MPG Help
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 927
Likes: 17
From: Spotsylvania, VA
MPG Help - Updated
Like Shooter suggested, try running the backroads for a week or two and keep speeds below 60mph while controlling your hyperactive wrist. Let us know your mileage under these conditions, and try to stay away from stop-and-go traffic during that period. You should be in the low-40's as a minimum, even with E10 gas. If not we'll go from there and try to figure out why mileage isn't up to expectations.
I put my dyno map back on the PC V - normally would get about 31 or 31.5 MPG.
I filled up with Exxon 93 oct.
I rode granny style - I mean I had mopeds beating me off the line. I also was EXTREMELY conservative with rolling on the throttle.
I had to do some I95 riding but I did not exceed 68mph (maybe 45% of riding). I did some back road riding not to exceed 49mph (maybe 45% of riding), and of course a little around town (maybe 10% of riding).
I used cruise control while on I95 and the back roads.
End result 33.76 MPG.
I'm really lost on this one.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
at this point i would consider finding a tuner in your area that uses power commanders,it may show other problems no 2 harleys are the same u might have one that runs ritch and may be leaned out more but u won't know how much without a actual measurement of were your at now.avoid the local dealer unless they have the awesome dyno tech(most don't)
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 927
Likes: 17
From: Spotsylvania, VA
Kwo51, Thanks for the ideas, this has been an ongoing issue and all have been tried at one time or another. Mike
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 927
Likes: 17
From: Spotsylvania, VA
I do, but I know the PC V works well in many situations.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 62
From: Port St. Lucie, FL
Mike, when I first got my 110" CVO I was getting up to 36 mpg. After moding to a Stage lll with a SERT tuner, dealer dynoed my bike.
My fuel mileage dropped to 30 mpg. At times it dropped to as low as 27 mph.
Riding 4K miles in this condition, I complained to anyone that would lend me an ear. I got this one recommendation over and over again, both locally and on line. Go see Doc Weaver or at least give him a call up there in Minneola FL. I'm told.
I did, made an appointment and off I went, 140 miles up the turnpike. First thing done was getting rid of the SERT tuner when Doc got it. He installed a TT Master Tuner. Then he spent 2.5 hrs on the fuel map on his dyno. After about 4.5 hrs he was done. Doc got me another 10 HP & 10 TQ over my dealer's dyno tune. Now I'm showing 110 HP 120 TQ at the rear wheel. He also got rid of my throttle hesitation that I wasn't aware I had till he got rid of it.
Now the News you've been waiting for. I'm averaging 40 mpg now, riding the same way when I was getting only 30 mpg average.
You my friend need the best reputable tuner you can find in your area. Even if it means riding several hundred miles to get to him. Ask, research and listen to those that are VERY satisfied with their dyno tune. Then call the tuner and decide if he's the one for the job.
Even though this dyno cost me another $850 with the tuner. It'll pay for its self after 21K miles at present fuel prices.
Ride safe...
My fuel mileage dropped to 30 mpg. At times it dropped to as low as 27 mph.
Riding 4K miles in this condition, I complained to anyone that would lend me an ear. I got this one recommendation over and over again, both locally and on line. Go see Doc Weaver or at least give him a call up there in Minneola FL. I'm told.
I did, made an appointment and off I went, 140 miles up the turnpike. First thing done was getting rid of the SERT tuner when Doc got it. He installed a TT Master Tuner. Then he spent 2.5 hrs on the fuel map on his dyno. After about 4.5 hrs he was done. Doc got me another 10 HP & 10 TQ over my dealer's dyno tune. Now I'm showing 110 HP 120 TQ at the rear wheel. He also got rid of my throttle hesitation that I wasn't aware I had till he got rid of it.
Now the News you've been waiting for. I'm averaging 40 mpg now, riding the same way when I was getting only 30 mpg average.
You my friend need the best reputable tuner you can find in your area. Even if it means riding several hundred miles to get to him. Ask, research and listen to those that are VERY satisfied with their dyno tune. Then call the tuner and decide if he's the one for the job.
Even though this dyno cost me another $850 with the tuner. It'll pay for its self after 21K miles at present fuel prices.
Ride safe...
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Kennesaw, Georgia
I'm in the "works for me" camp with FM, PCV and recently added autotune. The AT made a lot of small negative "trims" and my mileage went from an average in the 34-36 range to 39-41. (My original map was probably rich since I kept stock mufflers.) I'm now convinced 40 is a good number for 103 baggers.
My suggestion on your consistent low numbers with all you have done to get the fuel right is to check the bike mechanical setup. Tire pressure is a biggie, wheel bearings can go bad (jack it up and spin the front, check for excess heat in the bearing area at gas stops), drive belt tension (it should be tighter than you think), dragging brake pads (debris perhaps), etc. Maybe there is some friction there somewhere that is requiring power to overcome. I've found almost all of the manual specs are "just a little off" from the dealer so maybe there might be something to be discovered there.
Im just sayin'
Good luck and don't give up!
My suggestion on your consistent low numbers with all you have done to get the fuel right is to check the bike mechanical setup. Tire pressure is a biggie, wheel bearings can go bad (jack it up and spin the front, check for excess heat in the bearing area at gas stops), drive belt tension (it should be tighter than you think), dragging brake pads (debris perhaps), etc. Maybe there is some friction there somewhere that is requiring power to overcome. I've found almost all of the manual specs are "just a little off" from the dealer so maybe there might be something to be discovered there.
Im just sayin'
Good luck and don't give up!