How to get 40+ mpg

[Timbo1]

So a few weeks back my brother and I took a weekend trip up to north eastern Ks. up by the Ne. line from Tulsa.  He was on a 2013 Road King and I was on my blue / cream 98 Valk.  Round trip was about 850 miles.  We were pushing harder than I normally ride between 70-80 mph most the way to and from.  We had a good ride up & back without any troubles but one thing became apparent, (he was getting double the mpg).  Each fill up he was getting 40+ mpg where I was getting 20-25 mpg.  The worst mileage I've ever had on a trip. 

I was alarmed I had a problem and my brother said every now and then he could smell gas while following me.  So I searched for fuel, vacuum leaks etc.. but everything was good so we continued.  Once home I pulled plugs and found 3 & 4 were running on the rich side but all others looked fine.  So I syncd the carbs and attributed the fuel mileage to just riding harder than I normally ride.

With that in mind I decided to start looking for another bike with better mpg and fuel injection.  Of course first thought was a 14-15 Valk. but there were none within a couple hundred miles of Tulsa.  Thought about a GW but decided that wasn't what I wanted so I started looking at V-Twins, scanned cycletrader, craigslist, fb marketplace & went to a few local dealers.  One of which that got to my price and took in trade my black 98 Valk that I had picked up a couple years ago.  So in trade I came home with a 2014 Electra Glide with 8440 miles with 2 yr extended service plan.  So most any problems for next 2 years unlimited mileage are covered with $50 deductible.  So far we've put almost 1k miles on it and pretty consistently showing 39-40 mpg.  There's pro's and cons to both bikes but so far we're pleased with the experience it's given us, but still needs some adjustments for comfort.

Let the ribbing begin.

[hubcapsc]

When I stop for gas, I get, like, 3.5 gallons and other Tourers riding
with me get, like, 2.5. It never made me resort to getting a Harley though      ...

-Mike "115 to reserve..."

[Jess from VA]

If you're happy, I'm happy.   

I rode my backup bike today.  It runs great.  It sits too much.  So it's gonna become the primary for awhile.  My problem is, the backup is against a wall and the primary has to come out first.  Lotta pushing and pulling to swap out. 

[f6john]

My 08 Goldwing consistently getting 40-42 miles per gallon, don’t know what it would be trying to stay with you and your buddy. Considerably heavier than my non running 99 set up as a tourer but very good in the handling and comfort department. I probably could have gotten a Harley for the price of the Wing when I bought back in March but really didn’t even consider it. Hope you enjoy your new ride and saving at the pump has its pluses.

[Jersey mike]

Good luck with the new bike. Hope you get many safe and carefree years and miles but I’ll say this, ya don’t own a Valkyrie for the fuel mileage. 6 hungry mouths to feed ain’t no joke.

[da prez]

RPM under 3200 will give the best mileage.  A couple tweaks and I usually do 45 average.

          da prez

[Valker]

I could buy a LOT of extra gas for what the HD cost.

[Rams]

The lower fuel mileage was most likely due to the speed you were traveling.   I have actually achieved 41.2 on a ride once but at about 57mph.    Went 414 miles without stopping.   Had an Interstate tank and a belly tank on that bike.    Thought my bladder was going to burst.

I don’t ride a. Valkyrie just for the fuel mileage that I might get, I ride a Valkyrie because it’s the sexiest bike on the road.   YMMV

Rams

[scooperhsd]

I tell everyone that I can pass everything - except a gas station

[st2sam]

If you're happy, I'm happy.   

^ This.

If I keep my '14 under 70-mph. I'll get 40-42 mpg..
Burning REGULAR (87) ethanol gas.
(ain't no Harley runn'in on 87 )


Best of luck with her.

[Psychotic Bovine]

Here is a head scratcher:  My brother and I have identical Valkyries.  Both 1997, both have factory saddlebags, both do not have windshields.  We both weight nearly the same.  We have drag raced each other, and neither bike can gain on the other.  But, my bike consistently gets 3-4 mpg better.  In fact, at sedate 2 lane speeds, I easily break into the 40 mpg range.  At every fuel stop he takes a bit more gas, so it's not an odometer issue.
So, just an odd gas mileage story.

[six2go #152]

Here is a head scratcher:  My brother and I have identical Valkyries.  Both 1997, both have factory saddlebags, both do not have windshields.  We both weight nearly the same.  We have drag raced each other, and neither bike can gain on the other.  But, my bike consistently gets 3-4 mpg better.  In fact, at sedate 2 lane speeds, I easily break into the 40 mpg range.  At every fuel stop he takes a bit more gas, so it's not an odometer issue.
So, just an odd gas mileage story.

Chris: When I ride with you & Mark I have noticed that He will constantly blip the throttle at stoplights & stop signs. Normally he is right behind me & you are in the tail gunner slot so I don't hear your exhaust. Just wondering if the throttle blipping affects his mileage. When I had my '98, I could consistently get 40mpg or a little more.

[da prez]

Mark's right hand has Harley dna.

            da prez

[Psychotic Bovine]

Here is a head scratcher:  My brother and I have identical Valkyries.  Both 1997, both have factory saddlebags, both do not have windshields.  We both weight nearly the same.  We have drag raced each other, and neither bike can gain on the other.  But, my bike consistently gets 3-4 mpg better.  In fact, at sedate 2 lane speeds, I easily break into the 40 mpg range.  At every fuel stop he takes a bit more gas, so it's not an odometer issue.
So, just an odd gas mileage story.

Chris: When I ride with you & Mark I have noticed that He will constantly blip the throttle at stoplights & stop signs. Normally he is right behind me & you are in the tail gunner slot so I don't hear your exhaust. Just wondering if the throttle blipping affects his mileage. When I had my '98, I could consistently get 40mpg or a little more.

It's possible, but it's even that way when we do nothing but highway mileage and no stop lights.
I don't think he blips as much as he used to. 
it's strange, for sure, though.  Maybe his body is less aerodynamic than mine.  I mean as much as one parachute can be less than another.

[Psychotic Bovine]

Mark's right hand has Harley dna.

            da prez

That's possible.
Or he thinks heavier thoughts while riding.

[Oss]

I topped 45 mpg only once and that was  on the road from red lodge to 90

I must have not twisted the throttle more than a few times.  we were at 50 mph or less in 5th gear meandering 3 valks 2 of them my year and color scheme (Bearinthehouse and Allan were the other bikes)

Even lolo pass from Missoula going downhill in cold rain I did not get close to that

01 Interstate

But as was said  I did not buy the bike for the mileage, actually I bought it because Bonnie liked the back seat which was way more comfy than the back of my 750 Vulcan lol

Oss


Yeah bullcrap, I would have bought it anyways

[six2go #152]

Here is a head scratcher:  My brother and I have identical Valkyries.  Both 1997, both have factory saddlebags, both do not have windshields.  We both weight nearly the same.  We have drag raced each other, and neither bike can gain on the other.  But, my bike consistently gets 3-4 mpg better.  In fact, at sedate 2 lane speeds, I easily break into the 40 mpg range.  At every fuel stop he takes a bit more gas, so it's not an odometer issue.
So, just an odd gas mileage story.

Chris: When I ride with you & Mark I have noticed that He will constantly blip the throttle at stoplights & stop signs. Normally he is right behind me & you are in the tail gunner slot so I don't hear your exhaust. Just wondering if the throttle blipping affects his mileage. When I had my '98, I could consistently get 40mpg or a little more.

It's possible, but it's even that way when we do nothing but highway mileage and no stop lights.
I don't think he blips as much as he used to. 
it's strange, for sure, though.  Maybe his body is less aerodynamic than mine.  I mean as much as one parachute can be less than another.

Yeah, I don't "blip" as much as I used to either, but that's another story.

[Willow]

Crossing the country, well some of the country, yesterday and today I got 39 mpg.  I was running interstates almost exclusively at 75 to 85 indicated with a few spikes well above.

My bike is prettier than any Harley I've seen and she goes from 60 to 95 in two quick breaths.  She gets more attention than any Harley Davidson ever could.

[John Schmidt]

My 2-wheeled Valk, fully loaded with me on it to boot, feet on the highway pegs, running ~70-72, cross country I'd average 36+. Often would see 39, only would hit in the 40's on the backroads where the speed would drop down to around 55-60 average. With the trike, I don't recall what my mileage was this past summer headed west through South Dakota, just know it was almost identical to my riding buddy Dagwood who was also towing a small trailer with his 2-wheeler. My trike was loaded pretty good so I'm guessing the mileage is near normal for a Valk +/- a couple digits, depending on topography and speed.

I, too, didn't buy either Valk for mileage.

[Jersey mike]

I’ve never really gauged my MPG down too far. I know on the highway at 75/80 I can go about 150 miles before reserve. When it comes to meandering county roads/back streets and then highway that’s a tough call so again unless I need a full tank it’s ride until reserve. Luckily up around these parts there’s gas stations every 10’ so it’s not likely I’d run empty and fueling up after 150 miles on the highway often feels good to dismount and stretch the legs a little.

[3fan4life]

I can easily get 40+ mpg riding the BRP.

I averaged 49 mpg once while riding around in the FL Keys.

My brother averaged 70 mpg from his Sportster on that same ride.

As impressive as that was I never considered trading my Valk for a Sportster.

[Timbo1]

When I stop for gas, I get, like, 3.5 gallons and other Tourers riding
with me get, like, 2.5. It never made me resort to getting a Harley though      ...

-Mike "115 to reserve..."

On the first leg of our trip home I hit a little over 90 miles and she started sputtering.  Hitting a headwind and pushing hard I wasn't sure I'd make it to Topeka for fuel.

[Timbo1]

I could buy a LOT of extra gas for what the HD cost.

My brother kept telling me with all the gas you buy you'd have paid off a Harley in no time.

[Timbo1]

The lower fuel mileage was most likely due to the speed you were traveling.   I have actually acheaved 41.2 on a ride once but at about 57mph.    Went 414 miles without stopping.   Had an Interstate tank and a belly tank on that bike.    Thought my bladder was goi g to burst.

I don’t ride a. Valkyrie just for the fuel mileage that I might get, I ride a  Valkyrie because it’s the sexiest bike on the road.   YMMV

Rams

The best I've ever had was 34 mpg on that bike.  And I agree they are some of the sexiest bikes on the road.  I still have my blue / cream.  When I asked my daughter which one I should trade in she said keep the blue for sentimental reasons.  It's now a solo with mustang fender bib and cruiser bar but otherwise unchanged.

[Timbo1]

I tell everyone that I can pass everything - except a gas station

Everyone we ran across that wanted to talk bikes,  my brother would tell them "man that Valkyrie is fast,  it'll pass everything but a gas station"  he really got a kick out of it.  lol

[Timbo1]

Crossing the country, well some of the country, yesterday and today I got 39 mpg.  I was running interstates almost exclusively at 75 to 85 indicated with a few spikes well above.

My bike is prettier than any Harley I've seen and she goes from 60 to 95 in two quick breaths.  She gets more attention than any Harley Davidson ever could.

You have some tune going on there at those speeds.  I cant even get that putting around at 55.   Your bike is beautiful and no doubt gets a lot of attention.

[98valk]

do u use premium or regular 87 fuel?
do u use sea foam or other fuel additives that have low temperature solvents which solidify on the back of the hot valves and can carbon up the piston ring pack?
are u using a smaller rear tire which increases engine rpms?
ever done any mods to the carburetors?
have u adjusted the throttle movement per the manual?
have u checked the brake calipers for the pistons not fully retracting thereby causing drag?
do u use 75w90 synthetic gear oil having a High Viscosity Index in the final drive?

see my thread on how I avg 49-52 mpg.

https://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,105991.0.html

[Valkorado]

https://ripsandrides.com/most-fuel-efficient-motorcycles/

Lotsa (uninteresting) options out there, if fuel efficiency is the lure.  I'll stick with the smooth flat six.  Your new bike is certainly a good looking ride, congrats on finding your happy medium.

[old2soon]

    iffin I wuz semi serious bout mpg I'd look at some eccon box. But as others have already stated I can park in a sea of V-twinkys and Before I even unwrap from Phatt Ghurl the ?s start!  The NEVER a rice burner most times turn/turned into sheer howjadodat after the nickel trick. And folks when ya duz that fer a crowd have THEM supply the nickels. Yo might still have to do it-nickel trick-more than once BUT there Will Be LESS ?s with THEM supplying the nickels!  And I have squeezed 41  42 But That were on a Long 57 60 M P H P G R Escort. Sides in a roll on from the ton don't gotta tell WHO WILL be in the lead!  That be again yer everyday V-twinky. RIDE SAFE.

[cookiedough]

nice HD for sure, but doesn't that 2014 HD require premium gas?  If so,  you are loosing money if just interested in mpg since the Valk runs fine on 87 octane vs having to use 91 premium gas on a HD,  IMO.

I wonder if your COBRA exhaust has anything to do with worse mpg as well vs. stock exhaust?  My 98 blue/cream tourer has LOUD cobra exhaust and even after Big BF re-done the carbs and synched, etc. in October a few years ago before passing (sad), it still never achieves 35 avg mpg ever.  My 98 gets 33 mpg avg while my bone stock 2001 Valk I/S gets on avg. 36 mpg.  ONLY ONCE on my 2001 Valk I/S have I gotten 40 avg mpg but it takes 55-60 mph constant long distance speeds (or lower) to get me near 40 avg mpg. 

For those with 45 avg mpg on any Valk,  you must be doing something right indeed, no idea how anyone can do that.   I only get 53 avg mpg on my 2003 suzuki burgmann 638cc and my 250cc scooter only gets 63 avg mpg at best.    Is sad though my 2014 hyundai sonata 2.4L 4 cylinder car avgs. 36 avg mpg at best 39 avg mpg long distances mostly hwy. miles and that is 1 to 3 more mpg better than both my Valks. 

I have beat the snot out of both Valks near full tanks of gas and still will get 30-32 avg mpg at best.  I have also tried 91 octane NON ethanol premium gas a few times and really makes no difference in mpg maybe .50 to 1 mpg better at most on the Valks, but did notice the idle rpm's jumped from say 1100 to 1300 rpms at idle. 

[Bret SD]

My friend has a newer Road Glide, he gets 40+ mpg all day long on a 6 gallon tank. He likes to get off and stretch at 100-150 miles, the range is so good he doesn't run the tank down very often.

[scooperhsd]

If I want to get over 40MPG on a trip I take my 2000 VW New Beetle with diesel engine and 5 speed manual transmission (and over 381,000 miles) !! I might be able to get over 40MPG in my 2015 VW Golf diesel under the right circumstances.

[Rams]

Crossing the country, well some of the country, yesterday and today I got 39 mpg.  I was running interstates almost exclusively at 75 to 85 indicated with a few spikes well above.

My bike is prettier than any Harley I've seen and she goes from 60 to 95 in two quick breaths.  She gets more attention than any Harley Davidson ever could.

Carl,
What grade fuel are you running?   

Rams

[Willow]

Carl,
What grade fuel are you running?   

Why none right now.  She's just sitting in the parking lot.   

High grade.  She's been significantly modified.   

[Rams]

Carl,
What grade fuel are you running?   

Why none right now.  She's just sitting in the parking lot.   

High grade.  She's been significantly modified.   

Oh, sorry.   I wasn't talking about the bike. 

Rams   

[..]

The 188 mile ride I led this past Saturday up, down and around, around the roads of NE GA saw a 52 m.p.g return on my 2014 Valkyrie.

[cookiedough]

The 188 mile ride I led this past Saturday up, down and around, around the roads of NE GA saw a 52 m.p.g return on my 2014 Valkyrie.

WOW, that is matching scooter material mpg for sure.  my 638cc suzuki burgmann only gets 52 avg mpg consistently. 

[Bret SD]

The 188 mile ride I led this past Saturday up, down and around, around the roads of NE GA saw a 52 m.p.g return on my 2014 Valkyrie.

Wow.. time for me to get a new bike

[..]

The 188 mile ride I led this past Saturday up, down and around, around the roads of NE GA saw a 52 m.p.g return on my 2014 Valkyrie.

Wow.. time for me to get a new bike

At my normal zoom zooming speed it's about 43 - 45 m.p.g.

The first day of leading a group from MN a few weeks ago it was closer to 60 m.p.g.

[Bret SD]

The 188 mile ride I led this past Saturday up, down and around, around the roads of NE GA saw a 52 m.p.g return on my 2014 Valkyrie.

Wow.. time for me to get a new bike

At my normal zoom zooming speed it's about 43 - 45 m.p.g.

The first day of leading a group from MN a few weeks ago it was closer to 60 m.p.g.

Is there anything not to love about the F6? More horsepower, more torque, no carburetors, better fuel mileage.. I saw two F6's in my area for sale, both were 2014, selling at $14,000.. One of them has around 5,000 miles on the odometer if my memory is correct.