Of course, many factors will affect the MPG of the windshield, including your own personal cross section. My wife is probably more aerodynamic than you are. Also, different windshields will certainly effect the MPG differences depending on their own design. Here is my wife and her bike:


I guess the windshield is "old school" today. And my 10 MPG difference was observed, with the stock carb. As in on the open road at around 60 MPH, MPG dropped from 70-ish to 60-ish, give or take. I don't know what the difference would be today with the higher traveling speeds and some real fuel control (MegaSquirt EFI).

I understand that some Beemers and Jap bikes are more aerodynamic with the faring/windshield than without. I don't doubt this. My bat wing faring is about as aerodynamic as a barn door. The windshield on the 883 is probably slightly better.

 

I just figured my mpg, and riding around here, nothing long distance, I only got like 35 mpg!

 

OFG, I notice zero different in mpg with or without the weenie shield.

RATROD HOG, sorry we didn't connect man, I was over there in the nice cool HOG rally area.

Oh Yeah, the orginal post.....with the stock seat, I had to stop about every 45 mintues. Now, I ride the Sportster as far as I wanna go. 12 hours seat time in a day...NO PROBLEM.

 

I've rode 15 hour days. I stopped for fuel every 320 Km or roughly 210 miles. I think the fuel mileage works out to be 54 miles per gallon but my math may be incorrect. The bike has the stage 1, no windshieldand the stock seat.

 

05 1200 C. I average 50 mph. I'll go on reserve at just about 150 miles. That'sroughly two hours between fill ups when trying to make distance on the slab. That's the least number of times I'll stop.

 

I can cruise all day at 70 MPH without any problems. I average about 45 miles per gallon at that speed with my 883L. With a windshield. Into the wind. Easily go about an hour at a time between stops with my Mustang seat. Usually stop because of the need for gas.

 

I am with Thumper26 55-60 and back roads, cruise thru small towns.

Tom

 

This about sums up what a Sporty is capable of. Sportster rider takes 3rd place in the Iron Butt Rally (11 days, 11k miles)! Awesome.

http://www.ironbuttrally.com/IBR/2007.cfm?DocID=43

 

Wow, any ideas as to why I am getting such low gas milage? I have no wind shield, screamin eagle slip on's, and I think the guy I got it from said it was jetted also for the pipes? I will check again at my next fill up to see if it goes up any.

 

Alot of things can contribute to the difference between your bike and others. My best friend has the EXACT same bike that I have, only his is vivid black, and he runs into reserve at around 75-90 miles. I dont hit reserve until about 120-130 miles. He has had his bike tinkered with by a few different dealers and it seems to run best with this currentjet configuration, but man it sucks the gas!