I'm still in the break in period on my 09 Ultra Classic (800 miles), I'm getting an average of 38 solo on city & highway. I rode about 250 miles roundtrip highway, 6th gear at 75mph 2-up (combined weight of 300lbs) and the wind was about 10-15 knots on and slightly off the nose. My mileage was only 35mpg for the whole trip, is this typical of two-up riding. I did put 91 octane in it, but it was 10% ethanol...which I'm not sure how much a difference that can make. I have Vance & Hines slip-ons on it, and I didn't do a download since they are slip-ons and my salesperson said it wasn't needed.

Is the reported mileage on the HD website a perfect condition type mileage when actually it is much lower under most riding conditions?

 

No doubt the dealer mileage is "ideal" conditions. My buddy's 2004 UC will get upwards of 45 to 50 mpg, highway. Not sure what it is city. I haven't taken mine yet as it's still in break in at just under 2000 mi.

 

I am just quoting what an employee told me. "we have had very good luck with slip-on's and a down load" those are his exact words. I believe a stock engine and stock pipes will give you the very best mileage possible. I will find out, because I will not be making any changes to the performance of the bike I will receive in mid NOV.

 

I hear the Honda Helix gets really good mileage (do they still make those)?

 

HAHAHA. Not.

I'm asking this question because mpg that is way under what the factory says, means that I may be taking a hit in performance and I need to make an adjustment. I've already read the many threads on downloads needed/not needed for slip-ons..I may just wait until 2k miles or so.

 

hey bro
you should be getting a little better, but consider everything, its not bad I've heard of worse mpg, I have a 99 flhr with all the upgrades i can go and i get 43 mpg solo
38 2 up
good luck

 

You are still getting much better mileage than I do, I tend to get about 30-35 no matter what, I can ride it like a little old lady to church on Sunday would, or I can ride it like I stole it and the results are the same. I have noticed that if I find gas that is not a blend it seems to run out better, and get a little better mileage, but I did not buy mine for the ECONOMY mode.

 

Even at 30 mpg, yer gettin better than most cages.

 

I'm getting about 40 mpg, averaging about 50/50 highway and city miles. Still in the break-in period, just turned 1500 miles.

 

Was he an employee of a dealership, HD factory, or other?