need some guidance on mods and mpg
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 44
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From: upstate ny
need some guidance on mods and mpg
Traded in the sporty for a '08 fxdf last fall and with the early-ish spring we've been blessed with here in upstate NY I've finally been able to get on the road feel it out. It has SE heavy breather and V&H short shots with what I assume is some sort of ECM re-flash.
The bike fits like a glove and has loads of power BUT after 400 miles of keeping a strict log I have noticed I am only getting about 30mpg riding nice (60 mph on the highway on flat roads in 40 - 50 degree weather) and less with riding it like I stole it. Not that I have any experience in the area as this is my first dyna, and I am without a doubt mechanically retarded, I feel that I should be getting better fuel economy that what I am currently getting.
The only idea I have been able to come up with so far (after several places trying to sell me fuel management this and auto tuner that) is head to the dreaded stealership and have them re-flash the computer back to stock and go from there. Any ideas? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I should point out, I did not get a dyna for fuel economy, but it seems odd to me that most riders seem to get much better on a similar set up.
The bike fits like a glove and has loads of power BUT after 400 miles of keeping a strict log I have noticed I am only getting about 30mpg riding nice (60 mph on the highway on flat roads in 40 - 50 degree weather) and less with riding it like I stole it. Not that I have any experience in the area as this is my first dyna, and I am without a doubt mechanically retarded, I feel that I should be getting better fuel economy that what I am currently getting.
The only idea I have been able to come up with so far (after several places trying to sell me fuel management this and auto tuner that) is head to the dreaded stealership and have them re-flash the computer back to stock and go from there. Any ideas? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I should point out, I did not get a dyna for fuel economy, but it seems odd to me that most riders seem to get much better on a similar set up.
Last edited by violentstreak; Apr 10, 2012 at 06:32 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
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From: New Braunfels, Texas
I get about 40 MPG overall but I ride it pretty hard. I did get 50 one time doing 65 on the freeway in 6th gear.
Don't take it to the dealership for a reflash. The probably flashed it poorly the first time.
Did you buy it at the dealership? Did you have the service dept run the serial number to see what work was done through harley? Probably a good place to start.
If it runs good, just run it and keep filling it up because your going to pay between 300-750 to get a tuner and have it tuned...lots of options out there, but if you go that route do your homework and make sure you get a tuner that does more then just fuel management. You need it to adjust the timing, ect also
My brother just bought a used 2007 softail through the harley dealer that had the stage one and the reflash (all done at the dealer) he was getting 25-30MPG, after the TTS and dyno time it went up to 40. It ran good when he bought it but much better now.
Also you might want to check for exhaust leaks as I got a full turn on all 4 of his header bolts
Don't take it to the dealership for a reflash. The probably flashed it poorly the first time.
Did you buy it at the dealership? Did you have the service dept run the serial number to see what work was done through harley? Probably a good place to start.
If it runs good, just run it and keep filling it up because your going to pay between 300-750 to get a tuner and have it tuned...lots of options out there, but if you go that route do your homework and make sure you get a tuner that does more then just fuel management. You need it to adjust the timing, ect also
My brother just bought a used 2007 softail through the harley dealer that had the stage one and the reflash (all done at the dealer) he was getting 25-30MPG, after the TTS and dyno time it went up to 40. It ran good when he bought it but much better now.
Also you might want to check for exhaust leaks as I got a full turn on all 4 of his header bolts
Last edited by rooti; Apr 10, 2012 at 07:27 PM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 44
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From: upstate ny
Wow, looks like i'm miles away from the numbers you two are getting. Are both of you running stock configurations? Rooti, i'm getting very similar results to what your brother was getting.
To answer your question, i didn't get it at the MoCo but I did purchase from a dealer. Sounds like I will have to drop by an HD dealer to check that VIN number. I will check the header bolts but I don't think that is the issue...i'm not so lucky to have such a simple fix methinks. Hopefully any work was done at a dealer and has been recorded.
Worst case cenario, the only dyno in the area unfortunately is at the local HD dealership. The bike runs well, and it certainly preforms! But to be honest, i'm not totally ruling out puting that bike back into stock configuration if it meant 45 -50mpg.
I've done some research today on tuners and i'm not afraid to invest the dough when I get it it to correct the issue. Are there any self tuning options out there? I know cobra makes the one fuel manager but if its more complicated than just the fuel that would be a waste.
May sound like a dumb questions but what is TTS. Whats the best way to check my tune?
To answer your question, i didn't get it at the MoCo but I did purchase from a dealer. Sounds like I will have to drop by an HD dealer to check that VIN number. I will check the header bolts but I don't think that is the issue...i'm not so lucky to have such a simple fix methinks. Hopefully any work was done at a dealer and has been recorded.
Worst case cenario, the only dyno in the area unfortunately is at the local HD dealership. The bike runs well, and it certainly preforms! But to be honest, i'm not totally ruling out puting that bike back into stock configuration if it meant 45 -50mpg.
I've done some research today on tuners and i'm not afraid to invest the dough when I get it it to correct the issue. Are there any self tuning options out there? I know cobra makes the one fuel manager but if its more complicated than just the fuel that would be a waste.
May sound like a dumb questions but what is TTS. Whats the best way to check my tune?
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: upstate ny
I should also point, I did watch some install on some different programmers so I would know where to look if one was installed, nothing under the seat or in the box with computer stuff.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Knoxville, Tn
Plugs
Pull the plugs out and see what color is on them. If they are black and the exhaust smells of fuel then it is running rich. If they are white and no fuel smell in the exhaust then it is running lean... That should be your first step.
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