Mileage Difference Running Winshield
Thread Starter
|
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
Mileage Difference Running Winshield
Been riding Harley's for a long time, but my FatBoy is the first bike I've had that had a windshield (detachable)..
Have to admit, the windshield is nice, especially in colder weather conditions, in the rain, etc., but I have a question about mileage.
I live in a very rural area, and 99% of my riding consists of cruising at 60+ miles per hour. I keep very accurate fuel records, and it seems that the bike gets approximately 5 miles per gallon less when the windshield is being used, under the same type of riding conditions.
Does this sound difference sound about right when using (or not using) a windshield?
Not sure if it makes any difference, but the windshield being used is a 18" Cee Bailey replacement 'glass' attached to the stock Harley quick disconnect hardware.
Have to admit, the windshield is nice, especially in colder weather conditions, in the rain, etc., but I have a question about mileage.
I live in a very rural area, and 99% of my riding consists of cruising at 60+ miles per hour. I keep very accurate fuel records, and it seems that the bike gets approximately 5 miles per gallon less when the windshield is being used, under the same type of riding conditions.
Does this sound difference sound about right when using (or not using) a windshield?
Not sure if it makes any difference, but the windshield being used is a 18" Cee Bailey replacement 'glass' attached to the stock Harley quick disconnect hardware.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: Mileage Difference Running Winshield
I found that mine went down, but it was because i was riding faster.
Once back to normal speeds, it has been the same. Your body has about as much drag as a shield. In fact, the shield is probably more efficient since it is sloped somewhat as opposed to leaning over a bit like a sail.
Once back to normal speeds, it has been the same. Your body has about as much drag as a shield. In fact, the shield is probably more efficient since it is sloped somewhat as opposed to leaning over a bit like a sail.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Mileage Difference Running Winshield
I would think that there would be less drag with the windshield...But I'm no engineer...Like you said it's nice when it's cold or raining....But it looks so much better without it....
[IMG]local://upfiles/2670/9CB47EA53A8A4B61B8CED0952B9D22F0.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/2670/9CB47EA53A8A4B61B8CED0952B9D22F0.jpg[/IMG]
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Mileage Difference Running Winshield
Yes mileage per galon has reduced as you indicate. I own an '07 Fat Boy and after I installed a removable windshield (king size) this thing works as a huge air brake, so instinctively, as you try to go faster to compensate, more gas is spent.
The design of the windshield is what causes this decline in mpg. Before, I was getting 40-45 mpgnow I'm getting around36-38 mpg on a 60/40-highway/street riding situation and am filling up every 150 miles with less than 4 galons of gas.
Previously, I owned a BMW RT1150 with an adjustable/electric windshield, and sure enough everytime I had the shield up my mileage would decrease and could feel the airbrake effect.
With my Fat Boy I had learned to keep it at a steady speed (70-75 if possible) anyhting higher and your mileage will decrease substantially, I 've been down up to 34 mpggoing faster than 80 mph.
The design of the windshield is what causes this decline in mpg. Before, I was getting 40-45 mpgnow I'm getting around36-38 mpg on a 60/40-highway/street riding situation and am filling up every 150 miles with less than 4 galons of gas.
Previously, I owned a BMW RT1150 with an adjustable/electric windshield, and sure enough everytime I had the shield up my mileage would decrease and could feel the airbrake effect.
With my Fat Boy I had learned to keep it at a steady speed (70-75 if possible) anyhting higher and your mileage will decrease substantially, I 've been down up to 34 mpggoing faster than 80 mph.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 12
From: NJ
RE: Mileage Difference Running Winshield
I have no loss in mileage with my shield, To look at your's in the pic........It has the aerodynamics of a sheet of plywood, a perfect air brake
ORIGINAL: Waltman
Yes mileage per gallon has reduced as you indicate. I own an '07 Fat Boy and after I installed a removable windshield (king size) this thing works as a huge air brake, so instinctively, as you try to go faster to compensate, more gas is spent.
The design of the windshield is what causes this decline in mpg. Before, I was getting 40-45 mpgnow I'm getting around36-38 mpg on a 60/40-highway/street riding situation and am filling up every 150 miles with less than 4 gallons of gas.
Previously, I owned a BMW RT1150 with an adjustable/electric windshield, and sure enough everytime I had the shield up my mileage would decrease and could feel the airbrake effect.
With my Fat Boy I had learned to keep it at a steady speed (70-75 if possible) anyhting higher and your mileage will decrease substantially, I 've been down up to 34 mpggoing faster than 80 mph.
Yes mileage per gallon has reduced as you indicate. I own an '07 Fat Boy and after I installed a removable windshield (king size) this thing works as a huge air brake, so instinctively, as you try to go faster to compensate, more gas is spent.
The design of the windshield is what causes this decline in mpg. Before, I was getting 40-45 mpgnow I'm getting around36-38 mpg on a 60/40-highway/street riding situation and am filling up every 150 miles with less than 4 gallons of gas.
Previously, I owned a BMW RT1150 with an adjustable/electric windshield, and sure enough everytime I had the shield up my mileage would decrease and could feel the airbrake effect.
With my Fat Boy I had learned to keep it at a steady speed (70-75 if possible) anyhting higher and your mileage will decrease substantially, I 've been down up to 34 mpggoing faster than 80 mph.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,511
Likes: 12
From: Western, MA.
RE: Mileage Difference Running Winshield
I noticed a small difference in MPG on some of the longer trips I've taken on my bike with the detachable windshield on the bike but I could care less.
When your runnin down the highway at 70 mph, it's nice to have the windshield on and be able to relax! [sm=smiley20.gif]
When your runnin down the highway at 70 mph, it's nice to have the windshield on and be able to relax! [sm=smiley20.gif]
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
