Returning the Sporty to a Stock Configuration
Thread Starter
|
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 8,218
Likes: 827
From: Reston, Va
Returning the Sporty to a Stock Configuration
I bought my 07 Sporty used in the stock configuration. I remember that, while it had a lot of power, it felt as if it still had a lot more to give. In that stock config, I was getting about 50 mpg, which was only about 10 mpg less than my Honda CM450C.
Well, I had never owned a bike before where there so many plug-and-play options available. So, I thought I would see what I could do to ease some of the restraint on the bike. I got an SE air cleaner, a set of V&H Straight Shot Slip Ons and a PC III. Now, the bike has that wonderful HD sound.
The problem is that, now, I'm only getting about 35 mpg, maybe 40, if I ride timidly on the highway. Even after playing with the EFI map -- mostly to get rid if some decel popping -- I've only managed to get back a couple of mpg. And that i find distressing.
So, I'm seriously thinking about putting Talullah back into stock confihpguration, but leave the PC III. Maybe if I set a slight richer map, I'll get some extra performance but get back into that 45 city/50 highway range.
Sure, I'll probably have to give up that Harley Thunder, but that's not so bad. I go to work at 6:30 am. I'm sure that I'm upsetting the neighbors at that hour who are either to polite or to timid to say anything about it. And the bikes I rode for decade were far quieter. So not making a heck of a racket while riding doesn't bother me.
So, I'm wondering if anybody has done something like this. What's your thoughts and experiences?
Well, I had never owned a bike before where there so many plug-and-play options available. So, I thought I would see what I could do to ease some of the restraint on the bike. I got an SE air cleaner, a set of V&H Straight Shot Slip Ons and a PC III. Now, the bike has that wonderful HD sound.
The problem is that, now, I'm only getting about 35 mpg, maybe 40, if I ride timidly on the highway. Even after playing with the EFI map -- mostly to get rid if some decel popping -- I've only managed to get back a couple of mpg. And that i find distressing.
So, I'm seriously thinking about putting Talullah back into stock confihpguration, but leave the PC III. Maybe if I set a slight richer map, I'll get some extra performance but get back into that 45 city/50 highway range.
Sure, I'll probably have to give up that Harley Thunder, but that's not so bad. I go to work at 6:30 am. I'm sure that I'm upsetting the neighbors at that hour who are either to polite or to timid to say anything about it. And the bikes I rode for decade were far quieter. So not making a heck of a racket while riding doesn't bother me.
So, I'm wondering if anybody has done something like this. What's your thoughts and experiences?
I live 60 miles from my job and the sporty is my daily driver... I give and take. I love my pipes and a/c and don't mind the power increase for the gas consumption trade off. Honestly I loose most of my miles from my tank lift . About 1/2 gallon in dead space in the tank. I know sadly because I ran out of gas accidentally one time and pushed it to the gas station and all I was able to get into it was 3.04 gallons...
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
I bought my 07 Sporty used in the stock configuration. I remember that, while it had a lot of power, it felt as if it still had a lot more to give. In that stock config, I was getting about 50 mpg, which was only about 10 mpg less than my Honda CM450C.
Well, I had never owned a bike before where there so many plug-and-play options available. So, I thought I would see what I could do to ease some of the restraint on the bike. I got an SE air cleaner, a set of V&H Straight Shot Slip Ons and a PC III. Now, the bike has that wonderful HD sound.
The problem is that, now, I'm only getting about 35 mpg, maybe 40, if I ride timidly on the highway. Even after playing with the EFI map -- mostly to get rid if some decel popping -- I've only managed to get back a couple of mpg. And that i find distressing.
So, I'm seriously thinking about putting Talullah back into stock confihpguration, but leave the PC III. Maybe if I set a slight richer map, I'll get some extra performance but get back into that 45 city/50 highway range.
Sure, I'll probably have to give up that Harley Thunder, but that's not so bad. I go to work at 6:30 am. I'm sure that I'm upsetting the neighbors at that hour who are either to polite or to timid to say anything about it. And the bikes I rode for decade were far quieter. So not making a heck of a racket while riding doesn't bother me.
So, I'm wondering if anybody has done something like this. What's your thoughts and experiences?
Well, I had never owned a bike before where there so many plug-and-play options available. So, I thought I would see what I could do to ease some of the restraint on the bike. I got an SE air cleaner, a set of V&H Straight Shot Slip Ons and a PC III. Now, the bike has that wonderful HD sound.
The problem is that, now, I'm only getting about 35 mpg, maybe 40, if I ride timidly on the highway. Even after playing with the EFI map -- mostly to get rid if some decel popping -- I've only managed to get back a couple of mpg. And that i find distressing.
So, I'm seriously thinking about putting Talullah back into stock confihpguration, but leave the PC III. Maybe if I set a slight richer map, I'll get some extra performance but get back into that 45 city/50 highway range.
Sure, I'll probably have to give up that Harley Thunder, but that's not so bad. I go to work at 6:30 am. I'm sure that I'm upsetting the neighbors at that hour who are either to polite or to timid to say anything about it. And the bikes I rode for decade were far quieter. So not making a heck of a racket while riding doesn't bother me.
So, I'm wondering if anybody has done something like this. What's your thoughts and experiences?
Thread Starter
|
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 8,218
Likes: 827
From: Reston, Va
You're right. I haven't had my bike dyno'ed. I thought about it, but decided that the flexibility of a unit that I could fiddle with outweighed the cost and risk of a dyno'ed job. For the money, if I were considering an expensive change, I would probably invest in a PowerVision.
So, yes, It's the stock map on the ECM. The PC III has the canned map that matches the A/C and pipes. That, of course, produced a significant amount of decel popping, which was more or less cured by richening the map at the lower rpms and lower speeds.
So, yes, It's the stock map on the ECM. The PC III has the canned map that matches the A/C and pipes. That, of course, produced a significant amount of decel popping, which was more or less cured by richening the map at the lower rpms and lower speeds.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 717
Likes: 18
From: perry, fl
Trending Topics
You're losing all kinds of low and mid range power with the Straight shots...so you are twisting the throttle more to get it moving, resulting in a drop in MPG.
Regarding the PC III, impossible to know whats going on there.
I would spend $25 and get some low and mid range power back...see if that does the trick.
If MPG is still bad, then either start with a clean MPG map from fuel moto, or get some X14iED's (see them HERE).
Thunder Torque Inserts can be seen HERE, that will get most of your MPG back, plus keep a good sound and have more power than stock. (dyno charts at that link too)
Here's a vid you might like-
Regarding the PC III, impossible to know whats going on there.
I would spend $25 and get some low and mid range power back...see if that does the trick.
If MPG is still bad, then either start with a clean MPG map from fuel moto, or get some X14iED's (see them HERE).
Thunder Torque Inserts can be seen HERE, that will get most of your MPG back, plus keep a good sound and have more power than stock. (dyno charts at that link too)
Here's a vid you might like-
__________________
DKCustomProducts.com
DKCustomProducts.com
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 239
Likes: 1
From: columbus, ga
I have an 883 so it may be a little different, but with the basic stuff you have listed, A/C and exhaust, XIEDs have been perfect. While Im sure Im not getting 100% of the available power, it was still does a good job. I would look into that option. You can find them used in the classifieds all the time. Im betting there are at least two sets up for sale in there now. Even new, they are still a cheap option. You could also look into another exhaust. From what Ive seen, completely open pipes waste a good bit of power. A guy I work with has a 1200 with straight pipes and it seems like it has so much more to offer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 43
From: In the foothills of southwestern NC - US of A
Before you take everything off and return your bike to stock, take a few moments to pull your spark plugs and get a spark plug color comparison chart and see what's up with them.
If the spark plugs are telling you that your engine in running too rich, then it's time for another MAP, or a trip to an indy for a Dyno session, OR another tuner. I highly recommend the PV tuner; it's a wonderful piece of electronics that although initially high in price, is worth more in the long by virtue of it's flexibility and abilities, than having to deal with the headaches of a so-so tuner and a Dyno session every time you decide to change an engine component.
=8^)
If the spark plugs are telling you that your engine in running too rich, then it's time for another MAP, or a trip to an indy for a Dyno session, OR another tuner. I highly recommend the PV tuner; it's a wonderful piece of electronics that although initially high in price, is worth more in the long by virtue of it's flexibility and abilities, than having to deal with the headaches of a so-so tuner and a Dyno session every time you decide to change an engine component.
=8^)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post