Alright, so I've got an 02 RG and I've always thought my gas mileage was poor, but this last weekend it really showed.

Motor mods go as follows:

1550
211 cams with hydraulic tensioners
Vance and Hines Pro pipe
K & N air filter
Stage 1 download
Hydraulic clutch

My gas light comes on usually at about 140 miles into a tank, and gasing by 160. I'm putting in usually 4.5 gallons at that point. The people I was riding with have pretty much stock bikes and are putting in more than a gallon less gas. Two of them were 05's so they didn't have six speed or anything.

I thought about a different download but the dealer felt it would make it worse. They said a stage 2 download would make the bike run richer. I also asked about a tuner, and was told it could make it a bit better, but not a full gallon better.

I could use some ideas...

Thanks!!!

 

be happy!!! i get around 35/38 mpg.. 00 model 103kit .... my fuel lite comes on at 150 miles... i've run it to 170 miles and put in 4 1/2 gal... worried those last few miles tho

 

My stock, in every way, '02 Ultra usually gets 38-39 mpg, running 70 mph on the highway. Once in a blue moon, and I do mean ONCE, it will break 40 mpg.

 

HD1152,
One thing you didn't mention is your 'riding style.' While that can be subjective, it may help provide some insight or ideas on ways to improve your fuel economy.

Also, is your bike carb'd or EFI??

 

KoalaCowboy,

You bring up a great point and I should have pointed it out. A lot of the times I'm hitting it pretty hard down the highway, but this last trip was 1400 miles of all side rodes. We averaged between 60 & 65 mph.

Thanks!!

 

Oh and sorry, it is fuel injected.

Thanks!

 

HD1152,
hitting it hard, as you say, is probably the biggest reason for lower fuel economy.

When I really romp on it with my 103 w/SE251 cams, my fuel mileage will drop into the mid-to-upper 30's (35 - 38). This last weekend, over the course of nearly 1,000 miles (Saturday, Sunday and Monday), I averaged 46.7 mpg with 2 tanks at 51+ mpg...cruising at 45 - 70 up, down and through the twisties here in CO.

You might give Jaime @ Fuel Moto a call and see what he suggests (Forum Sponsor) or ping some of the big-dogs on HDF for their thoughts, since they are far more qualified to answer questions like this than I.

Good luck!

 

03 carb bike. Ported heads, Stage 1. I get 40 mpg running 70 on the freeway.

 

Are you over working your right hand?

I get about 44 if I ride really smooth,like I'm on cruise control.

My problem is gassing it hard when I pass semi's(don't want to be in their blind spot) and generally liking to feel the power I have when I need/want it.

That usually results in around 35mpg,sometimes less.

99% of the time I'm running two up with luggage so that also effects it.

I went on a "short trip" without a passenger or luggage last week and averaged 42mpg running in "throttle happy" mode over a 180 mile trip.

Less weight=more mpg!

 

Your mileage is respectable for the build and your admitted riding style.