Am I crazy, or is it true ... seems I was getting better gas mileage when I was shifting into a higher gear sooner than I am doing so now. I have been reading so much here that it is better to not shift as soon, so as to keep the engine from "lugging", and after experimenting found in fact that the engine does at least SOUND"happier" if I ride in a lower gear a bit longer before shifting into the next.I'm not talking about letting the engine whine ... just holding off a little longer before shifting. HOWEVER .. now that I have been doing that for the last week or so, I noticed I am getting worse gas mileage .. as much as 5 mpg. Coincidence?

 

There is a happy medium. You must find it grasshopper.

If the engine lugs, it is not getting good gas mileage.
If the engine whines, it is not getting good mileage.

Now, go out and find that "sweet spot".

 

The lower the RPMs the less gas you are using typically. Hence the new 6th gear in the big twins getting better mileage on the highways.

 

Ditto... As long as you are not lugging the motor, you will get better mileage in a higher gear whether it's an MC or a cage.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I know it probably seemed like a dumb question, but I honestly wasn't sure. I guess I SHALLsearch to find that "happy medium".

 

I have an 05 1200 C and for normal, laid back riding on flat terrain I find that my shift points are: 20 into second. 30 into 3rd. 40 into 4th and 50 into 5th. Certainly going up a grade would change those numbers.

 

I went 64 miles on 1.1 gallons this weekend during a poker run with my wife along for the ride! I have a 93 1200 sporty, and I love to crack the throttle open!

 

Perch, I've also noticed that the Sportster gas mileageis especially sensitive to shift points--much more than someother bikes. As a result, the difference between around-town and trip mileage is significant.

 

The best way to enhance gas mileage and performance is to put Shell V-Power unleaded fuel in it. Try it and pay attention to your MPG on your trip meter, thencompare the results towhatever you normally use and note the differences. You'll never go with any other fuel again. It's worth the extra $ at the pump. Money well spent IMO.

 

Didn't know my Sporty had a G spot. I'll make sure I hit that clutch just right from now on.[sm=drooldude.gif]