Gas Mileage
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
Gas Mileage
I have a 2012 Ultra Classic, completely stock with about 2000 miles on it. I generally accellerate to about 2900 - 3000 RPM before shifting to the next gear. I've been consistantly seeing 37 -38 MPG running mostly 5th gear at 60 MPH at around 2700 - 2800 RPM. Is that about right or does that seem a touch low?
It seems like it should be a bit higher but I guess I'd like to ask the experts. Will the mileage increase as the bike 'breaks in' more or should I be looking at another cause? Maybe it's right about where it should be... Not sure. Thoughts/feelings? Thanks.
It seems like it should be a bit higher but I guess I'd like to ask the experts. Will the mileage increase as the bike 'breaks in' more or should I be looking at another cause? Maybe it's right about where it should be... Not sure. Thoughts/feelings? Thanks.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
as the miles add up, the motor will 'loosen" all the mating parts which are now creating friction will wear into each other, frictional losses decrease, power and MPG increase.
I see a reliable 43 MPG with my stage 1 set up, was at 44 mpg previously
You are doing well to wait until 65~70 to hit 6th gear, the power to pull is above 3000 rpms.
higher rpms give volumetric efficiency, are better on the motor and allows you to either accelerate or decelerate with a quick twist of the wrist
Mike
I see a reliable 43 MPG with my stage 1 set up, was at 44 mpg previously
You are doing well to wait until 65~70 to hit 6th gear, the power to pull is above 3000 rpms.
higher rpms give volumetric efficiency, are better on the motor and allows you to either accelerate or decelerate with a quick twist of the wrist
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jun 22, 2012 at 01:18 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
If you read your owners manual, there is a shifting table designed to get you the best mileage on level ground. Commuting I get about 42-45......20 miles to work. On trips, where I run 100 or more miles between stops (wife like to stop and stretch), I get 50-54. This is on level ground, no wind and Illinois 2 lane blacktops at 55 mph 6th gear 2200 rpm. ONE UP.... wife has her own bike.
If I'm on Interstates, mpg goes down. Headwinds, mpg goes down. Get carried away with my right wrist, mpg goes down.
If you want good mpg, SLOW DOWN, enjoy the scenery, stay on the bike. Don't ride 20 miles and get off.
If I'm on Interstates, mpg goes down. Headwinds, mpg goes down. Get carried away with my right wrist, mpg goes down.
If you want good mpg, SLOW DOWN, enjoy the scenery, stay on the bike. Don't ride 20 miles and get off.
Last edited by shooter5074; Jun 22, 2012 at 01:30 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
Your mileage is within the "normal" range for that model bike. Some here obviously report higher, but riding style and habits make a major difference.
I will also point out that I've repeatedly noticed on cross country road trips that regional fuel blends vary noticeably in the mpg's they give. In San Diego my daily commute is 65 miles each way on the open freeway at around 70-75 mph. It's non-stop smooth freeway sailing, no traffic, etc. In summer I get 39-40 mpg routinely.
Every year I ride to Illinois to visit family (I'm there now in fact as I type this). EVERY trip I see mpg's vary from low 40's, high 40's and an all-time high of 53.12 mpg in northern New Mexico. This happens every trip. The freeway conditions and the load on the bike, style of ride are all identical. The only thing that varies from tankful to tankful as I go is the regional fuel blends. How do you explain a 14 mpg increase in freeway cruising economy (in fact on this trip the bike is loaded with luggage and has the TourPak mounted, so around 80 pounds HEAVIER than it normally is when I average 39-40 mpg at home routinely).
So those of you who are baffled by either unusually low or higher mileage need to figure into the formula not only your riding style, bike tune/set-up, etc but the fuel blends of your region you live in. Those who report 50's mpg seem hard to believe, but I can attest to the fact that my own bike gives me radically better mileage in difference parts of the country. California fuel blends give poor mileage compared to those in New Mexico for example - to the tune of 13 mpg higher! Same bike, same rider, same riding style (but the bike is in fact loaded down with gear to the tune of 80 pounds extra weight yet i still get MUCH higher mpg's...
Anyone else noticed this in cross-country travel?
I will also point out that I've repeatedly noticed on cross country road trips that regional fuel blends vary noticeably in the mpg's they give. In San Diego my daily commute is 65 miles each way on the open freeway at around 70-75 mph. It's non-stop smooth freeway sailing, no traffic, etc. In summer I get 39-40 mpg routinely.
Every year I ride to Illinois to visit family (I'm there now in fact as I type this). EVERY trip I see mpg's vary from low 40's, high 40's and an all-time high of 53.12 mpg in northern New Mexico. This happens every trip. The freeway conditions and the load on the bike, style of ride are all identical. The only thing that varies from tankful to tankful as I go is the regional fuel blends. How do you explain a 14 mpg increase in freeway cruising economy (in fact on this trip the bike is loaded with luggage and has the TourPak mounted, so around 80 pounds HEAVIER than it normally is when I average 39-40 mpg at home routinely).
So those of you who are baffled by either unusually low or higher mileage need to figure into the formula not only your riding style, bike tune/set-up, etc but the fuel blends of your region you live in. Those who report 50's mpg seem hard to believe, but I can attest to the fact that my own bike gives me radically better mileage in difference parts of the country. California fuel blends give poor mileage compared to those in New Mexico for example - to the tune of 13 mpg higher! Same bike, same rider, same riding style (but the bike is in fact loaded down with gear to the tune of 80 pounds extra weight yet i still get MUCH higher mpg's...
Anyone else noticed this in cross-country travel?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Absolutely .... I forgot to mention that. I get really good mileage in South Dakota and Wyoming for some reason. And that's at 75 mph instead of my normal 55-60. And the bike is loaded for 2 weeks travel. I'm guessing a combination of gas blend, and altitude.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 32,562
Likes: 2,577
From: Shit Weather USA
I have a 2012 Ultra Classic, completely stock with about 2000 miles on it. I generally accellerate to about 2900 - 3000 RPM before shifting to the next gear. I've been consistantly seeing 37 -38 MPG running mostly 5th gear at 60 MPH at around 2700 - 2800 RPM. Is that about right or does that seem a touch low?
It seems like it should be a bit higher but I guess I'd like to ask the experts. Will the mileage increase as the bike 'breaks in' more or should I be looking at another cause? Maybe it's right about where it should be... Not sure. Thoughts/feelings? Thanks.
It seems like it should be a bit higher but I guess I'd like to ask the experts. Will the mileage increase as the bike 'breaks in' more or should I be looking at another cause? Maybe it's right about where it should be... Not sure. Thoughts/feelings? Thanks.
This is exactly what I went through with my bike. I couldn't get 40mpg to save my life. Then like magic as soon as I hit 5,000 miles,I noticed a big change. Now if I run no ethanol I average about 45 mpg. If I run the blend I'm looking at 41-43mpg. My best advice to you is,just wait it will/should get better.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
PS: I'm in Quincy this week, so I know the two lane rural highways you're talking about!
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20,880
Likes: 33,837
I have a 2012 Ultra Classic, completely stock with about 2000 miles on it. I generally accellerate to about 2900 - 3000 RPM before shifting to the next gear. I've been consistantly seeing 37 -38 MPG running mostly 5th gear at 60 MPH at around 2700 - 2800 RPM. Is that about right or does that seem a touch low?
It seems like it should be a bit higher but I guess I'd like to ask the experts. Will the mileage increase as the bike 'breaks in' more or should I be looking at another cause? Maybe it's right about where it should be... Not sure. Thoughts/feelings? Thanks.
It seems like it should be a bit higher but I guess I'd like to ask the experts. Will the mileage increase as the bike 'breaks in' more or should I be looking at another cause? Maybe it's right about where it should be... Not sure. Thoughts/feelings? Thanks.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 6
From: Spokane, WA.
I am at 6,200 miles on the Odometer, I get about 42, with recent dyno retune maybe a wee more to 44 mpg.
I try and run the non-corn fuel but pay 1.20 a tank more for it. 65 mph seems to be the best speed for running highways and freeways. 75 mph plus will knock it down to 38-40 mpg.
Ride safe.
I try and run the non-corn fuel but pay 1.20 a tank more for it. 65 mph seems to be the best speed for running highways and freeways. 75 mph plus will knock it down to 38-40 mpg.
Ride safe.