day, you can see why my mileage can get in the upper 30's.
Also, it appears as though the '06 and earlier model carbed bikes get a helluva lot better fuel economy than the EFI, like 45-50, sometimes 60 on the highway. If I get 45 I'm happy.
Teek
They should of put a tach on all the bikes....
At first i could tell that the shift points seem low so i have adjust them up as you say about what you did. The fuel light makes sence now that you say that being that the last time it came on it only took 2.2-2.5 gallons of fuel to top it off which would be close to the 4.5 capacity of the tank, so the light seems to be working correctly.. So relisticly, i should be getting rufly 160 miles to the tank riding conservativly at which it will increase a little as break in gets better. This way i can set my trip and when im close to 160 or less, start looking for fuel if not a little sooner.
Thanks for that info!
Much appreciated
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08 HD Sportster 1200 Custom Vivid Black/Silver stripes
Ridin everyday! Thanks to So. cal. weather.......
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/10/2008 11:15:23 PM
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chaos5
Posts: 177
Joined: 4/25/2008
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OK, I've got a 08 1200C as well, and I'm at about 1500 miles now. I ride it nearly every day with a mix of highway and street riding. On the HW I'm cruising at 70-85mph and on the streets 25-45mph. As far as my riding stile goes, I kindof beat the hell out of it.
On average I get a very consistent 40 mpg.
BTW, my fuel light comes on around 120 miles, and I put 3.0-3.2 gal in when I fill up.
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2008 XL1200C
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/10/2008 11:26:30 PM
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tom071200c
Posts: 52
Joined: 1/10/2008
From: Vermilion,OH
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+1 with chaos5.
I Consistently fill it when light comes on and put in about 3.0-3.2 gallons with between 120-130 miles on the trip.
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2007 1200 Custom - Olive Pearl/Vivid Black
SEAC
SEII slip ons
PCIII
Detachable windshield and backrest
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 12:11:18 AM
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blippo
Posts: 44
Joined: 4/3/2008
From: VA
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I average 42 mpg on my 08 1200c
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 12:26:58 AM
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JosephGarcia
Posts: 1161
Joined: 8/26/2007
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20 with my leaking valve stem on the rear tire, cant stay at normal psi....
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 6:00:57 AM
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Booey420
Posts: 1094
Joined: 2/24/2007
From: Fairview Park,Ohio
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I just filled up yesterday.I got 49.4 mpg.But my ride is a carb model.It sure helps when gas is $4 a gallon
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 6:08:04 AM
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SpursDarkrider
Posts: 894
Joined: 2/16/2008
From: Houston, Texas
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Dont trust the low fuel warning light, use your trip odometer. That light goes on at different times for different people, as witnessed by all the previous posts on previous threads. You should be safe in figuring 120-135 miles in mixed riding and about 140-150 on highways. The 4.5 gallon tank doesnt actually hold that, more like 4.35 gals.
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 7:17:17 AM
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thomasf59
Posts: 1448
Joined: 10/8/2006
From: Bellevue Nebraska 68157
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Well my best in town is 43, I watch the miles not the light, but last fill up had 110 mile and no light at that time.
I use the clock on the odometer as I ride to work and want to know what time it is and where I am at. So if the light were to come on it would be a good reminder, I just fill it once a week.
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2007 Sportster 1200 XLC, ,SE II''s, HD Smart Security .Chrome Sprocket , Upper & Lower Chrome Belt guards, Stage 1,... 19 inch Frt Wheel, taxes paided, Bellevue Ne.
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 7:35:42 AM
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cHarley
Posts: 4073
Joined: 2/14/2007
From: Boynton Beach, FL
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My mileage has been very consistant. Allowing for some reserve on a 4.5 gal tank, I figure 3.5 gallons at approx:
Around town - 40 mpg = 140 miles
Highway 55-60mph - 55 mpg = 190 miles
Intersate 70-75mph - 50 mpg = 175 miles
I adjust downwards when necessary to allow for 2up or headwinds.
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04 1200C - Bub Jug Huggers
NRHS HurricaneFlow A/C
Daytona TC88A Ignition
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 8:03:05 AM
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DPete
Posts: 756
Joined: 8/19/2007
From: Central, Ca.
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I figure I have a good 60 miles to go when the fuel light comes on, no need to panic , mileage is 43 - 50 mpg
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07'' 1200C Sportster Stage 1
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 8:49:35 AM
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CapnAdventure
Posts: 559
Joined: 11/23/2007
From: Great Falls, Va.
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+1 with Teek...mileage definitely has gone up with more miles on the bike.
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2007 XL1200L - Yellow Pearl
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 2:45:53 PM
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Teek
Posts: 1260
Joined: 5/17/2007
From: "Useless", TX (DFW)
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How many miles do you have on it now? During break in, you should vary your speeds quite a bit, and not keep a steady speed for any length of time. Generally if you're on a straight highway that means vary the speed between 55 and 70, with VERY brief stints up to 75, depending on your weight. If you're on back roads with some curves thrown in so you'll have to change gears, slow down and speed up, then that's PERFECT! I'm in the camp that most of the actual engine break-in occurs in the first 250 miles, but I extend it out to 500 just to be sure. I would wait till your first oil change and service at 1,000 miles to really romp on it though.
Teek
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 4:53:55 PM
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Sportster_Guy
Posts: 135
Joined: 5/4/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Teek
How many miles do you have on it now? During break in, you should vary your speeds quite a bit, and not keep a steady speed for any length of time. Generally if you're on a straight highway that means vary the speed between 55 and 70, with VERY brief stints up to 75, depending on your weight. If you're on back roads with some curves thrown in so you'll have to change gears, slow down and speed up, then that's PERFECT! I'm in the camp that most of the actual engine break-in occurs in the first 250 miles, but I extend it out to 500 just to be sure. I would wait till your first oil change and service at 1,000 miles to really romp on it though.
Teek
Im doing exactly as you state. Where i live, there are ton's of back roads and twisties, mountains roads ect....It was a beautiful ride today and my sporty ran awsome. I have yet to go over 70 but been there a couple of times to unwind alittle briefly. One thing though, The seat sucks for long rides. My arse is hurtin a little. But i guess maybe more stops along the way to walk it off or until my fat but gets alittle more use to it.
Ed
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08 HD Sportster 1200 Custom Vivid Black/Silver stripes
Ridin everyday! Thanks to So. cal. weather.......
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 5:14:44 PM
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SHOAT
Posts: 278
Joined: 1/6/2008
From: Demorest, GA
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My '05 carbed 1200C gets betweem 46 and 53mpg.
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2005 XL1200C
"Set your course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship." ....... Gen. Omar Bradley
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 6:33:28 PM
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gilmour68
Posts: 399
Joined: 10/6/2006
From: NE Pennsylvania
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I usually get between 170-180 before I hit reserve. XL1200C carbed.
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/11/2008 7:07:43 PM
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SpursDarkrider
Posts: 894
Joined: 2/16/2008
From: Houston, Texas
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get rid of that stock seat and get the sundowner, its butt ugly but its really padded and the bucket helps keep your back from getting sore.
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/14/2008 2:19:54 AM
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BluePotato
Posts: 540
Joined: 5/13/2007
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I get 50 mpg consistently, but I'm easy on the throttle. (I have a windshield and no stage 1).
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2006 Sportster 1200 Custom Chopper Blue / Brilliant Silver
"The Blue Potato"
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/14/2008 2:27:45 AM
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travroc
Posts: 244
Joined: 5/13/2008
From: Inland Empire
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Sportster Guy,
I have the exact same bike you do and just turned 1000 mile. The low fuel indicator light is garbage, It is supposed to come on when you have 1 gallon left and mine comes on at half a tank as well. I do not exceeed 150 between fill ups just to be safe.
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/14/2008 6:07:14 AM
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bmkshort
Posts: 183
Joined: 4/27/2006
From: P-town, VA
Status: offline
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40-43 mpg. when it was stock, I got 48-52 mpg.
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2006 1200R fire pearl red
V&H Straghtshots slip-ons
SE AC, Yost Pwr tube, 48/185 jets
Sundowner seat, detach uprts / low backrest
mini-apes, fwd controls, 11.75" shocks
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RE: average fuel consumption............. - 5/14/2008 12:41:05 PM
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Drodd8
Posts: 374
Joined: 6/21/2007
From: Newnan, Ga.
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I ride my bike to work daily, unless the weather just sucks, 43 miles each way and all super slab. I am getting between 48 and 53 regularly when running 65-70 mph. Last couple of days it has been really windy and the mpg is at the low end. I fill up everyday and put in about 1.6-1.7 gallons or so for the 86 mile round trip. I always make sure to fill up by the time I have 120 or so on a tank.
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Daryl
07 Nightster
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