MPG on 2006 sportster
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2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, Ca
MPG on 2006 sportster
Just bought my first Harley Davidson . 2006 sportster 883. Bike is all stock. 4000 miles. I got 80 miles out of a tank which I believe to be 3.3 gallons. That averages out about 25 MPG. Is this normal? Thanks
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 324
Likes: 2
From: Near Fort Bragg, NC
I have a 2006 1200R and consistently get 45-46 mpg. Be sure that you compute your mileage the same each time. I reset my trip meter at each fill-up. I fill the tank to the same level each time. Then a little quick math: miles traveled/gallons used = mpg. If you have switched to Reserve, don't forget to set the peacock back to the main tank. I think that you will find you will easily get better than 40 mpg. Good luck.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
You're not measuring your mileage right. You need to top off your tank, then set your trip meter to measure mileage. Then when you fill up again, you divide the miles by the amount of fuel you refilled.
You're never going to actually use the whole 3.3 gal in the tank.
You're never going to actually use the whole 3.3 gal in the tank.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,512
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From: San Diego, CA
I get 50 mpg riding in everyday conditions on my '91 883. I can't recall ever putting in even 2 gallons on refill, and usually try to refill about every 75-80 miles if possible.
John
John
Last edited by John Harper; Jan 1, 2014 at 09:18 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,337
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From: Phoenix, AZ
There is really no way for ANYONE to tell you how many miles you should be getting per tank, because everyone rides differently, some baby their bikes and some of us ride them hard, I have a 3.2 tank and typically fill up when the light comes on around 2 gallons used, 60 miles = 30 miles a gallon however, if I'm on the freeway in good traffic it is around 80 = 40 miles per gallon, Also elevation, temperature, road smoothness, wind, etc. etc. play a role.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 717
Likes: 18
From: perry, fl
i had an 09 883 with V&h v02 breather, fuel pak and short shots. i didnt red line between gears but in no way babied it. when riding in the city, i routinely got 38-40 mpg's. it was a consistent 54/55 mpg's out of city, normal riding. i have an 07 883/1200 that stays around 49/50 mpg's. i live 20 miles from town, so typically a two lane road with posted 55 that i run @ 60. my city averages came with i rode in panama city for two weeks. my bro in law has 09 nightster and maintains 50 mpg's with a screaming eagle filter, short shorts and fuel pak. like has been stated....zero out trip meter, fill up, run til time to put fuel in it, do the math and see what you get. after a few times you should get some sort of an "average".
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Eastern NE
If you're calculating mileage "correctly"...25mpg's totally sux a$$. I'm guessing you're not running the #'s right b/c you should be at 40-to-50ish...
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2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
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From: San Diego, Ca
I am beginning to question my calculations because of the responses, but I am 99% sure they are correct. It was my first top off and I expected 50mpg. I was riding to work at 68 miles on the top off tank and it bogged out on freeway. I switched to reserve and made it 12 more miles before empty. I didn't fill up because I figured I'd have to have At least 30 more miles but that wasn't the cAse. She runs great and I was on it a bit because she is new but it just doesn't seem right. Thanks everyone for the responses and if anyone else has any other ideas as to what could be going on i would appreciate feedback. Thanks again