MPG Expectations
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
From: Burlington, North Carolina USA
MPG Expectations
Okay, so I've finally gotten my bike all together and I've just taken one first long trip on her. Thus far, running at a true 65mph I'm getting about 34-35 mpg on regular pump gas. Some brief background: the bike is a 1995 Ultra Classic fuel injected model with a brand new (1,400 mile) Harley remanufactured engine. After its first 1,300 miles I changed the oil and filter to Shell Rotella 5W40 Synthetic. I was really anticipating something in the 45-48mpg range. Is that unrealistic? Can the fuel injection system be 'trouble shot' or leaned out somewhat? The bike also has a new pair of Michelin Commander tires running 38/40 PSI and the rest of the bike is 100% stock except for some electronic farkles I've added.Are any of the aftermarket fuel injection systems worth considering in hopes of improving fuel mileage? Thanks in advance!
RE: MPG Expectations
Don't know if thats normal or not my self. I have a 93 Fatboy and even with a EV27 cam I still get at least 42 to 45. Mine is carbed but the fuel injection should get better than that I would think
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
From: Burlington, North Carolina USA
RE: MPG Expectations
There quite dark in color. I've removed them and replaced with sparkplug.com recomended NKG iridium plugs. I was thinking of taking the original plugs that have 1,300 miles on 'em back to the dealership and let the tech and service manager have a look see. I'll report my findings as soon as possible.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 728
Likes: 1
From: Yakima, WA
RE: MPG Expectations
97 evo FXDWG stage one. nothing special 40-50 mpg. fuel injection is supposed to get better with age maybe you need to ride it more and get her settled in. you might see better mileage after 5-9K. Buddy o'mine has a 2007 deluxe and I still get better MPG than he does. oh yeah your running rich too. get that fixed then ride some more. if it doesn't get better you'll feel better about riding it more.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Fl
RE: MPG Expectations
You should run premium Gas as recommended in your owners manual. Then you should see your mileage jump into the low to mid 40's
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
RE: MPG Expectations
I've gotten 50-55 mpg out of every tank I've run through the bike this year (9000 miles).
It's an '85 1340 (4-speed) with S&S carb (74 main and 28 intermediate jets), heads are ported and polished, larger intake valves, .500" lift cam, Compufire ignition, and CycleShack duals with baffles. I get the same mileage with 89 or 92/93 octane, so I'm sticking with 89. I did regear the final drive from a 23/51 to a 23/48. I use the bike mainly as a daily commuter where I drive 26 miles, one-way, and have to deal with 18 stop lights. There is 11 miles of interstate thrown into the mix. I often will take the 40-mile scenic route home, though.
It's an '85 1340 (4-speed) with S&S carb (74 main and 28 intermediate jets), heads are ported and polished, larger intake valves, .500" lift cam, Compufire ignition, and CycleShack duals with baffles. I get the same mileage with 89 or 92/93 octane, so I'm sticking with 89. I did regear the final drive from a 23/51 to a 23/48. I use the bike mainly as a daily commuter where I drive 26 miles, one-way, and have to deal with 18 stop lights. There is 11 miles of interstate thrown into the mix. I often will take the 40-mile scenic route home, though.
