31 mpg?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I asked if it was stock as 2 threads in the past couple of days involved used bikes which were not as represented ( 1 was "stock" and had been modified with intake, tuner and pipes, one had "performance pipes", but was found to be stock)
you need more data, keep a log of fill ups and mileage ( like our Dads did)
a couple of things, MPG is reduced by ethanol in about the exact proportion added.
so 10% Ethanol = 10% less MPG
my bike gets 43 mpg at 65~70 tested over thousands of miles. ( with 10% ethanol blends)
It's a stage 1 2009 EG Classic 96" with xieds ( No tuner). slightly smaller windscreen, solo packing about 50 pounds of crap ( no gold either)
air resistance:
I did extensive testing on my '95 EG Classic ( stage 1 80" evo) over tens of thousands of miles.above 50 mph air eats alot of power.
on that bike at
65 MPH = 45 MPG
75 MPH = 38 MPG
85 MPH = 31 MPG
using these figures I eventually figured out that riding PHX- LA, I had a lower ET if I rode at the speed limit, if I rode my usual 7 or 10 over, I had to make a 2nd fuel stop. ( and I really worked on tuning the carb and ignition advance for the best economy and power I could get)
This is a trip I do quite often.
65 MPH for 30 miles, 75 MPH for 133 miles, 70 MPH for 200 miles, 55 mph for 40 miles
My best economy ever was a day at Yellowstone at 35~40 mph and yielded over 55 MPG
Mike
you need more data, keep a log of fill ups and mileage ( like our Dads did)
a couple of things, MPG is reduced by ethanol in about the exact proportion added.
so 10% Ethanol = 10% less MPG
my bike gets 43 mpg at 65~70 tested over thousands of miles. ( with 10% ethanol blends)
It's a stage 1 2009 EG Classic 96" with xieds ( No tuner). slightly smaller windscreen, solo packing about 50 pounds of crap ( no gold either)
air resistance:
I did extensive testing on my '95 EG Classic ( stage 1 80" evo) over tens of thousands of miles.above 50 mph air eats alot of power.
on that bike at
65 MPH = 45 MPG
75 MPH = 38 MPG
85 MPH = 31 MPG
using these figures I eventually figured out that riding PHX- LA, I had a lower ET if I rode at the speed limit, if I rode my usual 7 or 10 over, I had to make a 2nd fuel stop. ( and I really worked on tuning the carb and ignition advance for the best economy and power I could get)
This is a trip I do quite often.
65 MPH for 30 miles, 75 MPH for 133 miles, 70 MPH for 200 miles, 55 mph for 40 miles
My best economy ever was a day at Yellowstone at 35~40 mph and yielded over 55 MPG
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Feb 27, 2012 at 12:42 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 417
Likes: 3
From: Watauga, TX
My 08 FLHTCU with 103 stage 11 regularly gets 31-32mpg. I am not an overly aggressive rider either. On a very easy trip riding secondary roads and going fill to fill I have gotten as good as 38 mpg.
I did tell my tuner when he tuned it I was more concerned with it running as cool as possible with power and fuel economy 2nd and 3rd conciderations. Resulting dyno was 84.8 hp and 98.1 TQ. AFR varies but is generally around 13 - 13.4ish
I did tell my tuner when he tuned it I was more concerned with it running as cool as possible with power and fuel economy 2nd and 3rd conciderations. Resulting dyno was 84.8 hp and 98.1 TQ. AFR varies but is generally around 13 - 13.4ish
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 631
From: NorCal Rocklin
Dont feel bad, I get about 33-35mpg on my 2011 Road Glide Ultra. It doesn't matter how it gets ridden. I always get around that figure. I only have 2k on it, so maybe it still needs to be broken in.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Over the weekend I did my trip planning for Daytona, I used 30 MPG to calculate my gas budget because I get around 34 MPG. These numbers are kinda sad, my wifes 2009 Lexus LS460 with 390hp gets 28 MPG on the highway at 80 mph with. I also have a Class A motorhome with a 400 hp Cummins and 1200 ft lbs of torque weighing in at 35,000 lbs and I can get 8 MPG at 60 mph, but I do have a 150 gallon tank. If it makes you feel better when you fill up for $20, think about me, last time I filled up my Class A I was $460 lighter in the pocket book.
Last edited by harleyman1340; Feb 27, 2012 at 06:27 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 636
Likes: 1
From: Monterey, CA
I get about 46 mpg when running between 50-60 mph, back roads riding. Once I am up on the interstate running 75-80 mph, I drop to about 34-36 mpg. I attribute the drop in mpg to the barn door that is hanging off the front of the bike while cruising at a high rate of speed.
I have a PC-V (Fuel Moto MAP), Jackpot (4 inch), and SE A/C.
Cale
I have a PC-V (Fuel Moto MAP), Jackpot (4 inch), and SE A/C.
Cale
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 1
From: Port St. Lucie FL
On my 2010 EG Classic with the 96 I used to get 38-40mpg consistently. Since I traded for the 2012 Ultra with the 103 I'm getting 33-35. Riding style is basically the same. The new one is just turning 1000 miles and will be going to the tuner next month. Hopefully it will be a bit better after she comes off the dyno.