Some questions from a new Sportster rider
#11
Yes, your fuel mileage will improve
should have about 8/10 of a gallon left (give or take a couple of 1/10)
I'm avg. around 55 mpg and fill up around 100- 110 with around 2 gallons
fill the tank to where you can see it at the top
you won't be dissapointed with forward controls
as far as the shocks are concerned you can try adding some preload to them. just use a pair of channellock pliars and turn the adjusters up a couple of notches
ride on and enjoy
should have about 8/10 of a gallon left (give or take a couple of 1/10)
I'm avg. around 55 mpg and fill up around 100- 110 with around 2 gallons
fill the tank to where you can see it at the top
you won't be dissapointed with forward controls
as far as the shocks are concerned you can try adding some preload to them. just use a pair of channellock pliars and turn the adjusters up a couple of notches
ride on and enjoy
Last edited by johnsquicks10; 12-19-2008 at 06:47 PM. Reason: add stuff
#12
Forward controls and a detachable windshield for the cold months are key. As for the mpg, I get about 53-55 on the freeway but do mostly city driving so I get about 48 mpg. Don't use the light to fill up. It's NOTORIOUSLY incorrect. Use the trip to reset to 0 when you fill up. Then you'll need to fill up around 110-120. But honestly...you should be able to get close to 150 on a tank. Divid the miles you drove by how much gas you put in the tank and you'll know your mpg. At 100 miles, you'll probably put just over 2 gallons in and still have about 1 gallon left in your peanut tank (3.3 gallons). Enjoy!
#14
I'll keep that in mind when I get my Sporty next month.
#15
1. How much gas do I have left when the gas light comes on? A-I have about 1/3rd gallon in my peanut when I hit reserve (meaning main runs out & I switch).
2. What is the best way to put gas in it, stick just the tip of the fuel pump into the tank? I want to make sure I'm filling it up all the way. A-Fill to the bottom of the insert and not over the little tube (the overflow). Must allow for heat expansion from air & engine or it just goes to the vent tube to the ground.
3. I'm concerned I'm not filling it up all the way, because it seems like I only got about 80 or so miles out of my last tank. A-Should get more with stage 1 (AC & at least slip-ons). I'm hitting 130 miles with drag pipes & peanut 3.2 gallon tank. HD's are not know for MPG!
4. Related to above, does the gas millage improve after the break in period? a-should see a slight increase as parts wear into each other and rings seat.
5. How are the shocks supposed to be on these? Right now it seems like I feel every little bump in the road. A-Sounds like a Sportster to me! Aftermarket shocks available to better the ride but I'm a glutton for punishment! The shocks preload (collar at bottom of spring) is adjustable by use of appropriate spanner wrench on stock ones.
2. What is the best way to put gas in it, stick just the tip of the fuel pump into the tank? I want to make sure I'm filling it up all the way. A-Fill to the bottom of the insert and not over the little tube (the overflow). Must allow for heat expansion from air & engine or it just goes to the vent tube to the ground.
3. I'm concerned I'm not filling it up all the way, because it seems like I only got about 80 or so miles out of my last tank. A-Should get more with stage 1 (AC & at least slip-ons). I'm hitting 130 miles with drag pipes & peanut 3.2 gallon tank. HD's are not know for MPG!
4. Related to above, does the gas millage improve after the break in period? a-should see a slight increase as parts wear into each other and rings seat.
5. How are the shocks supposed to be on these? Right now it seems like I feel every little bump in the road. A-Sounds like a Sportster to me! Aftermarket shocks available to better the ride but I'm a glutton for punishment! The shocks preload (collar at bottom of spring) is adjustable by use of appropriate spanner wrench on stock ones.
#16
#17
I'm about 5'10'', but I definitely feel like my knees are high, and I sat on one with forward controls and it felt good. Do you get a lot more wind blowing up your pants with forward controls? Is there anything to be done about wind blowing up the pants, or just wear taller socks?
Tonight I put a passenger pillion and pegs on for my wife. She's not ready to ride her own, but she likes riding on the back with me. Together we only weight about 280, so I still have a decent amount of power when riding with her.
I don't necessarily ride like people are out to get me, but I do assume at all times that no one can see me.
The reason I asked about filling up is because I tried to just put the tip in, (In Arizona we have those boots also) and I lightly squeezed it and gas shot out.
Tonight I put a passenger pillion and pegs on for my wife. She's not ready to ride her own, but she likes riding on the back with me. Together we only weight about 280, so I still have a decent amount of power when riding with her.
I don't necessarily ride like people are out to get me, but I do assume at all times that no one can see me.
The reason I asked about filling up is because I tried to just put the tip in, (In Arizona we have those boots also) and I lightly squeezed it and gas shot out.
#18
#19
My light typically comes on in the 90 mile range. I usually average between 45-50 miles per gallon depending on weather conditions and how fast I ride on the interstate. I love the forward controls, makes riding much more comfortable. If you really are concerned with the rear shocks, I would look into the progessive line of shocks. It will be an improvement, but don't be to hopeful, after all, it is a sporty. I don't mind it a bit.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post