General Harley Davidson Chat Forum to discuss general Harley Davidson issues, topics, and experiences.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

how much does cold weather affect mileage?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #11  
Old 01-06-2007, 01:39 PM
Hobe's Avatar
Hobe
Hobe is offline
Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location:
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: how much does cold weather affect mileage?

The ECM program uses a warmup table that adds fuel in incremental stages as the engine warms. I can't say for sure but I believe that when it is real cold out that the motor may be slow to come up to full temp, this keeps it in a richer running condition.

I don't know what the stock ECM settings are so I can't say how much it affects stock bikes, but with SERT loaded bikes it is visible and appears to be very rich. I have reduced the warmup enrichment on my SERT tune across the board, I did this because it seemed to run very rich during warmup.

I still get easy starting and smooth running without running as rich, and I have ridden many times in the low 30's anda fewtimes in the 20's. I made some other adjustments at the same time so can't say that this was the only reason, but my mileage went UP.

I'm only throwing this out there because it could explain some of what you might be experiencing.

This is also one of the neat things about playing witht he SERT, you can sure learn more about the hidden things that make your bike go.
 
  #12  
Old 01-06-2007, 01:58 PM
dadofsix's Avatar
dadofsix
dadofsix is offline
Outstanding HDF Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Southwestern Virginia
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: how much does cold weather affect mileage?

Well damned if I'm not a dingus, I've got a SERT on the bike! Never thought to play around with it. Thanks Hobe.

<><Peace
 
  #13  
Old 01-06-2007, 02:32 PM
vegashd's Avatar
vegashd
vegashd is offline
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dover, Oh
Posts: 4,341
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default RE: how much does cold weather affect mileage?

I cannot believe no one has mentioned the biggest factor in loosing gs mileage i the winter. WINTER GRADE gas. they add additives to keep the fuel from freezing or gelling in certain parts of the country. The additives do not burn as well and gives worse gas mileage.
 
  #14  
Old 01-06-2007, 04:00 PM
dadofsix's Avatar
dadofsix
dadofsix is offline
Outstanding HDF Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Southwestern Virginia
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: how much does cold weather affect mileage?

Now that I did not know. Thanks man.

<><Peace
 
  #15  
Old 01-06-2007, 04:21 PM
electaRICK's Avatar
electaRICK
electaRICK is offline
Extreme HDF Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 10,920
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 4 Posts
Default RE: how much does cold weather affect mileage?

hmmm... I ALWAYS have a FULL tank when its freezing out !
 
  #16  
Old 01-06-2007, 06:37 PM
Dave_E's Avatar
Dave_E
Dave_E is offline
Outstanding HDF Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Stanwood, WA
Posts: 2,407
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default RE: how much does cold weather affect mileage?

I think your correct, IF the fuel suppliers gave us summer gas. I know up here in Washington they've gone to the "winter" gas and mileage goes down in everything, truck, car and Sporty. [:'(]
 
  #17  
Old 01-06-2007, 11:47 PM
Hobe's Avatar
Hobe
Hobe is offline
Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location:
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default RE: how much does cold weather affect mileage?

I know that they change the formula on diesel as it will gell in cold weather, you get a winter formula in many regions. I don't think that gelling is a problem with gas, I don't think that freezing is an issue in most climates, and have never really noticed a difference in mileage from summer to winter.

I drive a diesel truck and we also have several gassers, the truck is the only one I have ever noticed a change. If there is a difference in gas blends, and I'm skeptical, I don't think it makes much difference or it isn't inmy part of the country.

All of that said Idon't thinkthat it would make the difference in mileage that several folks have mentioned in this thread.
 
  #18  
Old 01-07-2007, 01:44 AM
kjriv's Avatar
kjriv
kjriv is offline
Road Warrior
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location:
Posts: 1,778
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default RE: how much does cold weather affect mileage?

ORIGINAL: vegashd

I cannot believe no one has mentioned the biggest factor in loosing gs mileage i the winter. WINTER GRADE gas. they add additives to keep the fuel from freezing or gelling in certain parts of the country. The additives do not burn as well and gives worse gas mileage.
yep...you lose prob at LEAST 5% for that alone....I think its some EPA crap as opposed to some anti-freeze concern..it far outweights any benefit from colder/denser air...
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
pt4u2nv
General Harley Davidson Chat
14
11-18-2008 04:42 PM
rtbuck89
Northeast
0
05-23-2008 11:45 AM
Yokel99
Touring Models
15
02-17-2008 04:21 PM
TerryB
General Harley Davidson Chat
38
11-26-2007 04:29 PM
2005UltraNC
Exhaust System Topics
5
10-29-2006 08:37 PM



Quick Reply: how much does cold weather affect mileage?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:29 PM.