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Old Apr 18, 2008 | 01:25 PM
  #1  
dkelly's Avatar
dkelly
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4th Gear
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From: Houston Texas
Default performance

i just purchased my first harley. i have a 2004 heritage. it runs like a champ but the fuel mileage sucks. i'm not much of a mechanic, can anyone give me some advise on mods. i can make to increase fuel economy and overall performance?
 
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 01:46 PM
  #2  
steelhorse 1971's Avatar
steelhorse 1971
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Default RE: performance

What kind of milage are you getting?Most big v twin Harleys get between 35 to 50 mpg depending on how you drive.
 
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 02:03 PM
  #3  
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EasternSP
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From: King George, VA
Default RE: performance

You will have to do some open road running to see what you actuall milage will be. Tank up, ride till the gas light comes on, if ya have one and fill up again. Do the math with your milage and amount of fuel on the second fill up. Enjoy the ride.
 
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 06:18 PM
  #4  
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gum
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Default RE: performance

Is your bike EFIor carb? Maybe you just need a tune up especially if it's EFI as the computer controls the fuel/air mix and it mightbe running too rich. Also, do you have stage 1? high flowexhaust?These are things that can impact your fuel economy and performance and like the earlier post what exactly is your fuel mileage. Maybe it's not as bad as you think.
 
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 08:56 PM
  #5  
LilBudyWizer's Avatar
LilBudyWizer
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Default RE: performance

One thing to try is shifting later when accelerating if you're mainly driving in town. At crusing speed lower rpms seem better, but when accelerating more torque seems better for fuel economy.
 
Old Apr 18, 2008 | 10:54 PM
  #6  
RKKY's Avatar
RKKY
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Oregon City, OR
Default RE: performance

May want to check/clean your air filter.
 
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