2011 Electra Glide Classic Gas Mileage
#11
04-29-2013 | 10:52 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 515
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
My '10 Ultra turns an easy 38-43 mpg but I don't run it hard at all. I certainly didn't buy it for fuel economy: I bought it for comfort and features. If fuel economy was the game, than there are a ton of bikes out there that don't weigh 900+ lbs. and can get double or more miles per gallon. I wouldn't be too happy getting 25 mpg, but then when I'm riding and the wind is in my face, I probably wouldn't care that much. Driving my Suburban at 11-15 mpg and my motorhome that gets 6.5 mpg (and far worse going up a long grade), the Harley is the easy fuel economy champ, even if it only got 25 mpg, though I would think a stock Electra Glide should do a lot better than 25 mpg.
#12
04-29-2013 | 10:54 PM
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 26
From: Texas
I try to keep the RPMs down by using the gears; even 6th when I can. I find that I'm downshifting more with the HD as the Wing is much more forgiving at lower RPMs and in higher gears. With the Wing I upshifted in groups of 2, rarely using 2nd and 4th on takeoff; 1st, 3rd, 5th.
You need to shift your Harley through the gears, letting it rev freely to 3,000 RPMs or more in each gear. Don't shift into 6th gear unless you're running over 65 mph.
When it comes time to pass or merge into traffic, you will need to either be in a gear that takes advantage of the engine's torque or down-shift to get into a gear that will allow you to do so.
For some reason folks still think that Harleys need to be ridden at low rpms. This isn't true and lugging the engine is hard on the entire drive-train.
#16
04-30-2013 | 10:51 AM
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 466
Likes: 2
From: Bothell, WA
#17
04-30-2013 | 03:36 PM
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 285
Likes: 3
From: Parkton,MD.
So you didn't buy it for gas mileage?
Why would anyone purchase a "Touring" motorcycle unless there were some expectation of fuel economy and cruising range?
How much fun would it be if your Harley only got 15 MPG?
I've done the majority of my touring West of the Mississippi River and have run into many situations where it's been 150 to 175 miles between gas stations. I expect any "Touring" motorcycle that I've owned to have a cruising range of at least 180 miles, so I need to either buy a bike that gets descent gas mileage or have a huge fuel tank. I'll take the fuel mileage any day!
Why would anyone purchase a "Touring" motorcycle unless there were some expectation of fuel economy and cruising range?
How much fun would it be if your Harley only got 15 MPG?
I've done the majority of my touring West of the Mississippi River and have run into many situations where it's been 150 to 175 miles between gas stations. I expect any "Touring" motorcycle that I've owned to have a cruising range of at least 180 miles, so I need to either buy a bike that gets descent gas mileage or have a huge fuel tank. I'll take the fuel mileage any day!
Last edited by Hrd Rider; 04-30-2013 at 03:38 PM.
#18
04-30-2013 | 03:46 PM
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 26
From: Texas
Mine sucks. I just picked it up used and it's bone stock with 6800 mi. I got 150 mi. on the first 6 gal., and it's looking like I can expect to see similar results from the second. 25mpg? That's horrible. Damn, my Wing was getting 40. Can I expect to see an improvement down the road a bit?
#19
04-30-2013 | 04:33 PM
#20
04-30-2013 | 04:34 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 3
From: Salem, Va.
My 2010 Ultra, with 1.75 Rush slip-ons, Screaming Eagle AC, and download always is over 40. The best mileage you will get is tootling along on a country road in 4th at 45 mph.
The 6 gallon tanks are very slow to fill completely. At least mine is. I have to dribble gas for the last gallon to get it to full fill. Always try to use the same station for local fill-ups and the same parking angle. And try to get it completely full. Also, check the mileage using a calculator or phone ap, and verify your odometer is clicking over correctly.
Good luck and keep us posted.
bomtek44
The 6 gallon tanks are very slow to fill completely. At least mine is. I have to dribble gas for the last gallon to get it to full fill. Always try to use the same station for local fill-ups and the same parking angle. And try to get it completely full. Also, check the mileage using a calculator or phone ap, and verify your odometer is clicking over correctly.
Good luck and keep us posted.
bomtek44