Since this is my first Harley I may be asking a question that has been beat to death but does the fuel mileage get any better when the engine gets broken in I only have about 250 miles on but is seems it likes fuel quite a bit more than the K1200 I had.

 

It will get better once you have about 3000 on it.

 

It will definitely get better with a few miles.

Mid 40's seems to be about average. Some guys claim 50+.

Riding style is probably the biggest factor for the wide range between bikes/riders.

My own average is about 38-39 highway and about 32-34 around town.

 

I don't think so

 

I am getting the same with my 12 ultra. 3300 miles.

 

Having also come from a K1200 to a Limited I can assure you you will Never get gas milage Anywhere near the K. Not horrible but don't compare the two. I gave up comparing what I thought was normal and just compare it for what it is. While there may be Some truth to the milage increasing after "X" amount of miles I think this only happens because over time you will ease off on the throttle fun and just ride. Your right hand will determine fuel consumption. Anywhere between 25-50 is what I found on my FLHTK 12'. I do however miss cruising along on the K bike at 95 while maintaining 50mpg. Good Luck.

Dave

 

Ive checked every tank in almost 37k miles and average low to mid 40's. Lowest is 37, It seems to have gotten a little better after the first few thousand miles. The touring Harleys seem to get pretty good mileage for a 900 pound bike.

 

I just got a 2012 Ultra last monday and with a little over 300 miles on it now, and still all stock, am getting 38. This is far from the 48 that I averaged with my '07 softail custom but then again it is a couple of hundred pounds heavier and I'm having a hard time keeping out of the throttle.

 

I'm not doing that great on mine either. Last I checked at the pump it was only a little over 36. I heard that lower RPMs gets less mileage than higher RPMs. Any truth? I use 6th gear anytime I can stay over 2000.

 

there is better volumetric efficiency at mid rpms- that's why you feel the power come on at 3200 rpms ( or so) to 4000 or more

this is cam, intake and exhaust dependent.

higher rpms also increases oil pressure and volume, part of the cooling system.




OP, MPG should increase slightly with miles.

our biggest obstacle is the not so sleek fairing and bike. and any owner added "tuning devices" ( i use nightrider.com xieds)

and the H-D fuel gauge is not very accurate- like the old days watch your odometer

I expect 43 MPG at 65~70 mph cruising.
take it to 80~85 and mpg drops to low 30's.

when I ride to LA ( from PHX) I can get there on 2 tanks at 75 and 70 ( the speed limits in AZ and CA).

riding faster requires and extra fuel stop, so that total trip takes longer.



Mike