I apologize up front if this has been a previous thread. I searched, but couldn't find anything.

I recently bought a 1997 Road King carbed model. I have noticed that my mpg is averaging around 30-35 mpg. I don't ride it like I stole it. I am an older guy that just putts along taking in the sights. Is this mpg normal for this bike?

Another thing I noticed upon inspection of the air filter was that it seems oil soaked and I noticed a lot of oil residue on the carb and also oil residue on the lower inside of the carb cover. Is there a way to divert the the breather hoses coming off the heads from the carb intake. Screw the EPA.

Also, being my first Harley, on the air filter cover, it says "Screaming Eagle". Do I have to buy a particular air filter? If so, what should I be looking for? Links would be preferred.

One other thing, my neighbor has an 02 Road King. I noticed when he cracks the throttle, there's no hesitation in rpms. In other words, it revs quickly. But when I crack my throttle, although no hesitation, it doesn't rev as quickly as his 02. Does that have to do with the fact that his bike is EFI and mine is carbed?

Sorry, a lot in one thread.

Thanks

 

Your lucky to have a carb model I'm going to have to convert mine

 

Your buddy has a twin cam, they have quite a bit more power than the evos like yours. If you filter is a screamin eagle, it may be a K&N style reusable/oiled one. Take a picture and put it up so we can see it. If it's that kind, you can just wash it up, re-oil, and go. A little oil from the breathers is normal.

 

Humm, my 111" evo gets 40+ mpg with S&S carb

 

My 92 EVO gets mid to low 30's. Seems like it should do better. I don't ride that hard either.

 

Definitely needs a tune up. I get 48mpg normal riding, 45 if if I'm twisting on it.

 

It took me a while to locate one. I want nothing to do with the FI models on an EVO. It's the stock CV carb. The only drawback was that it's that Godforsaken Harley purple color. Can't stand it. It's embarrassing to be seen on. Will definitely repaint it this winter.

I will try to post a pic tomorrow.. Been a metric guy all my life so apologize for my ignorance on HD's, but am slowly learning. I know is a different cam setup but his throttle seems so much crisper. He may have more power, but I still smoke him in the twisties. Seeing that he has seen the 1960's Hondas that I restore, he is going to let me work side by side with him on the bike. Can't wait.

I seem to be riding in a lower gear than I should be most of the to eliminate what I have been calling vibration. Even posted about it here a little while back. My windshield needs to be replaced cause it's so dirty so today I drilled and attached a piece of lexan to the existing shield about 4' higher than stock. The vibration or lack of a better term previously, disappeared. It was the wind buffeting all along that I was calling vibration. So instead of riding in 3rd when I should be in 4th, or in 4th when I should be in 5th will most likely make up the difference in mpg.

New taller Long Rides Shield on order. The engine pulls hard and will wind out so I don't think I need a tune up. But did talk to a local Indy and he is going to take a quick look over (no charge). I am going to have him put new lifters, Andrews cam etc in the winter anyway. Seeing that he has seen some of the the 1960's Hondas that I restore, he is going to let me work side by side with him on the bike. Can't wait.

 

Nothing wrong with being a metric and a Harley owner. I've got a 2004 Honda and a 1991 FLHS and they both put a grin on my face every time!

I get about 38-40 mpgs on my FLHS

 

When my EVO is "dialed in" it's well into the 40s range. Recently the VOES developed a leak and it "un-dialed" itself and went to about 38-39 (hand calculated always).

I think I know what you mean on hesitation - and I would figure most likely lean if it's the kind of hesitation I'm thinking.

As far as oil residue - no telling with this much info whether it's a slow leak out the breather holes - an artifact of the hot oil vapor re-injection or simply road grime.

Based on everything you said - some simple checks and updates may be in order.

- Do a basic test for intake leaks - not likely based on what you said but wouldn't hoit (carb spray or propane test)

- Check if the air/fuel mix cover is removed and you can access the screw. How many turns out from full clockwise/lightly set is it? 2.5 is a very good starting point - then read the plugs and dial from there.

- How do the plugs look?

- After all that - you can definitely reroute the breathers - which entails some banjo bolts/hose (long thread on this) or you can use a horseshoe version (unnecessary). I would not use the open breather bolts with a simple filter on them.

- Since mine went bad - do a check on the VOES. There's a simple test procedure in the service manual.

The key is to do one thing at a time - not all at once. That way you can isolate what is working and what is not.

While the Twin Cam will be faster to spin up to speed, the EVO shouldn't be far behind and should still be very responsive on throttle.

 

So does my S&S 107", but you and I don't live in the real world, we are in the stratosphere.....