Gas Milage
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 2
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
They all get around 37 to 40 mpg. They guys that claim high 40's only ride down hill with the wind at their back. Oh yeah, I got 55 mpg one time going 85 mph on the superslab fully loaded, (me, not the bike.)
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
There is a lot to consider when it comes to mpg...
For a good comparison it should be with a 07 or 08. The 09-11 has a different gearing and should have improved mpg, I would think.
The 1 thing no one mentioned is the 6th gear stress. Although the engine is very capable of pulling 6th gear it does add stress on the engine, it has to work harder. This is 1 of the reasons some of us changed cams/gearing or did other things.
Before my cam change, running 6th gear at around 80 mph I would get 37-39 mpg. After the change it came up to 40-42 mpg. This is (my opinion) cause buy the engine not having to work as hard. While riding on back roads, I set my cc at 58 mph (5th gear)which is very close to the 55 mph speed limit. I get 44-48 mpg, depending on road conditions/traffic. I have gotten as high as 54 while riding the "Trail of Tears" ride.
I also agree the breed of fuel we get in the winter months effects our lower than normal mpg.
For a good comparison it should be with a 07 or 08. The 09-11 has a different gearing and should have improved mpg, I would think.
The 1 thing no one mentioned is the 6th gear stress. Although the engine is very capable of pulling 6th gear it does add stress on the engine, it has to work harder. This is 1 of the reasons some of us changed cams/gearing or did other things.
Before my cam change, running 6th gear at around 80 mph I would get 37-39 mpg. After the change it came up to 40-42 mpg. This is (my opinion) cause buy the engine not having to work as hard. While riding on back roads, I set my cc at 58 mph (5th gear)which is very close to the 55 mph speed limit. I get 44-48 mpg, depending on road conditions/traffic. I have gotten as high as 54 while riding the "Trail of Tears" ride.
I also agree the breed of fuel we get in the winter months effects our lower than normal mpg.
45-50 mpg on our long Texas highways is achievable. Regularly. I am probably a more conservative driver than most. I also know that when I hit the Rocky Mountains this summer, my fuel economy will go down, probably into the 30's.
First, it starts in your garage, keeping your bike in good tune and with a annual change of the fuel and air filter, and proper pressure in your tires with proper belt adjustment. Keep fresh fuel (93 octane, not the e85 crap) in the tank.
Second, your driving habits dictate your fuel economy. You fellas living in the city where you have to deal with a lot of stop and go, you are going to deal with low fuel economy. Those of us who live in the country, who hit the highway as soon as we leave the driveway, are getting better economy. Everytime you pass a car, whack the throttle, that big twin is gonna suck it up. Pick a speed where you are running with the traffic, and if you have cruise control, use it.
For the most part, more horsepower means less mpg's. If you got it you will flaunt it. Less mpg's.
Everything I just said are known facts. If you are only getting 33 mpg, you got a problem. Adjust you maintenance and driving habits.
If you don't believe 45-50 is achievable, just keep whacking your throttle and get 37-40.
First, it starts in your garage, keeping your bike in good tune and with a annual change of the fuel and air filter, and proper pressure in your tires with proper belt adjustment. Keep fresh fuel (93 octane, not the e85 crap) in the tank.
Second, your driving habits dictate your fuel economy. You fellas living in the city where you have to deal with a lot of stop and go, you are going to deal with low fuel economy. Those of us who live in the country, who hit the highway as soon as we leave the driveway, are getting better economy. Everytime you pass a car, whack the throttle, that big twin is gonna suck it up. Pick a speed where you are running with the traffic, and if you have cruise control, use it.
For the most part, more horsepower means less mpg's. If you got it you will flaunt it. Less mpg's.
Everything I just said are known facts. If you are only getting 33 mpg, you got a problem. Adjust you maintenance and driving habits.
If you don't believe 45-50 is achievable, just keep whacking your throttle and get 37-40.
Last edited by AlCherry; Feb 6, 2011 at 07:25 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,069
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
45-50 mpg on our long Texas highways is achievable. Regularly. I am probably a more conservative driver than most. I also know that when I hit the Rocky Mountains this summer, my fuel economy will go down, probably into the 30's.
First, it starts in your garage, keeping your bike in good tune and with a annual change of the fuel and air filter, and proper pressure in your tires with proper belt adjustment. Keep fresh fuel (93 octane, not the e85 crap) in the tank.
Second, your driving habits dictate your fuel economy. You fellas living in the city where you have to deal with a lot of stop and go, you are going to deal with low fuel economy. Those of us who live in the country, who hit the highway as soon as we leave the driveway, are getting better economy. Everytime you pass a car, whack the throttle, that big twin is gonna suck it up. Pick a speed where you are running with the traffic, and if you have cruise control, use it.
For the most part, more horsepower means less mpg's. If you got it you will flaunt it. Less mpg's.
Everything I just said are known facts. If you are only getting 33 mpg, you got a problem. Adjust you maintenance and driving habits.
If you don't believe 45-50 is achievable, just keep whacking your throttle and get 37-40.
First, it starts in your garage, keeping your bike in good tune and with a annual change of the fuel and air filter, and proper pressure in your tires with proper belt adjustment. Keep fresh fuel (93 octane, not the e85 crap) in the tank.
Second, your driving habits dictate your fuel economy. You fellas living in the city where you have to deal with a lot of stop and go, you are going to deal with low fuel economy. Those of us who live in the country, who hit the highway as soon as we leave the driveway, are getting better economy. Everytime you pass a car, whack the throttle, that big twin is gonna suck it up. Pick a speed where you are running with the traffic, and if you have cruise control, use it.
For the most part, more horsepower means less mpg's. If you got it you will flaunt it. Less mpg's.
Everything I just said are known facts. If you are only getting 33 mpg, you got a problem. Adjust you maintenance and driving habits.
If you don't believe 45-50 is achievable, just keep whacking your throttle and get 37-40.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 320
Likes: 24
From: Hudson Valley
Ride your stock cammed bike in the 2900-3300 rpm range for a full tank, check your mileage and be amazed!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,977
Likes: 85
From: Nevada
Because they know how to ride their bikes in the power band and don't LUG them around. These bikes get much better mileage if you ride them in the power band where they produce efficient power rather than lugging them and having to dump a bunch of fuel every time you twist the throttle.
Ride your stock cammed bike in the 2900-3300 rpm range for a full tank, check your mileage and be amazed!
Ride your stock cammed bike in the 2900-3300 rpm range for a full tank, check your mileage and be amazed!
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 945
Likes: 121
From: Where The Bluegrass Grows
I'm going to take it to the dealer and let them have a look at it and make sure its in tune. Also, I'm going to try some of the suggestions many of you have made, i.e, slowing down, keeping it in its power band and not lug the motor, staying in 5th gear longer, I've been shifting into 6th gear at 55 mph, even if I'm going to run only 55. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll post results when I've run enough tanks through it to get some good numbers.
SugsPa
SugsPa
HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 902
Likes: 152
From: Georgia
I have an Ultra Limited 103 and the first tank I filled up at 176 miles and it took 4.57 gallons. That's over 38 mpg.