Idaho / Montana Trip Report

[Sodbuster]

Just returned from Idaho & Montana. Ended up putting on over 3500 miles in 11 days. What incredible scenery those two states have to offer. Went thru Glacier Nat'l Park in Montana and did the Lolo Pass into Idaho and highway 12 and back up Salmon River road on highway 93. Came back thru the Bighorn Mtn's and spent a couple days in the Black Hill's. The only problem I had was having to replace a burned out bulb on the trailer. The Valkyrie and the cargo trailer got along just fine.

[Dougger]

Nice looking rig. What seat do you have?

[Sodbuster]

Nice looking rig. What seat do you have?

Mustang

[Sodbuster]

For gas mileage the worst I got was 24 (driving 80 mph on interstate) and the best I got was 39 ( slow mountain driving). For the most part it was right around 35 mpg. Remember I'm pulling a trailer !!

One thing I noticed at one station (don't recall which state) was the gas pump had two hoses - one for premium - 91 octane (no ethanol) and the other hose for fuel with ethanol (87 octane - 10%, E-85, E-70, etc). I opted for the premium cause if the last person who used the other hose had put in E-85 or E-70 I might end up with a half gallon of that stuff in my tank that was still in the hose.

I found a lot of places that had 87 & 91 octane with NO ethanol where as the 89 octane did. There were a lot places in mountainous areas that offered the 85 octane (NOT E-85) but stayed away from that.

[Farther]

I also noticed that a few places had the midgrade cheaper than the regular.

[Sodbuster]

I also noticed that a few places had the midgrade cheaper than the regular.

I noticed that as well .... a lot of the time the midgrade (89 octane) would have 10% ethanol and the 87 octane would not.  And then there were times the 87 and 89 octane would have ethanol and premium (91 or 92 octane) would not have ethanol.

I did find that if I kept the speed at or below the magic 3 grand (65 mph) I could maintain mid 30's for mpg.

[Sodbuster]

I forgot to mention that the trailer pulled like a dream. It is an older cycle mate with double leaf springs and 8" high speed tires. It pulled straight the whole time and only time I got any sway (which was very little) was when I got on a road with rain grooves. I didn't notice any bounce.

I honestly couldn't tell it was back there while driving. Pulling a trailer is NOT a big deal with these bikes. But it does affect the gas mileage !!

[jimnvalk]

And i have to start back to school next week after looking at you pics.  those are some nice pics

[Gryphon Rider]

Nice report, but why is this on the tech board?

[Sodbuster]

Wasn't sure where to post it.  I thought if it was Valkyrie related it goes here. If it needs to be moved that works for me. Sorry 'bout that.