MPG Help
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Texas
'07 Ultra, stage one: PC-III with custom 'advanced' map, K&N AC, Jackpot dyno-tuned slips and I get about 35-36. I ride in the 2600-3200 range and normally shift close to 3k. Never use 6th because I am never in a situation where I can ride that fast so not sure what the mileage would be. Bone-stock the bike got about 42 but the heat and detonation was unacceptable. Bike runs awesome now so afraid to mess with the map too much - dyno tune might help but I can't afford one right now. Can't get real gas here, only 10% ethanol crap.
Last edited by sargek; Mar 14, 2012 at 12:24 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
From what I see, power commander= poor MPG. ( I ride behind guys with PC and I can smell the unburned fuel)
many PC set ups don't use the o2 sensors, so the ECM doesn't know IF the motor is running rich- or lean.
The cell values may not be accurately metering fuel optimally. ( the ECM is operating blindfolded)
the acknowledged throttle problem, higher speeds ( wind resistance*) have alot to do with this. As may the regional fuel blends. MPG is reduced by about the same percentage as the ethanol added to fuel, as ethanol provides fewer BTU's-and is displacing 10% ( +/-) gasoline
OP, try this.
Remove the power commander, install nightrider.com XIEDS ( about $115) and see what happens.
If you have no improvement, you can sell the Xieds on the classifieds and get some of your cash back.
I have an 09 FLHTC and avg 43 MPG at 70 MPH, loaded down, measured over thousands of miles. I have the stock no cat headers, supertrapps tuned slip ons, and a ness big sucker, along with the xieds.
( before the Xieds I got 44 mpg)
Mike
*MPG on my last FLHTC , evo 80" was measured under many conditions for 15 years, this gives an idea of what wind speed does
65 MPH = 45 MPG
70 MPH = 42 MPG
75 MPH = 36 MPG
85 MPH = 32MPG ( or worse)
many PC set ups don't use the o2 sensors, so the ECM doesn't know IF the motor is running rich- or lean.
The cell values may not be accurately metering fuel optimally. ( the ECM is operating blindfolded)
the acknowledged throttle problem, higher speeds ( wind resistance*) have alot to do with this. As may the regional fuel blends. MPG is reduced by about the same percentage as the ethanol added to fuel, as ethanol provides fewer BTU's-and is displacing 10% ( +/-) gasoline
OP, try this.
Remove the power commander, install nightrider.com XIEDS ( about $115) and see what happens.
If you have no improvement, you can sell the Xieds on the classifieds and get some of your cash back.
I have an 09 FLHTC and avg 43 MPG at 70 MPH, loaded down, measured over thousands of miles. I have the stock no cat headers, supertrapps tuned slip ons, and a ness big sucker, along with the xieds.
( before the Xieds I got 44 mpg)
Mike
*MPG on my last FLHTC , evo 80" was measured under many conditions for 15 years, this gives an idea of what wind speed does
65 MPH = 45 MPG
70 MPH = 42 MPG
75 MPH = 36 MPG
85 MPH = 32MPG ( or worse)
Last edited by mkguitar; Mar 14, 2012 at 01:29 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
( a low octane fuel can "self ignite" under compression like a diesel, we want the fuel to resist compression ignition, and burn when the sparkplug fires)
Mike
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Have the same bike: Same year, PC-V, Bub 7's, stock headers, and SE Intake. I'm also in the DC metro (MD side) so I know all about 95. I haven't been happy with my mileage either. Been a while since I checked it but think I'm getting about the same as you. Ripping through the gears isn't doing you any favors but I think a big problem is that these things aren't even the slightest bit areodynamic. I find myself clipping along at 80 quite often and have no doubt there is a severe mileage drop between 65 and 85.
I did remove the baffles and installed BCT's but that shouldn't matter.
Funny what Mike said about smelling unburned fuel b/c I swear I do when I let off on the throttle to often.
Jaime offered to change my map once. Said it would likely run too hot if he did and it already seems to run hot so I don't want to run any hotter.
I think you (and I) should be getting better mileage. Wish I knew what the problem is. IF there is a problem. Only thing I can think of to try is a new tuner but I don't have the cabbage for that kind of experiment.
I did remove the baffles and installed BCT's but that shouldn't matter.
Funny what Mike said about smelling unburned fuel b/c I swear I do when I let off on the throttle to often.
Jaime offered to change my map once. Said it would likely run too hot if he did and it already seems to run hot so I don't want to run any hotter.
I think you (and I) should be getting better mileage. Wish I knew what the problem is. IF there is a problem. Only thing I can think of to try is a new tuner but I don't have the cabbage for that kind of experiment.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 3
From: Central Texas
Thanks
Jim
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I carry octane boost when touring, bad or mis-rated gas will cause the bike to ping, resulting in poor operation
( motor damage is unlikely as the ECM will usually sense and retard timing enough--- which reduces power greatly)
Worst fuel I ever got was at a Chevron in Blythe, CA headed West.
What pissed me off is that I was facing 110 miles ( to the next services) with a 4000' elevation change and had to baby the bike. That's when i started carrying the booster.
and then there are the crooks:
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2011/08/18/t...ting-gasoline/
mike
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: East Coast Shore
Ethanol actually raises octane. Octane has nothing to do with MPG, it has to do with detonation.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 3
From: Central Texas
I carry octane boost when touring, bad or mis-rated gas will cause the bike to ping, resulting in poor operation
( motor damage is unlikely as the ECM will usually sense and retard timing enough--- which reduces power greatly)
Worst fuel I ever got was at a Chevron in Blythe, CA headed West.
What pissed me off is that I was facing 110 miles ( to the next services) with a 4000' elevation change and had to baby the bike. That's when i started carrying the booster.
and then there are the crooks:
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2011/08/18/t...ting-gasoline/
mike
( motor damage is unlikely as the ECM will usually sense and retard timing enough--- which reduces power greatly)
Worst fuel I ever got was at a Chevron in Blythe, CA headed West.
What pissed me off is that I was facing 110 miles ( to the next services) with a 4000' elevation change and had to baby the bike. That's when i started carrying the booster.
and then there are the crooks:
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2011/08/18/t...ting-gasoline/
mike
Thanks again!
Jim
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
My 05 RG had a 95 inch build, PC, SE active performance exhaust, SE 1 air cleaner, SE valves, and rockers, Woods555 cams.
If I ran on cruise control at 55 mph, I would get about 38 to 44 mpg. If I bent my wrist the mpg dropped to 26............
but I would grin EVERY SINGLE TIME.
My 2011 has a stock 96..... and I mean STOCK...... I get 50 mpg most of the time. My wallet grins ALL THE TIME.
I kinda like having a happy wallet.
If I ran on cruise control at 55 mph, I would get about 38 to 44 mpg. If I bent my wrist the mpg dropped to 26............
but I would grin EVERY SINGLE TIME.
My 2011 has a stock 96..... and I mean STOCK...... I get 50 mpg most of the time. My wallet grins ALL THE TIME.
I kinda like having a happy wallet.
Last edited by shooter5074; Mar 14, 2012 at 01:57 PM. Reason: My Mom can beat up your Mom.