99 RK terrible mileage?
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Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 72
Likes: 18
From: Brunswick Ga
99 RK terrible mileage?
Ok my first question here boys and I'm a bit confused about this thing, o ride down to Jax today all on interstate and I only got 98 miles on a full tank. The light was on, I was well into the red but when I stopped i only got 3.2 gallons. I've filled up twice today with the same results, 98 to 106 miles to a tank but only took 3.2 to 3.3 gallons to fill up. Is this normal? I've only had this thing a week. Btw it is injected and dead stock
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
30 ish MPG was normal for my '00 Electra with the TC88, which is about what you're getting. And worse with a headwind. Don't trust the gas gauge, they didn't work very well back then.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 310
From: coastal sc
welcome to the forum. and congrats on the new ride. Bone stock running 70 that seems a little low. running 90 that is not too far off. I would open her up with a set of pipes and an air cleaner. Probably get better mileage. I average in the 40's
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 82
From: Mountain View, California
I have a 2000 Ultra Classic, TC88 bumped to 100 inches with cams, Thunderheader, etc on bad days I get 30 mpg. On good days 35 - 40 (difference being city or combined vs highway cruise). Mileage prior to the mods was typically 35 ish.
The Magneti Marelli fuel injection system on your bike and mine is crap and old as the hills. I'll be dumping mine soon and switching to a carburetor because switching to a later generation fuel injection is just too much money and work for a 20 year old bike.
Bottom line is your mileage isn't horrible for your bike, but it's not great either.
The Magneti Marelli fuel injection system on your bike and mine is crap and old as the hills. I'll be dumping mine soon and switching to a carburetor because switching to a later generation fuel injection is just too much money and work for a 20 year old bike.
Bottom line is your mileage isn't horrible for your bike, but it's not great either.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 82
From: Mountain View, California
I realize now that your question is probably more about the size of your fuel tank and why you're only getting 3.2 to 3.3 gallons into it when the low fuel light comes on. As someone else says, these fuel gauges on these bikes get pretty wonky over time and I definitely don't rely on mine.
If you know you're getting 30 miles per gallon and you got a 5 gallon tank, just reset your trip meter at every fill up and stop for gas every n number of miles or so (140 maybe?) But do still be aware of how your fuel gauge is reading because if you're riding against a headwind or at erratic speeds you could be getting less than 30 and taking it to 150 could leave you stranded on the side of the road.
While you're learning the reality of your bikes fuel consumption, as you start getting into the higher miles per tank full you can occasionally pull over and glance down inside of your tank to see how the fuel level looks.
If you know you're getting 30 miles per gallon and you got a 5 gallon tank, just reset your trip meter at every fill up and stop for gas every n number of miles or so (140 maybe?) But do still be aware of how your fuel gauge is reading because if you're riding against a headwind or at erratic speeds you could be getting less than 30 and taking it to 150 could leave you stranded on the side of the road.
While you're learning the reality of your bikes fuel consumption, as you start getting into the higher miles per tank full you can occasionally pull over and glance down inside of your tank to see how the fuel level looks.
Last edited by Z; Mar 31, 2021 at 03:14 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: NE Nebraska
Wondering, do you have a split tank? Meaning two fuel fill caps? If so you may be only filling one side,
The left tank cap has reverse threads, and there is a crossover hose in front .
The left tank cap has reverse threads, and there is a crossover hose in front .
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 683
From: Forest Hill, Md
What Z said, pay little attention to the needle and reset the trip gauge at every fuel stop.
Booker, unless it's a custom build the left side is just a gauge, doesn't have a filler hole.
Booker, unless it's a custom build the left side is just a gauge, doesn't have a filler hole.
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