1995 FXDL gets 27mpg?
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
1995 FXDL gets 27mpg?
Well, I've had my 1995 FXDL for 10 months now, and after a few trips to the shop, it's finally running great. My only observation is that through all mods/tweaks to the carburetor, it's only managed to get 27mpg in town. Is this normal? I filled up with gas yesterday after riding 76 miles, and it took 2.76 gallons of gas. Since I've spent enough $ on maintenance now, I'm going to ride the heck out of it for awhile. But for the future, I'm wondering if putting a new carburetor on it (like Mikuni) might improve the gas mileage. Right now it seems to have 100mi range before switching to reserve. I like to ride long distances and was hoping for a little better range than that.
Even with concerns about gas mileage, I still like riding this bike. It's been a blast so far.
Even with concerns about gas mileage, I still like riding this bike. It's been a blast so far.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 29
From: Baytown Tx.
Well, I've had my 1995 FXDL for 10 months now, and after a few trips to the shop, it's finally running great. My only observation is that through all mods/tweaks to the carburetor, it's only managed to get 27mpg in town. Is this normal? I filled up with gas yesterday after riding 76 miles, and it took 2.76 gallons of gas. Since I've spent enough $ on maintenance now, I'm going to ride the heck out of it for awhile. But for the future, I'm wondering if putting a new carburetor on it (like Mikuni) might improve the gas mileage. Right now it seems to have 100mi range before switching to reserve. I like to ride long distances and was hoping for a little better range than that.
Even with concerns about gas mileage, I still like riding this bike. It's been a blast so far.
Even with concerns about gas mileage, I still like riding this bike. It's been a blast so far.
You should be getting better mileage than that. Is the engine highly modified? I have a 1995 FXDWG. I'm running the stock carb with a SE 3 cam and 9.5-1 KB pistons. I average between 35-40 mpg.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Yeah, thats awful mileage, especially for an Evo. Carb jetting and adjustment need to be addressed. I suppose you may have a vacuum leak as well. I would suspect if you pulled the plugs they would be pitch black. I would pull the plugs and have a looksey. If they are black, and not a nice light tan, then your running way rich. Another issue that could easily be present if the bikes running great and the plugs check out is a fuel leak. Your bike probably has that vacuum petcock deal. There maybe a fuel leak somewhere. But no matter what, 27 is way too low. Hell, my Shovelhead got in the 40's!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
Check the plugs.
I suspect a vacuum leak as well. The plugs should tell. Do you have any idle issues? take some starting fluid and spray near the manifold and intakes. Don't know if that is recommended for Harley's as a trouble shooting tip. I come from barned Yamaha fix ups, but they all ran just like new, and I sold them to buy my Harley. I must have done something right.
Do you have gas in your oil? Leaky petcock?
I suspect a vacuum leak as well. The plugs should tell. Do you have any idle issues? take some starting fluid and spray near the manifold and intakes. Don't know if that is recommended for Harley's as a trouble shooting tip. I come from barned Yamaha fix ups, but they all ran just like new, and I sold them to buy my Harley. I must have done something right.
Do you have gas in your oil? Leaky petcock?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, GA
I wouldn't fret about 27 mpg in town. You said it is running fine so if you want to ride longer distance put it in high gear and let it roll @ 70+ and get back to the forum with an actual highway mileage report after a few tanks of gas on the freeway.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
See, that's more like what I expected my bike to get. I was hoping for somewhere around 40mpg. This bike is not modified - except - the previous owner said the shop he took it to for service did some work on the carburetor. The only thing I did was had a supertrapp 2-into-1 muffler put on, along with having the carburetor adjusted.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Yeah, thats awful mileage, especially for an Evo. Carb jetting and adjustment need to be addressed. I suppose you may have a vacuum leak as well. I would suspect if you pulled the plugs they would be pitch black. I would pull the plugs and have a looksey. If they are black, and not a nice light tan, then your running way rich. Another issue that could easily be present if the bikes running great and the plugs check out is a fuel leak. Your bike probably has that vacuum petcock deal. There maybe a fuel leak somewhere. But no matter what, 27 is way too low. Hell, my Shovelhead got in the 40's!
Anyway, I'll try to check one of the plugs today and see what it looks like.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
That's right, only "in town" mpg. As soon as I can get a break from work, I want to take it on a longer ride and see what I get. I'll definitely post here as a follow up.