I have recently upgraded my bike from stock to; V&H sideshots, K&N airfilter and a dealer performed remap.

I was curious how this was going to effect my fuel consumption, so on a recent ride I stopped at a gas station at about 72ish miles to fill up thinking that it should be CLOSE to 2 gallons (therefore an easy mental calculation for mpg). I only put in 1.63 gallons to fill it up making 44mpgs?

Now this is a ride I commonly take, so I am used to my mileage being this or even less!This day,about 30 mileswas stoplight to stoplight @40 mph's and 40 miles of it was about 45-55 mph's with much longer stretches between lights. So even if I got 53 mpg for the 40 miles and 38mpg for the 30 miles in town, I am getting as good or better mileage on my nightster as before.

Anyone else not lose or evenGAINED fuel economy on an upgrade like this? The bike performs WAY better than it used to and my only thought is maybe the improved torque curves allows the engine to work less and therefore improve mileage?

 

Never rode mine without the upgrades but I get between 46 and 55 depending on how hard or little I twist the throttle.

 

It's common to get the same or better mpg with those minor mods. It has to do with the much improved Air/fuel ratio and the improved torque is also a result of the bike being able to breath better.

 

I don't know if I gained better mileage, but it certainly didn't hurt my mileage when I had the stage 1 done on my 06 883L. I had only about 300 miles on the bike when I did it, and I consistently got high 50's to low 60's mileage wise.

This winter I had the 1200 conversion done. I thought my mileage would drop like an anchor, but surprisingly i've gotten around 50 mpg consistently. wonderful!!!

Rob

 

Kinda applies. My bike still has the stock air cleaner, so I cant vouch for mileage with that. But my car is pretty heavily modded and before I swapped out the cams and started getting into the engine internals, my gas mileage was definitley improved when I put my cat-back exhaust and intake on. I have to run 93 octane now and can't keep my foot off the floor in the cage now so my mileage is like 15 mpg with a 4 banger on steroids, it'll keep up with the sporty though and kicks its *** in the twisties with over a grand in suspension mods, but no where near as fun to ride/drive

Like stated above, the motor is working more efficiently and making more power, motor working less=better mileage if you can stay out of the throttle

 

I realize that, but I was under the impression that since I am getting more air in and more air out, the bike's EFI was adjusted to deliver MORE fuel to compensate for the (previously) existing leanmixture condition?

Before these mods, the engine was not happy shifting into 5th before 55 mph. Now it seems that the added torque will allow me to shift into 5th at about 50 mph......just kinda curious as to other people's experiences, ESPECIALLY since V&H says to expect a 2-5 mpg loss.

Thanks everyone....

 

Yep that is what the tune does and like Azwethinkweiz said its due to efficiency. Running rich or lean is not going to allow the engine to run at its peak potential. Because of this power and fuel economy will suffer.

Think about it this way. Say you were going to work out on two separate occasions. The first time you eat before you go and all is well. But the next time you go you don’t eat. Because you didn’t eat your body has less fuel in its system to burn. As a result you will not be able to work out to your full potential as you did the time before.

 

Well I only get 43 at the best in town, stop light ot stop light, Stage 1, windshield on, and I supose I weigh about 200 with all my gear.I have been babying this thing to get that!

Alot of these post never mention what size bike we are talking about 883 or 1200.

You guys must be light weights, or do alot of coasting.

07 1200 XLC

 

Just a clarification:
I was wondering if anyone noticed an IMPROVEMENT of efficiencyAFTER a stage 1? This is not necessarily a "what mileage do you get thread". I'm the kinda person that always asks why, so If I see something different (gain) than what I am told I will see (loss) I ask why.

Basically I am trying to get some prooffor my extra power=extra mileage hypothesis. HAHA! You guys should try it, it might be a good way to justify all those mods to the old lady!

175 lbs, 1200n. This ride in particular is pretty sedate and with alot of cops so I stay pretty much at the speed limit. Plus I was riding with a buddy that had JUST bought an enduro. I mean that woulda been pretty rude to leave him at every stoplight dontcha think?!?! LOL! Yeah, before though I would definitely be babying it to get that mileage....but that is exactly why I am asking......"Anyone experience this?"