Why can't I get 45 MPG like everyone else?
#71
I ge around 38 in town, a little higher on the highway crusin. I don't care, it's better than the 12 mph in my truck. I ride it like you, around 2800-3000 rpm all the time. A lot of those figures they report are "myths". You could do a little tuning and squeeze a little more out, but I would say that's pretty normal. Ride safe.
#72
I've got a relatively long commute and have been riding the bike back and forth to work when the weather looks like it's going to hold for the day. My Ultra Classic has been averaging between 36 and 38 mpg most of the time. It definitely doesn't like headwinds and has dropped down around the low 34's a couple of times. The lowest I've gotten was in the low 33's and the best I've gotten was in the mid 43's on a day ride with some friends. We were sticking to back roads and easy cruise speeds between 50 and 65 mph or so. I don't think the heavier tourers, like the Ultra, are going to do much better on average but if anyone can prove me wrong on that with any kind of consistancy, no one will be more pleased than me!
FWIW!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
FWIW!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
#73
#75
My road King got 45-50 mpg when I first got it. I kept ck'ing the mileage,because even I couldn't believe it was that high. Then after having it for awhile, I started riding it like I used to ride my shovelhead. Goodbye mileage. Now 38-40 around town or on Highway,unless above 70. Then it goes south in a hurry. Did get 50 in the mountains of colorado though once,cruising two lanes around 45-50 mph.
#76
I read post where guys ride 80 mph into a 30mph headwind loaded with camping gear and they weigh 400 lbs. and the ol lady is close to that and his bike "consistently gets 45 mpg." Maybe I exgagerate a little.
The best I coax out of Ol Sally here is 37mpg with all stock stuff. After the mods(see sig) is 36 to 35mpg.
I don't hot rod. Shift at 3 grand. Cruise on the highway in 6th between 70 and 75 mph@ around 2500-2700 rpm. I won't "lug it" Stay mostly between 2500 and 3000. Ride solo. Around 240 lbs.(Many years of beers). So why no better on the gas mileage? Other than that she runs great. Any thing I should look for?
The best I coax out of Ol Sally here is 37mpg with all stock stuff. After the mods(see sig) is 36 to 35mpg.
I don't hot rod. Shift at 3 grand. Cruise on the highway in 6th between 70 and 75 mph@ around 2500-2700 rpm. I won't "lug it" Stay mostly between 2500 and 3000. Ride solo. Around 240 lbs.(Many years of beers). So why no better on the gas mileage? Other than that she runs great. Any thing I should look for?
Last edited by ajay450; 04-09-2009 at 08:36 AM.
#77
I'd KILL to get 45mpg! I'm averaging 33.5mpg on my 08 FLHR with SERT, SE/AC and V&H Oval Slip On's. Thats combined highway and city riding. Best was once 42mpg in mountains of W.V. 15-55mph up and down the mountains. Worst was 26mpg highway riding into 40mph+ head winds. I'm very easy on the throttle, honestly. Only weight 200lbs.
A week from tomorrw will have dyno tuned by an experienced tuner who knows and understands SERT. I'm guessing my dealer who orginally set my bike up only plugged in a map and left it at that (I paid for a dyno). Haven't used there service department since. This new tuner said with my set up I should be getting at least a consistent 40mpg plus. Lets hope so.....
A week from tomorrw will have dyno tuned by an experienced tuner who knows and understands SERT. I'm guessing my dealer who orginally set my bike up only plugged in a map and left it at that (I paid for a dyno). Haven't used there service department since. This new tuner said with my set up I should be getting at least a consistent 40mpg plus. Lets hope so.....
#80