I have a 2009 Ultra with a Ventilator air intake, stock headers with Bub 7 slip-ons, and PC V. The bike has been tuned and runs very well; however, it only get about 31-32 MPG.

I know part of it is my fault because:
1) I have a wrist issue and rip the throttle somewhat often
2) I live in Northern Va and travel I95 and run a lot between 70 - 85 MPH. Additionally, you often have to hit it to get out of the way of the idiot cagers

I sent Fuel Moto my dyno map and they made an adjustment and I went up to 33.5 MPG - still not good. When I reported the results to Jamie and asked about more tweaks he stated "The map I revised was actually removing fuel from stock and I would not recommend removing any more fuel as the mixture will be leaner than stock. You can see this as the negative numbers in the map."

He further stated he would need to see the bike and I fully understand that, but the trip to his shop is not in my plans.

Other than laying off the throttle and managing speeds better, I am looking for some advice of where to look to increase MPGs.

Thanks.
Mike

 

I was getting pretty similar mileage after I added my pc-v. I went from high 40's to mid 30's. I recently got rid of my cat converter, so I'm hoping that will help out the mileage a bit. I took it out for a test drive, and it was breathing much better, but then it went back up on the lift for some stereo work. I'm really hoping to get back in the 40+ mpg range...

 

If your tuning is in good shape, no codes showing with your engine computer, then the issue is more than likely you.

My '04 Ultra is 88ci/5sp, Stage I-high flow air cleaner, true duals, Screaming Eale Super tuner. Stage II HD highway cams (done by the original owner, so I can't be more specific on the cams). Wild Pig slip ons w/ 2" baffles, Hydraulic clutch. My Ultra averages around 32 mpg mixed urban driving, and from 41-44 mpg on interstate highway traveling the posted speed limit (65-70 mph) usually using cruise control. I find using cruise increses mpg by a slight margin. When getting off the interstate onto the two lane scenic roads with some 4th gear running and more throttle work, I find my mileage down to about 36-37 mpg. That's why I'm thinking that your mileage may be more your riding style than the bike. You mentioned some "ripping", as well as 70-85 mph running on I-95. having driven I-95, I know what you mean. It's called "survival of the fittest". Yes, at 80-85 mph, I would expect to get in the low to mid 30's for gas mileage. I don't believe that you have any issues going on with the bike or its tuning, IMO.

Ride safe!

 

BTW-you have a 6sp vs. my 5sp. My riding partner, who has an '09 Ultra, gets nearly identical mileage to mine when we ride the two lane roads and stay in 4th-5th gear together. He only exceeds my mileage on interstate rides when he's in 6th gear, and only by about 3 mpg.

 

Your problem is the speed you drive if you keep it down around 60-65 you'll get better mileage!

 

PghCycle & Twin Cam, Thanks for the info, I figured it was my fault - again!

 

You didn't mention what kind of gas you run. The crap gas we have these days is just that, crap. If you can find pure 93 Octane gasoline near you, then I would go out of my way to fill up with that and avoid the ethanol laced junk at the other pumps.

Here is a website that, once you pick your state, will show all of the known locations in the state that sells pure gasoline and also the grades they sell. It's not 100% accurate, but it's really close most of the time:

http://pure-gas.org/

 

Lowcountry Joe, Unless really stuck I only use Exxon 93 octane. Unfortunately it is up to 10% ethanol. Thanks for the list, I did a quick check but didn't find anything close. I will look a little more closely later.

 

2011 road glide ultra....last check, highway, 70-75 42mpg

cat removed...monster ovals....xied-10.....91 0ct. Real gas

 

Well, 42-43 mpg is about the max for full touring bikes from HD I have seen. I have heard stories of 45-48 mpg, but when I ride with those guys they need gas at the same time I do at 42 or so mpg... weird huh?

If the engine is running at 14.7:1 optimum fuel ratio in all normal engine rpm and load ranges, then Fuel mileage is a product of the vehicle weight, aerodynamics, mechanical drag, H/P to weight ratio and gearing. There are no magic tricks that do anything other then help drain your wallet. Keep the tires aired up properly, lay out of the gas as much as possible and keep speeds down and you'll get the max the bike can give you if it is tuned correctly, which it sounds like you've covered that part.

When I ride my classic hard I drop to the low 30's at best and high 20's even. When I ride easy I gain 12-15 mpg and get in the low 40's.



Jim
Master auto technician, All Car Shop, Kissimmee, Fl.