Sportster mpg?
 

Was thinking about buying a Sportster to save on gas. I read it gets 45 mpg. Anyone get higher mpg than this or is that about it?

Thanks

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

when my bike was an 883 i got about 60 or so mpg.

now that it's a 1200, i'm getting 50mpg.

I do a lot of country road riding though..not a lot of stop signs or lights.

rob

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I agree i get about 50

http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb222/jkingsley1/

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I get 45/50mpg with Vance & Hines pipes, SE Stage 1 intake and SERT (dyno'd). I've got a 2008 Nightster.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

Took about a 300 mile trip, first 100 miles was mostly flat 4-lane, got 56 mpg. Last 200 was all hills and twisties, got 51 mpg.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I get 42-43 riding to work, 50 riding quietly with my wife.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

47-50 depends on how fast I'm going

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

Between 40 and 50 depending on how I'm riding it. Best ever was 53.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

Riding a constant 55-60 mph I get about 56 mpg; however, my average is around 48 when I figure in all of my in-town riding.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

Depending on speed and wind conditions: low 40's to upper 50's with the windshield on and in the current state of tune. Average of around 50. 55 on the last tank of mountains and some interstate. This bike has gotten 100MPG before and in the 90's several times when stock and no windshield, but it was way too lean, to the point of being dangerous.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

Thanks for all the replies!

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

43 mpg on my 08 Sportster 1200

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

Depends an awfu; lot on how one rides.

I have gotten a little better than 60 mpgon gentle road cruising (55 mph, 5th gear), and as little as 38 or so with aggressive urban riding (lots of stop and go, winding nearly to redline).

Oh, 2005 1200 custom.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I think I'm getting over 50 mpg on my stock nightster. It's a HUGE difference from my truck which I can't afford tokeep gas inanymore.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I am getting mid 40's on my Nightster, I have under 300 miles on it and ride stop light to stop light most of the time.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

20 mpg for me, leaky valve stem seal and core.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

The somewhat large variance reported in fuel economy (same type of bike, same engine) is dependent on a few factors;

The bikes state of tune, the conditions in which you ride, and the individuals riding style....

I live in a very rural area, no stop and go traffic, and we don't even have a single stoplight or 4-lane highway in the entire county. I also use my Harley's for cruising, and don't feel or see the need for 'full throttle' runs... In fact, I can't remember the last time I had the throttle open all the way on any of my bikes...

Because of the above conditions I get pretty good mileage figures (even though the mileage of any of my vehicles isn't a major concern, as I prefer performance over MPG).

My 2005 1200C averages right at 50 MPG, and that is with high performance Screamin' Eagle "E" cams that have more lift and duration, whichgenerates additional horsepower since they flow much more fuel mixture than your stock engines.

For comparision purposes, my 2003 EFI FatBoy, with a Screamin' Eagle Race Tuner and good Dyno Tune averages 48 MPG under the same conditions. My 2001 EFI Road King, with a full V&H exhaust system and good tune, averages right at 45 MPG.

http://dogsdoom.com/PI/1200-after.jpg

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I have to agree with OFG, it depends a lot on riding conditions/styles, how the bike is tuned and/or equiped, etc.

That said, I average on my 07 883C between 45 and 48 City (riding to work, lots of stop and go) and I've gotten as high as 69 on the highway.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I get around 57 in town on my 07 883

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

yeah, i get 40-45 riding like a moron on my 1200.

when i bring the old lady i tone it down a LOT and get 45-50

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

Just checked mine for the first time after the 1000 mile check up, it wasn't all high way miles but a good portion of it was and I got 49 to the gallon.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

45-50 on a 2005 sportster custom.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

What about octane? Will it run on regular or does it act up unless it is premium?

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

40-50 mpg depending on how im riding,,,mst of my riding is from city stop liht to stop light. My 1200 doesnt like regular,,,it will tolerate midgrade but prefers premium.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I always use Premium. That's what the manual recommends, so that's what I use. I figure for that few extra cents per gallon why take any chances.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

around 55 in town 05 883C.. I am pretty sure for the 883 the manual only says regular gas, I think the 1200 states premium.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

50 MPG mol consistently, mostly two lane highways, little stop and go.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

43-50

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I use premium. If I want to, I can get 60 mpg, but I was very easy on it and never went over 60 mph. One time I was coming home from my sisters place driving real aggressive and a bit on the fast side for more then 60 miles. Next fill up I only got 41 mpg. As has been said, a lot depends on conditions,and how you drive it. Most of the time I get around 46 - 52 mpg. I have a SE slip-ons and SE air kit on my 06 1200-C...

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

As many have stated, driving style, terrain, weather and state of maintenance are all factors, I average 45-53 on my 07 1200.

[IMG]local://upfiles/48168/36303C6EB7054342BDAEBDA60B95DA32.jpg[/IMG]

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

That will depend on the year of sporty & whether it's an 883 or not. I believe pre-04 or so, (? on exact year of it switching to 91), 883needed 87.1200's almost always use the highest octane available.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I'm an easy rider.

Around town 43-45MPG. Highway (50-55MPH) gets 49 - 51MPG

Highway (70-75+MPH) 44-47MPG

Control of your right hand is the key to gas mileage.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I can count on 50 mpg. I have the custom with the 4.5gallon tank. I have to go to reserve EVERY time somewhere at about 187 miles on a tank of gas.

Sure beats the heck out of filling up my truck two times a week to the tune of $70 each!

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

Before 1000 miles, roughly 37~42 mpg
Now, I'm getting45~50 mpg on my stock nightster.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

If you think you are going to save money by buying a Harley then you really need to be honest with yourself.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

My 883 is getting 45mpg while driving 30 miles one way to work everyday. That is with a stage 1 with Rush Pipes with 2inch baffles.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I got 44mpg mixed highway and city driving on my last tank. Some of the interstate miles were at around 80mph. I assume it could have been more if I would have slowed down a bit, but it's fun to ride fast especially when you haven't ridden in 4.5 months after a deployment.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

Saving money does not equal a higher MPG vehicle. You'll just drive more, find longer routes to and from work... Everyone spends their limit and gets there one way or another. If you want to save money, ride a BICYCLE.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

I usually get over 60 mpg on my 883 if I try to ride conservatively.

RE: Sportster mpg?
 

Why not? If you rode it everyday too and from the places where you drove your cage then it would have to save you money. Mine is paid off so all I have to do now is put gas in it and go.