Only 34 MPG?
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Northern California
my brother and I both have 03 road glides, I get in the high 30s low 40 miles per gallon and he gets closer to 50 when we go on trips, but he has replaced his exhaust several times I keep telling him it is because he is running to lane. and I got friends when we run the odometer reads 8 to 10 miles farther than mine on 100 mile trip, so if your speedometer is reading 10% off that can change your miles per gallon calculations.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 433
Likes: 2
Mine averages about 36-38 doing 65-75mph but doing 90 can only go about 130 miles and averaged 31mpg. Had a long way to go that day.
_________________________________
07 Ultra,Rinehart TD's, SERT, SE A/C
S&S Geardrive, Andrews 26 Cam
_________________________________
07 Ultra,Rinehart TD's, SERT, SE A/C
S&S Geardrive, Andrews 26 Cam
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
my brother and I both have 03 road glides, I get in the high 30s low 40 miles per gallon and he gets closer to 50 when we go on trips, but he has replaced his exhaust several times I keep telling him it is because he is running to lane. and I got friends when we run the odometer reads 8 to 10 miles farther than mine on 100 mile trip, so if your speedometer is reading 10% off that can change your miles per gallon calculations.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
From:
Speedos can easily read 10% plus/minus. Checked mine against GPS very close. Newer bikes are usually right on the money. The older cable drive speedo's can drag a little if not lubed.
On my 96 EVO Fi Ultra w/Stage 1 upgrade,SE A/C & stock HD SE touring packs, newer crate motor. Runs a tad bit lean, but the bike doesn't seem to mind it so I leave it alone.
- Around town and back and forth to work, moderate throttle 45-48. Sometimes 50 depends on the tank top off.
- If I jump on it, 40-42.
- On highway at 65, on a 350 mile run from PA to CT, best was 56, 113 miles on 2.o gallons full to top before & after. Average was 52-54.
- Better mileage on 93 oct, 89-91 will produce better power curve but a slight knock on a 5th gear pull up hill at 2000-2200rpm. But an EVO runs better in 4th in that situation. Above 2500 it doesn't care about gearing or fuel.
On my 96 EVO Fi Ultra w/Stage 1 upgrade,SE A/C & stock HD SE touring packs, newer crate motor. Runs a tad bit lean, but the bike doesn't seem to mind it so I leave it alone.
- Around town and back and forth to work, moderate throttle 45-48. Sometimes 50 depends on the tank top off.
- If I jump on it, 40-42.
- On highway at 65, on a 350 mile run from PA to CT, best was 56, 113 miles on 2.o gallons full to top before & after. Average was 52-54.
- Better mileage on 93 oct, 89-91 will produce better power curve but a slight knock on a 5th gear pull up hill at 2000-2200rpm. But an EVO runs better in 4th in that situation. Above 2500 it doesn't care about gearing or fuel.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 8
From: Creola, AL.
Checked my new 2009 FLHR speedo against a Garmin Zumo 550 GPS. At 75 mph it may be off 1-2 mph tops.
I got similar mileage on BMW's I've had in the past. Normal riding low 40's. Turn the wick up and it can drop into the mid 30's no problem. These are all machines with 1000 cc plus motors.
I ride my machines hard. I don't baby them at all. They get top shelf maintenance and fluid service, but I dig the spurs in most of the time.
I got similar mileage on BMW's I've had in the past. Normal riding low 40's. Turn the wick up and it can drop into the mid 30's no problem. These are all machines with 1000 cc plus motors.
I ride my machines hard. I don't baby them at all. They get top shelf maintenance and fluid service, but I dig the spurs in most of the time.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 9
From: Queen Creek, AZ
[quote=Rock Chalk;5406658]
finally, while i have you, what is the advantage of putting on V&H power duals over stock headers? the guy at the V&H trailer at BH harley said it isn't that much different. seemed odd considering he was a V&H salesman....but if that is true, why are people paying the $$$ for these?
quote]
sounds like i'm in the ballpark for the ride i did. guess i need to manage my expectations a bit.
can anyone answer the above question though? are the V&H power duals not really much different from stock?
thanks guys!
sv
finally, while i have you, what is the advantage of putting on V&H power duals over stock headers? the guy at the V&H trailer at BH harley said it isn't that much different. seemed odd considering he was a V&H salesman....but if that is true, why are people paying the $$$ for these?
quote]
sounds like i'm in the ballpark for the ride i did. guess i need to manage my expectations a bit.
can anyone answer the above question though? are the V&H power duals not really much different from stock?
thanks guys!
sv
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
