Tuning question
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 230
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
Tuning question
Ok folks I have a question, about tuning. I have just returned from a 2500 mile trip, San Antonio to Deals gap and back. Prior to leaving and even on the way there my bike was getting about 200 miles before the Gas light would come on. I thoroughly cleaned my bike prior to leaving and even cleaned the inside of my exhaust. On my return trip I dropped to as little as 160 before the light would come on, does this sound extreme? I have a 2013 Ultra Limited, Vance& Hines Torque pipes with 4 inch Rineharts, and a Heavy breather with a SERT installed. The bike performs well, and I think the tuning was pretty good the entire trip, but the big loss in MPG tells me it is rich, and there is some residue inside the exhaust tips now, sound like it's rich? The temperature did change but would the weather change it this much?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
Your mileage will drop on a properly tuned bike because they are so lean from the factory. Who tuned the bike? Would you say the bike runs perfect? If it does, then run it...worth the loss of mileage IMO. If it doesn't run perfect, there is one of the best dyno tuners in New Braunfels..he will get it right. He tunes for performance and ridability, not gas mileage.
I think the difference between going and coming back was the wind...15MPH will make that much of a difference.
I think the difference between going and coming back was the wind...15MPH will make that much of a difference.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 230
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
@Rooti I tuned the bike myself, it does perform well and I am happy with the way it performs...wind certainly did pick up on our way home. Thanks for the input. So who is the guy in New Braunfels?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
I agree with 1Canuck and Oldhippe. There are too many variables to consider: altitude, average speed, starts/stops, type of fuel, type of fills (from empty, from half empty...), solo vs. 2-up, cargo loads, freshness of oil/lube, tire pressure, weather conditions, and on and on...
The loss works out to about 6.7 miles per gallon, which any one of the above conditions could easily manage on its own. Now, throw in the rest, over whatever period of time you were there, and presto, lower MPG's.
As was mentioned, tunes don't change. It's likely that you'll be back to 200-mile tankfuls soon enough.
My advice: Don't fret the small stuff (and it's ALL small stuff). Instead, enjoy the memories that you made during your trip!
The loss works out to about 6.7 miles per gallon, which any one of the above conditions could easily manage on its own. Now, throw in the rest, over whatever period of time you were there, and presto, lower MPG's.
As was mentioned, tunes don't change. It's likely that you'll be back to 200-mile tankfuls soon enough.
My advice: Don't fret the small stuff (and it's ALL small stuff). Instead, enjoy the memories that you made during your trip!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
If you ever want to get your tune exact see:
Mike Lozano at Lozano's porting. He does the tune for some of the local HD dealerships because they can't do what he does. He tunes mostly with SERT so it is right up your alley. 300 bucks and it will take him most of the day...Chances are it will not improve your fuel economy, but it will run smoother through the gears and you will be using 6th gear a lot more
Mike Lozano at Lozano's porting. He does the tune for some of the local HD dealerships because they can't do what he does. He tunes mostly with SERT so it is right up your alley. 300 bucks and it will take him most of the day...Chances are it will not improve your fuel economy, but it will run smoother through the gears and you will be using 6th gear a lot more
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 230
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
Thanks everyone....It was a great trip...riding the dragon is always a good time...wife and I had some craw fish along the way so it was definitely a good trip...deals gap seems to be getting over run with Mini Coopers...
