How much does windshield height affect gas mileage?? I hear claims of 55 mpg on a stock 103 but I get 35-38. I have a 20" windshield could this be the reason? Maybe I should put my 17" stock one back on

 

I have the Nostalgic 20" on my Deluxe and last weekend on a 200 mile rides I got 43 mpg. 90% hwy 10% town.

2013 Deluxe

 

I wouldn't think there would be a great difference between those 2 windshields? Driving habits would be bigger factor. Maybe the bike is running too rich.

 

Might make a little difference, but how hard you ride makes a lot of difference. Once you get over 70+ your mileage goes to crap. You'll get your best mileage when you run 60-65 and don't accelerate hard. In other words, riding easy..

 

You are probably less streamline then a shield. It also does not help to remove you sissy pad.

 

Seems to me like taking off the sissy bar & seat & rack would make it more streamlined.

 

Down here in Texas we have 75-80 mph speed limits so on the hwy. I am usually going at least 70 plus I don't take off slow.lol

 

There ya go.. live here too, but I try to keep it between 70-75 on the interstate. I had to prove the point to a guy I ride with. He was always complaining that he'd Only get about 150- 160 on a tank. Slowed him down to 70 and he could make right at 200 miles. So now we don't run so hard. It also helps save the rear tire. I get tired of replacing the darn thing..

 

I'm running a Batwing with a 5" windshield on a Slim. Last weekend I did a 1,100 mile trip. The way out was all super slab running 80 mph. The return trip was open back roads through Illinois running 65-75.
On the way out, on the super slap, I had to stop every 150 miles. On the return trip I was able to get to 200 miles before stopping.

I read in American Iron magazine, years ago, that optimal mpg on big twins is 52-53 mpg. Which I found to be true on a trip through Wyoming. It sucked running that speed, got passed by an old lady in an Yugo, but it saved me from pushing.
I pulled into the only gas station for miles and put 5.013 gallons in the 5 gallon tank on my Fatboy.

 

That is what I thought till Dickey explained it has something to do with how the wind goes over your helmet and a tail wind. Just like a tailgate on a pickup.