Mileage Problems
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50
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From: Maryland
Mileage Problems
Ok so today i took a 250 mile ride through Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. On the ride i noticed my gas mileage was horrible compared to what it used to be. I ran out of gas after only 105 miles and had to switch to my reserve tank. This is the second time this week i ran outta gas after about 100 miles. I used to get 150 or so to a tank. What could be wrong??? I have a 2005 Sportster 883L. Its got a Screamin Eagle Stage 1 Intake, its been jetted, and its got Vance and Hines Long Shots. My bike has about 2300 miles on it after today. Also i noticed when i filled my tank up after i made it to a gas station on my reserve, it only filled up with 2.5 gallons or so. I thought i had a 3.3 gallon tank!!! Is something wrong with my bike??? Today on my ride i spent about 75% of the time on the highway doing 70-80 miles per hour, about 15% at about 40-60 miles per hour and the rest stop light to stop light riding in towns. Im just concerned that something may be wrong with my bike, it's getting really annoying having to worry about if i have gas or not and having it die on me on the highway. Sorry for such a long post, i just wanted to give as much information as possible as i could. Also im not gunning it everywhere, could the high speed just be a bad spot for my 5 speed transmission and 883 engine? Any advice would be appreciated! Also the bikes been sitting for two months before this week when i started riding it again. Thanks!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
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From: Nashville, TN
The 883 running at 75 - 80 mph, has a significant decrease in Miles per gallon. 105 before switching to reserve is a little on the low side, but within the bell curve. (Pardon the statistics lingo). If I'm running interstate, I will usually hit reserve around 112 - 118. But, many factors will change that. I'd say your bike is fine. It was just working hard running at those speeds.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 772
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From: ohio
I agree with sportypig. On my 1200 the mileage varies all the time. Just depends on how I'm riding it and how much you get in the tank every time. I would only worry about it, if you start consistently getting the low mileage or it gets significantly worse.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 765
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From: Bremen, GA
I have found my bike does not like to sit, then for the first few rides after that it will momentarly cut out on me once or twice then it will be OK. Also when was the bike last tuned up? Might want to check the plugs.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,073
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Or, you can get used to the lousy mileage and enjoy the speed.
FWIW, my 1200 can get pretty bad mileage when I'm in the 90-95 range. Low 30's at best.
When I slow down, my mileage will get back to the upper 40's.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50
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From: Maryland
Ok thats a relief thanks yall. Any ideas about why when i fill up my empty tank it only gets 2.5 gallons in it though and not 3.3?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Around 2.5 gallons sounds about right for a fill-up on a 3.3 if you haven't switched to reserve.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Mount Holly, NC
you might check the nuts that hold your exhaust into the head. if they're loose you'll have a leak, which causes power loss and increased fuel consumption. probably not the problem you're having but it never hurts to check.