This is my 1st winter with the UC and I'm surprised how much the mileage drops when it's cold. I got 40-50 mpg in the summer and fall but the last 2 rides I've dropped to 30 mpg. I expected a greater burn due to longer warmup (it's barely above freezing) but the extra idling wouldn't account for all of the extra comsumption. Since cold air is more dense, I'd expect that the efficiency would increase.There's no unburned fuel smell from the exhaustand there's no hesitation when I crack the throttle.

Is this a normal experience for colder weather on a V-Twin? I didn't notice the same issue on my rice burners.

Thanks

 

colder weather the bike is gonna run leaner

 

I always thought they ran richer in cold weather.

 

Ur absloutely right. Its one of those nights with people screaming and yellin in the background. I'm can't think straight

 

I always thought the drop in mileage was due to the additives they put in the winter fuel??

 

As a rule of thumb... more air = more fuel

Colder weather should mean denser air and that requires more fuel so in theory your bike could use more fuel.
I would think it has more to do with the bike taking longer to come up to temp and it may not be going to a closed loop as often. All of these factors could lead to poor fuel milage.

Later....

 

OK, if it's normal then I'll stop worrying. We taking the scoots down to Nevada in 3 weeks to spend a couple of weeks in AZ, NM and TX so I wanted to be sure I didn't need to troubleshooting before we go.

Probably didn't notice the change on the old bikes because I never wanted to go as far as I do on the Harley.

Thanks

 

Keep us posted on your fuel mileage while riding around in the warmer climate your heading to, I would be curious to know the difference.

 

It's normal - as someone else noted, they reformulate fuels for winter, and that'll take 10-15% off your mpg by itself, usually.

 

Will do cms1528. I'll probably lose some mileage due to the extra wind resistance from my sh)t eating grin from being in the desert again