Improving mileage
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Improving mileage
A recent post asked about mileage on touring models and the consensus seemed to be that, all thing being equal, around 40mpg seemed the average.
My question is\\; are there any reasonably affordable alterations on the newer models that can improve on the average 40mpg? Has the Mo Co announced any advances in fuel economy?
Just curious.
Any info is appreciated.
My question is\\; are there any reasonably affordable alterations on the newer models that can improve on the average 40mpg? Has the Mo Co announced any advances in fuel economy?
Just curious.
Any info is appreciated.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
RE: Improving mileage
put it on a trailer. \\; Bikes get great mileage when hauled around on a trailer.
 \\;
I don't understand why people aren't happy with 40 mpg? \\; I started keeping track of each tank this year (instead of just doing quick math in my head while standing at the pump). \\; Just because I was curious - and mainly because I wanted to track fuel spending (want to put more gas in my bike than my truck this year is my goal). \\; This year, I've ranged from a low of 30 mpg, to a high of 54 mpg with no bike modifications in between. \\; It was all directly dependent on riding style. \\; the 30 mpg was 140 miles non stop at 80+ mph on the interstate. \\; The 54 mpg was 150 miles non-stop thru the white mountains of New Hampshire at no more than 50 mph. \\;
 \\;
I don't understand why people aren't happy with 40 mpg? \\; I started keeping track of each tank this year (instead of just doing quick math in my head while standing at the pump). \\; Just because I was curious - and mainly because I wanted to track fuel spending (want to put more gas in my bike than my truck this year is my goal). \\; This year, I've ranged from a low of 30 mpg, to a high of 54 mpg with no bike modifications in between. \\; It was all directly dependent on riding style. \\; the 30 mpg was 140 miles non stop at 80+ mph on the interstate. \\; The 54 mpg was 150 miles non-stop thru the white mountains of New Hampshire at no more than 50 mph. \\;
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 963
Likes: 145
From: Displaced hillbilly
RE: Improving mileage
I know from my expierence that is not that I'm unhappy with 40 MPG, it's just that I was used to getting more on my Dyna and XL. \\; I think it's all based on your perspective. \\; I'd like to get more, but hey I got a radio and I can carry alot of crap!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,602
Likes: 5
From: Southern California - Palm Springs Area
RE: Improving mileage
ORIGINAL: pingman68
I know from my expierence that is not that I'm unhappy with 40 MPG, it's just that I was used to getting more on my Dyna and XL. \\;\\\\\\; I think it's all based on your perspective. \\;\\\\\\; I'd like to get more, but hey I got a radio and I can carry alot of crap!
I know from my expierence that is not that I'm unhappy with 40 MPG, it's just that I was used to getting more on my Dyna and XL. \\;\\\\\\; I think it's all based on your perspective. \\;\\\\\\; I'd like to get more, but hey I got a radio and I can carry alot of crap!
DAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! \\; (lol)
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
From: Texas
RE: Improving mileage
Well it seems that mpg is directly related model besides riding conditions. \\; My 06 RKC averaged about 45 mpg while my 08 Ultra only gets about 32 mpg. \\; The 2 most important factors affecting mpg are throttle roll-on and speed.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 186
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
RE: Improving mileage
I just can off of a trip down most of Route 66. \\; I have a stock 08 EG. \\; I rode solo with camping gear.
 \\;
My fuel stats were: \\; 39.7 mpg minimum in MO, 53 mpg maximum in CO \\;and 45.9 mpg average (average over 5K miles traveled).
 \\;
MPG trended upwards the further west I went and came back down as I headed home to MN. \\; It is hard to know for sure, but I would say there is about a 5 mpg loss when using ethanol.
 \\;
My fuel stats were: \\; 39.7 mpg minimum in MO, 53 mpg maximum in CO \\;and 45.9 mpg average (average over 5K miles traveled).
 \\;
MPG trended upwards the further west I went and came back down as I headed home to MN. \\; It is hard to know for sure, but I would say there is about a 5 mpg loss when using ethanol.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
RE: Improving mileage
Used to get between 45 and 50 with my \\;80in. \\;motor Ultra, now get between 40 and 45 with my 96in. motor Ultra, logical to me.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 9
From: Staten island NY
RE: Improving mileage
to me its not about the MPG but the RPG,,, Ride \\;per Gal... small price to pay for smelling raod kill for miles!!!
actually I get about 37 on my 07 UC compared to about 45 on my 05
 \\;
actually I get about 37 on my 07 UC compared to about 45 on my 05
 \\;
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Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
RE: Improving mileage
Thanks everyone.
But no one answered my question.
Hey Weavr99, I don't need a trailer, I ride. And I \\;WANT better mileage. Maybe you'll understand my question when gas gets up to 10 bucks a gallon.
Thanks for the posts.
jchico
But no one answered my question.
Hey Weavr99, I don't need a trailer, I ride. And I \\;WANT better mileage. Maybe you'll understand my question when gas gets up to 10 bucks a gallon.
Thanks for the posts.
jchico
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: Improving mileage
Jchico, I think we all are interested in improving mpg, but not sure there's a magic bullet to help us do better other than riding style. \\;\\\\\\; Our bikes get around 40 mpg on average. \\;\\\\\\; If anyone has a way to improve that significantly, I sure haven't heard it. \\;\\\\\\; No matter what I do, I've yet to do better than 39 mpg, but I'm still tweaking my PCIII map. \\;\\\\\\;
Necessity is the mother of invention, so maybe someone will find a way (and retire wealthy).  \\;\\\\\\;
Necessity is the mother of invention, so maybe someone will find a way (and retire wealthy).  \\;\\\\\\;