How to increase mpg in a bagger
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 180
From: N.E. OHIO
RE: How to increase mpg in a bagger
ORIGINAL: glens
First, it must be stated that 6th is not an overdrive. It merely bypasses the transmission, thus bypassing any gear reduction (following the primary reduction, naturally), thus is the textbook example of a one-to-one ratio.
If at any road speed you have the choice of two adjacent gears to use, the one which requires less throttle pressure (throttle opening) will yield the better mileage. If your torque peak was at 9,000 rpm then I guess you would be smarter to use a gear that kept you somewhere below that engine speed, but even if the engine is turning more revs in a lower gear it is still quite likely it would yield better use of the fuel than when using the lower gear ratio (higher gear).
Even though I know everything I have said in this thread to be complete and utter truth, you will rarely see me using 5th anywhere above 60 mph. I would not mind getting somewhat better mileage, but I much prefer the better experience if I have to choose.
First, it must be stated that 6th is not an overdrive. It merely bypasses the transmission, thus bypassing any gear reduction (following the primary reduction, naturally), thus is the textbook example of a one-to-one ratio.
If at any road speed you have the choice of two adjacent gears to use, the one which requires less throttle pressure (throttle opening) will yield the better mileage. If your torque peak was at 9,000 rpm then I guess you would be smarter to use a gear that kept you somewhere below that engine speed, but even if the engine is turning more revs in a lower gear it is still quite likely it would yield better use of the fuel than when using the lower gear ratio (higher gear).
Even though I know everything I have said in this thread to be complete and utter truth, you will rarely see me using 5th anywhere above 60 mph. I would not mind getting somewhat better mileage, but I much prefer the better experience if I have to choose.
Well said glens.
As far as the Professor's question. \\; You will raise your mpg by not blipping the throttle, quit racing starts, and make sure your bike is tuned. \\; \\;On the new bikes, I wouldn't \\;open intake and or \\;exhaust without tuning. \\;
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Georgetown, TX
RE: How to increase mpg in a bagger
Just returned from Penna on a weekend trip to see my pa. \\; Averaged 40 on a stock 08 RK. \\; Most of the trip was on the superslab at 70mph. \\; Only have 2K to date on the scoot. \\; \\;Hopefully the mpg will go up \\;as the engine continues to break in. \\; \\;
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 783
Likes: 1
From:
RE: How to increase mpg in a bagger
What phill says is true alot of times a build will help with mpg but that is if the cam is happy at the rpm you ride at and mostly \\; raising compresion helps with the efficency of the motor. As always the tune is a huge part of the equasion and can make or break your mpg. \\;
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: How to increase mpg in a bagger
ORIGINAL: mchildree
iClick, I was reading another mileage thread or two, and you'd posted what seemed to be a .jpg of your maps before and after tweaking. For some reason, I'm not able to see that .jpg..... Any chance you could repost it, or email it to me?
I wanna tweak mine too, and I'd like to see the ranges where you made changes.
iClick, I was reading another mileage thread or two, and you'd posted what seemed to be a .jpg of your maps before and after tweaking. For some reason, I'm not able to see that .jpg..... Any chance you could repost it, or email it to me?
I wanna tweak mine too, and I'd like to see the ranges where you made changes.
My map works very well on my bike, which is an stock '07 with PCIII, FM custom baffles, and AC. I also have an oil cooler and can't speculate on whether or not oil temperatures will stay in line without one, but I suspect they will be okay since A/F should be a bit richer than stock. I still would recommend a cooler on any TC engine with or without my map. BTW, make sure the JPG you see is not the one that shows -5's in any block, and if so I'll need to send you an upgraded map. I've since made a slight change and it runs smoother without any noticeable hit on gas mileage.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: How to increase mpg in a bagger
Glens, good points as usual. I feel the same way and use 6th when possible, even when cruising as low as 62mph, about the practical limit for my bike. I haven't seen much difference in mileage staying in 5th at moderate speeds (60-65mph), and I feel 6th is better since it reduces piston travel and theoretically engine wear. I would also expect engine cooling to be improved, and it certainly feels better with the engine at least sounding like its laboring less.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
RE: How to increase mpg in a bagger
Mine a 07 FLHX, nets me 47-49 mpgs @ 72-75 miles a hour on the interstates...And close to the same on 2 lane highways 55-67 mph. Stock with the exception of SE slip-ons. I know I could have more horsepower with mapping, but I'm OK with what I have! I have been fast before in my life, and now I just want to enjoy the ride!
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