Why can't I get 45 MPG like everyone else?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,151
Likes: 2,975
From: WACO
Why can't I get 45 MPG like everyone else?
I read post where guys ride 80 mph into a 30mph headwind loaded with camping gear and they weigh 400 lbs. and the ol lady is close to that and his bike "consistently gets 45 mpg." Maybe I exgagerate a little.
The best I coax out of Ol Sally here is 37mpg with all stock stuff. After the mods(see sig) is 36 to 35mpg.
I don't hot rod. Shift at 3 grand. Cruise on the highway in 6th between 70 and 75 mph@ around 2500-2700 rpm. I won't "lug it" Stay mostly between 2500 and 3000. Ride solo. Around 240 lbs.(Many years of beers). So why no better on the gas mileage? Other than that she runs great.
Any thing I should look for?
The best I coax out of Ol Sally here is 37mpg with all stock stuff. After the mods(see sig) is 36 to 35mpg.
I don't hot rod. Shift at 3 grand. Cruise on the highway in 6th between 70 and 75 mph@ around 2500-2700 rpm. I won't "lug it" Stay mostly between 2500 and 3000. Ride solo. Around 240 lbs.(Many years of beers). So why no better on the gas mileage? Other than that she runs great.
Any thing I should look for?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
You're at the low end of "normal"... not great but not horrible. The only complaint i ever had with my '05 EGC was it only gave me 35-36 mpg depite me riding it like an old man. I felt the same as you - why can't i get the 40+ others seem to get? Each bike is different, riding styles, terrain you ride it, etc. So hard to say for sure.
This current bike gives me 40-42 mpg at 75 mph in the mtns where i live. Haven't been able to take it on a long flat run cuz I'm thinking it could give me 45+ if I didn't have all these long uphill grades to deal with.
This current bike gives me 40-42 mpg at 75 mph in the mtns where i live. Haven't been able to take it on a long flat run cuz I'm thinking it could give me 45+ if I didn't have all these long uphill grades to deal with.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,151
Likes: 2,975
From: WACO
You're at the low end of "normal"... not great but not horrible. The only complaint i ever had with my '05 EGC was it only gave me 35-36 mpg depite me riding it like an old man. I felt the same as you - why can't i get the 40+ others seem to get? Each bike is different, riding styles, terrain you ride it, etc. So hard to say for sure.
This current bike gives me 40-42 mpg at 75 mph in the mtns where i live. Haven't been able to take it on a long flat run cuz I'm thinking it could give me 45+ if I didn't have all these long uphill grades to deal with.
This current bike gives me 40-42 mpg at 75 mph in the mtns where i live. Haven't been able to take it on a long flat run cuz I'm thinking it could give me 45+ if I didn't have all these long uphill grades to deal with.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 878
Likes: 0
From: Tellico Plains, Tenn.
fuel mileage
My RG gets consistently 42-43 in mixed ridin if the nut holding the throttle uses a little restraint and on the road cruisin 60-65 with a small cargo trailer will do about the same. When ridin in the mountains it does anywhere from 43 to 50+. The bike runs a stock carb TC-88 with a S/E 6 spd. Hope you can figure out something to pick it up a little.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 2
From: Windsor, CO
On my old (07) Heritage I got 50 mpg a couple times, but usually under very favorable conditions. A bud got 54 on his Softail Custom, but he weighs at least 60 pounds less than I do. So ... how big of ol' boy are you?
On the new Ultra, so far I've been around 42 on a couple road trips. Not enough tanks yet to say how that's going to average out, though. If it would stop snowing on the weekends I might get more miles in.
On the new Ultra, so far I've been around 42 on a couple road trips. Not enough tanks yet to say how that's going to average out, though. If it would stop snowing on the weekends I might get more miles in.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: California Desert
I was getting about 35 on my Ultra fully loaded. I installed a ThunderMax and Fat Cat 2-into-1 and am now getting 40 to 42 fully loaded with much better power. I know it was running way lean before the ThunderMax. There is a lot to be said about a well tuned fuel injection system.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,090
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From: Murfreesboro , TN
I get about 38-42mpg on my bike, depending on if it's local riding around or longer rides out into the country. I'm not sure how people get those 45-50 numbers on a touring bike......
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Cheltenham, UK
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,542
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From: Cocoa Beach, Florida
I've been getting about the same MPG you do. 6'2" and about 215 lbs on an '07 RK with SEAC, V&H ovals, PCIII, and about 20K miles now. Just installed an EVO Ind. 30T crank sprocket (already had IDS) so maybe MPG will change though.