When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
On my completely stock 07 RK with 6800 miles, I see 43 mpg if I use it for nothing but commuting, which in western PA means hills, stop signs, and relatively low speed limits. On the interstate at 65 - 70 mph I get about 46 mpg. Best I've seen is 51 mpg on an all-day ride on hilly, curvy two-lanes mostly at 45 - 60 mph. I've never had a tank below 40 mpg. Riding habits: I wind up the engine, don't lug it, don't baby it, don't beat it.
These are real numbers, not estimates, since I record every drop of gasoline that goes into it. I'm really tired of those who get lousy mileage attributing higher numbers to BS. From what I can tell, most people who get bad gas mileage have modified their engines and in some cases everything isn't quite set up right. Of course, the gasoline in some areas is formulated in such a way that it hurts mileage, but if you live in such a place (like California) it seems likely that you would experience relatively poor gas mileage in all of your vehicles.
Just ran 400 miles on my RKC w/Andrews24 cam, Rinehart tru duals and Dyno tune and got 38.8 at 2-3 mph over speed limits 67-72mph. Single rider.About 2500 miles on the bike.
windshield causes you to lose about 4 mpg,I take mine off for short trips[100-150]and put it back on for longer trips.Average 40- 41 with it on,and 45-46 with it off.stock 04 rk
I usually get 39 mpg drving 65-70. Crank it up to 75-80 and it drops to 36. Keep at 55-60 and it will get around 44. I just have a hard time keeping it under 75.
I usually average from 38 - 48 mpg depending on traffic and the wife on back.
With me (180 lbs), 12" shield , 80 degree day , max speed 65 , no particular hurry , I get near 48 mpg.
Interesting though , same ride , fairing deflectors , 60 degree day , about 42 mpg.
With wife on back (approx 160 lbs), usually drop 4-6 mpg anyway.
Anything over 65 mpg , or heavy throttle , lots of stoplights , as low as 35 mpg.
Lots of variables , but my stage one setup didn't hurt the mileage at all....
Going easy and not in a rush is the way to better mileage.
Mick
You can see my set up below. I am getting 38+ around town in averagestop and go. When I do highway and around town I get 40+. I have not yet donea big highway trip yet but I am hoping to break 43+.
Another factor is how your A/F ratio was set on yourfuel management system. I had my tuner set mine up for better gas mileagewhen cruising(about 5% throttle).
I also have a Uni-Go trailer but I have not yet pulled it with the RG. I will guesstimating that when I ride 2 up, full load and loaded trailer I will get 38+ on the highway.
Here's what I get, an azz load of enjoyment and a grin that last about a week and a half, then I fill up... Mileage... Who Cares... Figure the 13 or so bucks is a real cheap thrill ride...
Riding hard (making that deep carb sound out the SE A/C) gets me about 40 mpg (with wind shield). Road double and not much fast running slightly above 40 with wind shield. Got better than 47 mpg yesterday just running around at the speed limits with plenty of traffic, some stop-an-go. 07 RK w/TD's & SER+ dyno tune.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.