Improving mileage
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Southern IL
RE: Improving mileage
Yes, That is the advertised highway \\;mileage on the '08 Ultra Classic as per Harley Davidsons sales book. And yes, they ARE running very lean and very hot. BUT they are still not getting anywhere near the advertised mpg. Surely I'm not the only one to notice this? How does HD get away with this?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
RE: Improving mileage
Both my Electra Glides get on average 45-50mpg depending speed, weight, and the way I was riding it. However, the FLHTCUI did get 53mpg and that was a real easy 55mph all day long.
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It has alot do with how you handle the throttle....and blipping the throttle just to sound cool gets you zero mileage.
 \\;
It has alot do with how you handle the throttle....and blipping the throttle just to sound cool gets you zero mileage.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: NW Arkansas
RE: Improving mileage
I followed this thread to see if they were really getting 54 mpg on the 08. I do ride enough where gas milage does matter since I am planning on keeping the bike for a while. Sounds like an 07 is just as good and should be cheaper by now as well. Thanks for the posts.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
RE: Improving mileage
My 07 Ultra is ridden 90% 2 up. I have SERT and SE A/C and the list in the sig. I use Premium fuel, Syn3 oil, I get 39 to 42 mpg everytime. I dont baby it but I'm not a throttle jockey either. We cruise along at 65-70 as a norm when on the highway.
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mps
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mps
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
From: Manchester, England
RE: Improving mileage
My 2008 RKC was going 200 - 220 miles on a tank (nearly empty but not quite). I fitted V&\\;H Slipons, Screamin Eagle air filter and a V&\\;H Fuel Pak a couple of months ago \\; before I went on a 2500 mile ride across Europe. I have been amazed at how much more mileage I am getting - 270 - 280 miles before filling up!
I did the conversion for better sound and more mid-range but didn't expect a big improvement in economy. I was cruising at 70-90 mph so not slow either. The engine doesn't run any hotter than before - I guess it just breathes easier. Obviously the 6 gallon tank on the 08 helps, but I reckon I am gettinmg 50 - 55 mpg.
Love the RKC![sm=icon_rock.gif]
[IMG]local://upfiles/63847/580C0FDFBC334D3EB3227231F31EE313.jpg[/IMG]
I did the conversion for better sound and more mid-range but didn't expect a big improvement in economy. I was cruising at 70-90 mph so not slow either. The engine doesn't run any hotter than before - I guess it just breathes easier. Obviously the 6 gallon tank on the 08 helps, but I reckon I am gettinmg 50 - 55 mpg.
Love the RKC![sm=icon_rock.gif]
[IMG]local://upfiles/63847/580C0FDFBC334D3EB3227231F31EE313.jpg[/IMG]
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 987
Likes: 2
From: Sierra Nevada Mountains of N. Calif
RE: Improving mileage
Well I am glad to see I am not the only one that rides harder when the misses isan't riding with me. \\; No wonder I get good milage when she's riding co-pilot. \\; About 42 mpg average on 900 mile trip to california coast.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Indy area
RE: Improving mileage
ORIGINAL: Arfur
...Obviously the 6 gallon tank on the 08 helps, but I reckon I am gettinmg 50 - 55 mpg.
...Obviously the 6 gallon tank on the 08 helps, but I reckon I am gettinmg 50 - 55 mpg.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
RE: Improving mileage
I just rode from Indianapolis to Gatlinburg and back. \\; Averaged 40mpg there and back at 80+ mph pretty much the whole trip. \\; Averaged about the same on the back roads.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
RE: Improving mileage
I agree with some of the posts re. HD mileage claims. Didn't \\;lawmakers address this issue with autos? Apparantly HD hasn't been called to task on this.
Maybe HD should give an official statement of recommendations for improving mileage. If not, maybe they should explain how they come up with an average fuel economy of over 50mpg when in fact it isn't even close. My $.02
Maybe HD should give an official statement of recommendations for improving mileage. If not, maybe they should explain how they come up with an average fuel economy of over 50mpg when in fact it isn't even close. My $.02