High speed question
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,235
Likes: 1,210
From: AZ
Again, I know that my Ultra Classic has been tuned rich. I dont doubt its possible to get mid to high 40s. I'm just going with my experiences in the 2.5 yrs I've had her. My commute used to be right into a clusterf*ck in Scottsdale where I'd only get 29-30mpg. Since the freeways have been open & I'm going into Phoenix now I was getting 34 or so going 80. Now that's I've given up keeping up with people who think they're Nascar drivers & doing my own thing this is the best mileage I've ever gotten at 37 keeping her below 75.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 1,232
From: Depends on where I am
2014 Road King, stage 1, I get around 40 mpg. I reset my trip odometer every fill-up, and put about 5 gallons in my 6 gallon tank at around 200 miles. The most mileage I remember getting on a tank was 260, and I put 5.5 gallons in, so 47 mpg. That was with a pretty good tailwind.
Most of my riding is a mix of highway and back roads. I rarely run over 80 mph except for brief periods to pass or just have some fun. But I do like to twist the throttle and get up to speed quickly. I'm sure I could get a little better mileage if that was my goal.
Riding on the interstate across Utah and Colorado where the speed limit was 85, I rode 95-100 just keeping up with what little traffic there was. High speed and high altitude combined to drop my mpg under 30.
Most of my riding is a mix of highway and back roads. I rarely run over 80 mph except for brief periods to pass or just have some fun. But I do like to twist the throttle and get up to speed quickly. I'm sure I could get a little better mileage if that was my goal.
Riding on the interstate across Utah and Colorado where the speed limit was 85, I rode 95-100 just keeping up with what little traffic there was. High speed and high altitude combined to drop my mpg under 30.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I agree with the poster who rides as close to 2000 rpm as the conditions allow. The higher the RPMs, the more fuel is being fed to the motor.
Of course a motor can lug, but lugging is not based on RPM, lugging is when the pressure in the cylinders is to low for the load (bike weight) on the engine.. The rider can test for lugging by adding 2/3s throttle; If the bike accelerates immediately, the motor isn't lugging. If acceleration is sluggish at best, the rider needs to downshift.
Beary
Of course a motor can lug, but lugging is not based on RPM, lugging is when the pressure in the cylinders is to low for the load (bike weight) on the engine.. The rider can test for lugging by adding 2/3s throttle; If the bike accelerates immediately, the motor isn't lugging. If acceleration is sluggish at best, the rider needs to downshift.
Beary
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
If I had quoted a calculated mileage would you have called believed me?
- That particular fill up took just under 2 gallons.
- The trip meter had like 107 miles on it when I filled in Spearfish. (107/2= 53.5 mpg)
- Gassed at Conoco on US-16 near Rushmore Shadows.
- Left next AM from Hart Ranch.
- Rode thru Rapid, out Nemo Road to Vanocker Canyon Road to Sturgis to Boulder Canyon Road to Deadwood to Central City to Lead to Cheyenne Crossing, north on Alt US-14 thru Savoy to Spearfish, then filled up at Exxon at Jackson & N Ames after lunch at Sanford's.
- The fill up was because the ride home was via I-90 running 75 mph.
- The ride home always drops mileage to around 32-42 mpg depending on wind.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 588
From: Michigan
I don't typically get into pissing matches on here but this is exactly why I don't believe any 50mpg stories. You ran 2 gallons thru and called it your mileage, then you state 32-42 on the way home which is at least 1100 miles that is more of a sample of true gas mileage, SMH
And I also said on the way home (which is Hart Ranch, my summer home when in SD, where I began that ride). Never said home to Michigan. You misunderstood my post: sorry I wasn't clear. On I-90 at mile 12, off I-90 at mile 63. That (roughly) 50 miles at 75 mph can use most of the fuel left in the tank w/o the top off in Spearfish if the winds are blowing strong (hence my reference to wind in my 2nd post). SD often sees winds of 40 to 50 mph on that stretch of highway.
As for normal, every day riding here in Michigan, when I fill up, the "range to empty" values will display from around 210 miles to 270 miles, depending upon highway, 2 lane & city riding mix. Never the 300 miles plus I get every time I ride that route in SD.
I try to ride using minimal twist of the throttle to accelerate with traffic; I consider this conservative riding. I can jump on the throttle when needed, but find the minimal throttle movement riding method with fluid, smooth shifts more challenging than the way I used to ride, wicking the throttle & shifting hard. Granted, the latter method is generally more fun, but the former is more challenging for me & provides me with a sense of accomplishment. Maybe too many years serving as a HOG Chapter Safety Officer? IDK?
Please don't think I'm trying to have a pissing match. Was not & is not my intent.
Ride Safe!
Last edited by Hammz; May 13, 2020 at 11:27 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
Hammz,
When I look at my Range indicator, I am reminded of the Investment Firms' disclaimer of Mutual Funds performance: "Past history is NOT indicative of FUTURE performance."
That range estimate is a calculation off how you have been riding over the past miles. I don't know how many miles it uses, or how many tanks it uses in calculating the range. You will notice the range is different each time you fill up, unless you are riding at the same speed all the time, like you might do on a long Interstate trip. At least, this is what I've noticed.
When I look at my Range indicator, I am reminded of the Investment Firms' disclaimer of Mutual Funds performance: "Past history is NOT indicative of FUTURE performance."
That range estimate is a calculation off how you have been riding over the past miles. I don't know how many miles it uses, or how many tanks it uses in calculating the range. You will notice the range is different each time you fill up, unless you are riding at the same speed all the time, like you might do on a long Interstate trip. At least, this is what I've noticed.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
There are multiple variables for gas mileage and while throttle feed is one, tire friction alone makes a big difference. And not just proper inflation, leaning adds a lot of drag. So if the rider changes lanes a lot or the roads have a lot of curves, gas mileage will drop. Then there is the rider who gives a lot of throttle to just maintain speed compared to the rider who applies less throttle accelerating slower to the same speed. I think of myself as a more sporty rider usually getting 42 mpg, but I'm pretty sure I could get over 50mph here in central Oklahoma if I'm willing to ride between 60 to 65 mph on the long flat highways. But I don't ride for mileage, I ride for sport.
Beary
Beary
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 11,256
From: San Diego, CA
The particular numbers not withstanding...
I think it's pretty obvious, without a scientific study, that how your ride, where you ride, and the speeds you ride, can cause quite a variance in MPGs on the same bike.... I've found that to be true on all my vehicles...
I try to pay attention to the MPGs my bikes get. It helps me plan fuel stops when I take a trip. Additionally, if I'm riding an unknown area with no planned fuel stops, it lets me know how far I can go before I really need to get some fuel..
Those "mileage to go" counters can be quickly influenced by your right wrist....
I think it's pretty obvious, without a scientific study, that how your ride, where you ride, and the speeds you ride, can cause quite a variance in MPGs on the same bike.... I've found that to be true on all my vehicles...
I try to pay attention to the MPGs my bikes get. It helps me plan fuel stops when I take a trip. Additionally, if I'm riding an unknown area with no planned fuel stops, it lets me know how far I can go before I really need to get some fuel..
Those "mileage to go" counters can be quickly influenced by your right wrist....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,003
Likes: 11,441
That's interesting my '68 FLH 74ci rig with 3speed/reverse got the same mpg with sidecar empty or full about 36mpg. Top reasonable speed 65, terminal 85mph.
My Ultra gives between 37 and 42mpg, all depends on the right hand. I'm sure it can get better but I like to move.
My Ultra gives between 37 and 42mpg, all depends on the right hand. I'm sure it can get better but I like to move.