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New Harley performance
I've rode a lot of miles and have had quite of few bikes but after cruising across our country I have found Harley gave a smooth ride and good MPG. I now ride a 2012 FLSTCI and can tell you what a disappointment with performance and mpg. I've had 4 touring Harleys previous and the 88cu.in Road King had better mileage pulling the same small trailer as the 103cu.in Heritage and better power. Now I've had the same weight and performance additions on almost every single Harley. 2003 Road King 42 mpg no trailer/38 with trailer, 2012 Heritage 38mpg no trailer/ 25 with trailer. I had Dynojet which was in Sturgis checked the bike and they ran the numbers and said they did a little adjustments but not much. Now many of you are going to tell me rubber mounted versus counterbalance shaft motor which I get all of that. So I think Harley should make a Heritage with a touring motor/rubber mounted for 2015. If you can help with this problem let me know..
40 to 45 mpg at 2500 rpms. Why would Harley make a heritage with a rubber mounted engine when they already have the road king. Also the rubber mounted engine can't fit in a softail frame (thank God), and if you liked the tourers so much why did you get a softail in the first place. I will never own another bike with a rubber mounted engine. My wife hates the vibrations at idle and I prefer the relatively smooth B engine too.
Ethynol fuel, tuner or tuner timing, tire pressure, and right hand are what's causing your lower mpg. Run pure premium gas, remove the tuner, air up tires to 41lbs and stay off the throttle. You will get about 40-42 mpg on the 103. (not pulling a trailer)
I can't speak for the newer bikes at all because I've never ridden one, and this may not even matter but its an example none the less. My '00 model averages 32mpg. The engine is upgraded to 96" and I ride the ever lovin sh*t out of her. Love the sound and power she makes in third at 3k-4500 rpms on little curvy back roads. That's her sweet spot! My point being I have loads of motor work. A stock bike should be better I would think but that's all I can say from my personal exp.
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