Dumb question on engine mods...
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 368
Likes: 1
From: Washingrad Not DC
EVERY Harley Ive ever had modded has lost MPG.
When I bought my 08 Sporty they told me 50 mpg easy, well guess what, not even 45 and I use a windshield and cruise.
when I ca lled and told the stealer, he siad I get poorer mileage because Im a big guy on a small bike. What a crock.
I have to fill up everyday becuase Id need to get 50+ to fill up every other day. I run a flat 65 all the time.
So after wasting max money on my Dyna and getting 10mpg less, Im forced to leave this EFI critter alone.
No stealer will put on paper a stage 1 or anything else will increase MPG from stock.
When I bought my 08 Sporty they told me 50 mpg easy, well guess what, not even 45 and I use a windshield and cruise.
when I ca lled and told the stealer, he siad I get poorer mileage because Im a big guy on a small bike. What a crock.
I have to fill up everyday becuase Id need to get 50+ to fill up every other day. I run a flat 65 all the time.
So after wasting max money on my Dyna and getting 10mpg less, Im forced to leave this EFI critter alone.
No stealer will put on paper a stage 1 or anything else will increase MPG from stock.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
EVERY Harley Ive ever had modded has lost MPG.
When I bought my 08 Sporty they told me 50 mpg easy, well guess what, not even 45 and I use a windshield and cruise.
when I ca lled and told the stealer, he siad I get poorer mileage because Im a big guy on a small bike. What a crock.
I have to fill up everyday becuase Id need to get 50+ to fill up every other day. I run a flat 65 all the time.
So after wasting max money on my Dyna and getting 10mpg less, Im forced to leave this EFI critter alone.
No stealer will put on paper a stage 1 or anything else will increase MPG from stock.
When I bought my 08 Sporty they told me 50 mpg easy, well guess what, not even 45 and I use a windshield and cruise.
when I ca lled and told the stealer, he siad I get poorer mileage because Im a big guy on a small bike. What a crock.
I have to fill up everyday becuase Id need to get 50+ to fill up every other day. I run a flat 65 all the time.
So after wasting max money on my Dyna and getting 10mpg less, Im forced to leave this EFI critter alone.
No stealer will put on paper a stage 1 or anything else will increase MPG from stock.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,541
Likes: 1
From: Nuevo México, Los Estados Unidos de América
Stage one means more air+more fuel, this equals more power, and poorer fuel economy.
Those of you who think your fuel economy got better, you're probably just using less throttle since you're getting more power for less twist, so you're twisting less.
As far as engine wear, again, it depends how you ride it. If the more power means you're using less throttle, it will help. Cooling the engine under heavy load will also help. However, going too rich won't do your engine any favors long term either, so you need a good tune.
Those of you who think your fuel economy got better, you're probably just using less throttle since you're getting more power for less twist, so you're twisting less.
As far as engine wear, again, it depends how you ride it. If the more power means you're using less throttle, it will help. Cooling the engine under heavy load will also help. However, going too rich won't do your engine any favors long term either, so you need a good tune.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 1
Find a decent tuner (or learn how to do it yourself or ride by my place if you have a SERT); dyno tuning is not "real world" (unless you ride your bike on a ramp with its rear on a drum?). Properly tuned and properly ridden will show an increase in fuel economy as well as performance but you need to understand that because your bike is 'tuned' does not mean that you can flog the snot out of it and expect better mileage.
But, few people (myself included) want to drive Ms. Daisy once the bike has been dialed in.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 1
I was getting mid-40's once I dialed in my SERF for my 200lb carcass on my 883C; 20's when I did it wrong with the Twin Tec (great gadget but NOT meant for an unbuilt Sporty).
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,541
Likes: 1
From: Nuevo México, Los Estados Unidos de América
Exactly.
Find a decent tuner (or learn how to do it yourself or ride by my place if you have a SERT); dyno tuning is not "real world" (unless you ride your bike on a ramp with its rear on a drum?). Properly tuned and properly ridden will show an increase in fuel economy as well as performance but you need to understand that because your bike is 'tuned' does not mean that you can flog the snot out of it and expect better mileage.
But, few people (myself included) want to drive Ms. Daisy once the bike has been dialed in.
Find a decent tuner (or learn how to do it yourself or ride by my place if you have a SERT); dyno tuning is not "real world" (unless you ride your bike on a ramp with its rear on a drum?). Properly tuned and properly ridden will show an increase in fuel economy as well as performance but you need to understand that because your bike is 'tuned' does not mean that you can flog the snot out of it and expect better mileage.
But, few people (myself included) want to drive Ms. Daisy once the bike has been dialed in.
Again, the only reason fuel economy will increase with a tune is if you were running rich before, or you use a lighter arm on the throttle after.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 1
No?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,541
Likes: 1
From: Nuevo México, Los Estados Unidos de América
It's you changing your riding habits, not the bike becoming more fuel efficient. If that's how you ride great, there are just as many of us who tuned, and upgraded our engines so that we could use that extra power. In fact, most people just drive faster when they have a faster vehicle, car or bike.