23mpg ?
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 18
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From: VA
23mpg ?
Just picked up my first bike, sportster forty-eight bone stock with 2000 miles on it. So far I put about 90 miles on it and noticed the mpg suck. I filled it up and reset the trip and after 40 miles the low fuel light came on. I filled it back up, did the math and I'm getting 23mpg. Is this normal? All riding was in the city and I only got on it hard a few times.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 1
From: manhattan beach
that is low... my guess is that your calcs are off. if you still have that kinda mileage after a few tankfuls then something is wrong.
i have pipes, sucker and fuel management on my bike- and intentionally set it to run richer than "normal"- more performance than economy for sure... i have a very heavy right hand. usually ride it like i stole it, and i rarely see as low as 30 mpg.
i have pipes, sucker and fuel management on my bike- and intentionally set it to run richer than "normal"- more performance than economy for sure... i have a very heavy right hand. usually ride it like i stole it, and i rarely see as low as 30 mpg.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: TOAK western branch
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 755
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
Just picked up my first bike, sportster forty-eight bone stock with 2000 miles on it. So far I put about 90 miles on it and noticed the mpg suck. I filled it up and reset the trip and after 40 miles the low fuel light came on. I filled it back up, did the math and I'm getting 23mpg. Is this normal? All riding was in the city and I only got on it hard a few times.
As for the mileage, I too have a 48 that gets a fair amount of city miles. If I fill it without really topping it off and do a lot of stop and go riding, my light also goes on around 40 - 45 miles.
I suggest that you top it off with 91 octane, reset your trip odometer, put 30 to 35 miles on it, then go refill it with 91 and see how much it takes. I bet you'll be close, but not over a gallon.
Don't worry. Nothing is wrong. Ride safe and enjoy!
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