2003 Harley 1200C

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Jun 13, 2010 | 04:31 PM

#11

deepgfishing

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

hmmm

I wonder why i get 10 mpg less than Crawford. My brother recocommended using a foam in the tank to clean the carburetor. Has anyone used something like this and has it had an affect on the mpg.

Hey Crawford, what color is your bike? I am looking for some saddle bags and was wondering where you bought yours.

Thanks,

deep

Jun 14, 2010 | 08:17 AM

#12

WVHogRider

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 4,525

Likes: 8

From: Wheeling, WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepgfishing

My brother recocommended using a foam in the tank to clean the carburetor. Has anyone used something like this and has it had an affect on the mpg.

He probably meant "Seafoam" which is an additive/cleaner that you add to your fuel. You can get it at any autoparts store or even Wallyworld I think.

Jun 14, 2010 | 08:33 AM

#13

cHarley

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 16,320

Likes: 306

From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepgfishing

I wonder why i get 10 mpg less than Crawford. My brother recocommended using a foam in the tank to clean the carburetor. Has anyone used something like this and has it had an affect on the mpg.

Thanks,

deep

Because you're running around town in 2nd to maybe 4th gear and stop & go traffic. Crawford is running at a steady highway cruise speed in 5th gear, with the motor basically just loafing along.

Jun 14, 2010 | 07:41 PM

#14

jag1886

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,122

Likes: 44

From: Boise Idaho

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepgfishing

Hi.

Newbie that just joined this great forum.

I just purchased a 2003 XLC Sportster and I was wondering what i should expect for my miles per gallon.

I realize it is about the way I ride and the equipment so here is my summary.

I ride very easy, i am not a speedster and do not even care about going super fast. I ride average and during my two tank test it has been all city driving averaging around 35 mph (some streets 30 mph, most 40-45 mph).

I have filled up the tank twice now and ran it until she ran out of gas (non reserve) and i am getting between 95-100 miles per tank. When i do the calculations i am averaging around 36 miles per gallon. 100 miles / 2.8 gallons. I have a 3.3 gallon tank and my reserve is .5 gallons and thus the 2.8 gallon calculation.

Everything i have read on the internet calls for between 45 and 50 mpg. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas why i am only getting 36 mpg riding her easy in the city?

The bike is a 2003 XLC with screaming eagle pipes and it has a windshield. The bike has around 5K miles on it. I just changed the oil, other than that have not done anything as the previous owner says it was serviced not too long ago (he did not have exact mileage of service date).

Any ideas from the forum folks on what i can do to gain that extra 5 mpg. I am not super concerned just wondered if this is normal.

Thanks,

deep

In town 35 is about all you are going to get, out on the highway keeping it below 60MPH you could get as high as 45.

Jun 18, 2010 | 10:49 PM

#15

Psycho Steve

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 242

Likes: 15

From: Elkmont, Al

windshield and carb'd with stage 1 i got 54 mpg's on my last tank.

Jun 18, 2010 | 11:22 PM

#16

gilmour68

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 1,167

Likes: 20

From: NE Pennsylvania

I have an '04 883 to 1200 conversion and I usually run 89 octane (plus grade). I've been averaging between 46-50 mpg. The pipes are SEIIs and though I'm not really heavy on the throttle I do like to hear the pipes from time to time just like WVHogRider does...

Jun 19, 2010 | 12:37 PM

#17

crawford769

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 114

Likes: 0

From: crawford co. WI

mine is the silver and black 100th model. it has leather iron bags on it that were on there when i bought it, i think they look good and i use them all the time. yeah, most of my riding is out on the highway so that would be why it is better.

Jun 19, 2010 | 01:00 PM

#18

2KSport

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 143

Likes: 0

From: Dickson, Tennessee

Welcome, I have a 2000 883 converted, around town I get 43 mpg and that is not allways easy riding. On the interstate 75+++ 47.5, windshield straped down rollbag no sadlebags.

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Jun 21, 2010 | 07:05 PM

#19

deepgfishing

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

Hi guys.

I took a trip down to Islamorada, Fl this weekend (about an hour from my home) and i got 46 mpg. I guess the answer to my question is answered, too much city driving not enough mixing in of the highway driving.

Anyone interested in a nice ride, The FL keys is known as one of the Florida scenic highways and it is a nice easy ride. I truly enjoyed it and can give anyone directions or good places to stop along the way if interested post on this thread.

Thanks,

deep

Last edited by deepgfishing; Jun 21, 2010 at 07:15 PM.