MPG figures ??

[scooperhsd]

I just got back from a 100 mile ride this afternoon, started with 20 mile on the tank, ended at 127, put in 5.25 gallons gas, for an MPG of 24.2 Miles / gallon. What does everyone else usually average ? And this was on  non-ethanol regular, put in last week. I did do an oil change last weekend.

Temp was 45-50 F, 95%+ of the miles were highway (70-75 MPH).  Is there something wrong with my bike  to get such a low figure ?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Don’t feel too bad. I just did 85mph with a 30mph headwind. Got close to 20mpg for the first 80 miles. (But I left my choke half on )  Without the choke engaged, I got about 30mpg for the remaining 70 miles. (Them headwinds are tough)

[Willow]

It's within the range of what people get but it is on the low side.  I usually hit 30-35.

Measuring one tank can be misleading as we're not quite certain how much was in the tank from one fill to another.  Measure over several tanks and average is more meaningful.

Mixture, carb sync and how you handle the throttle all play a part in your fuel mileage without anything being "wrong" with your bike. 

[Bighead]

Don’t feel too bad. I just did 85mph with a 30mph headwind. Got close to 20mpg for the first 80 miles. (But I left my choke half on )  Without the choke engaged, I got about 30mpg for the remaining 70 miles. (Them headwinds are tough)

Its an enricher not a choke.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Don’t feel too bad. I just did 85mph with a 30mph headwind. Got close to 20mpg for the first 80 miles. (But I left my choke half on )  Without the choke engaged, I got about 30mpg for the remaining 70 miles. (Them headwinds are tough)

Its an enricher not a choke.

really ?

[MAD6Gun]

 If you stay under 70 MPH you will get OK milage. Over 70 and you are getting into the carbs high speed jets, depending on load of course. I have a 97 with a 6 degree trigger wheel,IS carb springs and Viking exhaust. On the highway I get high 30s. Best I ever got was 38. But I don't really care. I didn't buy this bike for the milage. Look on the bright side, You are getting more "smiles" per gallon though. There's that......

[Glaserbeam]

I've had my '02 Std for two years.  First it had no windshield, then a small sport shield, now with Memphis Shades batwing fairing and two Laminar Lips to extend the height of the shield.  I do a lot of highway riding on my commute, plus a lot of city riding on the weekends.  I keep the tires properly inflated, and I weigh 160 lbs and usually ride solo.  My carbs are stock, synced, and idle-drop adjusted.

No matter what the windshield situation, I average 25 mpg, and most of that is with RPMs between 3,500 and 4,000.  For three days I was on a filming assignment with a GoPro on the front of my bike, and kept within speed limits (generally under 3,500 RPM) and gentle acceleration on streets and highways.  I was expecting gargantuan mileage figures, but my mileage only climbed to 26 mpg!  

So, for me, I'm not going to baby the throttle.  I just live with it, with the reward that it's a helluva bike with sportbike-style acceleration and touring-bike comfort.  I don't see how anyone gets over 30 mpg with these monsters!

Ken

[baird4444]

I go to reserve between 120 and 125 miles. been averaging 32 MPG for the last 4 years and I love to use the throttle. When traveling and pushing 80 -85 MPH on the super slab it often falls to 25MPG.
           - Mike

[MarkT]

I get 34mpg pretty consistently with mixed riding on both daily riders and even on George my blown bobber.  Actually he usually gets 35.  I keep the rpms under 3500 almost always but otherwise I like acceleration.  Mileage drops to 27 avg pulling the Tagalong and 23 pulling the Timeout camper.  With the latter I've got as bad as 17 on the ride to Morgantown.  But I was still tuning the fuel system so that doesn't count.  BTW definitely need extra fuel if riding with othrs while towing.  You need a belly tank for that.  If you like speed and want to keep better mileage, put on an Austone tire.  Drops the rpms to 3500 at 80 indicated - stays out of the high speed jets.

[Jess from VA]

I generally get a good mix of fast and moderate, with an interstate (sailboat), and I think I get at least 30-35 mpg most of the time.  All stock, well tuned, hard tires.  But mostly no-corn gas, which should get about 1-2mpg over corn-polluted gas.  It will go down on long superslab, which I avoid as much as possible.  

[DirtyDan]

My average was 30

Trip odometer 120 reserve

150 hitch hiking

Dan

[John Schmidt]

Don’t feel too bad. I just did 85mph with a 30mph headwind. Got close to 20mpg for the first 80 miles. (But I left my choke half on )   Without the choke engaged, I got about 30mpg for the remaining 70 miles. (Them headwinds are tough)

Its an enricher not a choke.

really ?

Honda is kinda two-faced on this one. The valves in the carbs are referred to as "enrichers" in the shop manual, however on page 5-21 they speak about "connecting the choke cable to the choke link" and the next sentence says to "adjust the choke cable......" And in section 1 of the manual where it describes the Cable & Harness Routing, it's also always referred to as the "choke cable."  So for all intents and purposes, just take your pick as to whether you're choking or enriching. The end result is the same....you're enriching the mixture by using the choke cable......per the Honda shop manual.

Now wasn't that easy?  

Forgot to add....I'll average right at 35-37mpg open highway speeds around 70+/-. Around town, forget it. Around here you're usually riding in stop/go traffic travelled by idiots, that's why I stay off the interstate most of the time if within 20 miles of Orlando. I've lived here over 52 years and know where all the back streets go to make better time with less traffic. I still average around 30mpg in town if careful.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Don’t feel too bad. I just did 85mph with a 30mph headwind. Got close to 20mpg for the first 80 miles. (But I left my choke half on )   Without the choke engaged, I got about 30mpg for the remaining 70 miles. (Them headwinds are tough)

Its an enricher not a choke.

really ?

Honda is kinda two-faced on this one. The valves in the carbs are referred to as "enrichers" in the shop manual, however on page 5-21 they speak about "connecting the choke cable to the choke link" and the next sentence says to "adjust the choke cable......" And in section 1 of the manual where it describes the Cable & Harness Routing, it's also always referred to as the "choke cable."  So for all intents and purposes, just take your pick as to whether you're choking or enriching. The end result is the same....you're enriching the mixture by using the choke cable......per the Honda shop manual.

Now wasn't that easy?  

Forgot to add....I'll average right at 35-37mpg open highway speeds around 70+/-. Around town, forget it. Around here you're usually riding in stop/go traffic travelled by idiots, that's why I stay off the interstate most of the time if within 20 miles of Orlando. I've lived here over 52 years and know where all the back streets go to make better time with less traffic. I still average around 30mpg in town if careful.

[..]

32 to 35 and that's using the engine from 3 to 4,500 rpm 50% of the time.

Zoom, ripping, zoom.

[cookiedough]

keep front tire at 38-41 psi and rear 42-45 psi for cycle tire.  keep speed under 65 mph and will get 35-36 avg mpg mostly hwy around/near 3000 rpms.  Doing 70 mph or over around 3200-3300 rpms and mpg drops to under 35 mpg more like 32-33 mpg.  Worst has been 30 mpg, but once or twice putzing along at 60 mph or under I have gotten near 40 avg mpg on regular E10 gas.  

My threshold seems to be under 65 mph as best mpg averaging as said 35-36 mpg.  

If you are at 3500 rpms I say you must be doing around 75 mph which is pretty fast considering the speed limit at least around me is 55 mph.  

[scooperhsd]

When I first got my Valk, I was getting around 33-36, with a group ride high of 42 one time. But, in NC, I was generally not traveling as fast as I do out here in the Plains, and the wind (in any direction) was not as fierce. And I keep a spreadsheet with worksheets for each vehicle, and I have it calculate last 5 and last 20 tanks for trends - it's been sliding down since I got to KC for all 3 vehicles. On the Valk, I recently (last 4 tanks) started using GPS as well for miles on the tank - It's generally been higher than the tripometer by about 1-3 %. I also keep my MPG data in Fuelly.

It was a good comfortable ride, until that moment that I realized I needed to go on reserve - 20 miles sooner than expected. With my Pingel petcock, I actually get only about .3 or so gallons of reserve - so putting in 5.25 gallons was like on fumes. Not like gas stations weren't available. I do use my throttle lock, varying it to keep my speed steady.

[Rams]

Some folks are skeptics and won't believe this but, here goes.

My last Valkyrie Standard (the one now in a salvage yard) was equipped with an Interstate Tank and a belly tank (equaling just shy of 10 gallons), she also wore a Austin Taxi Tire (taller tire resulting in lowered highway rpms).   Just to see what I could get,  I rode 412 miles without putting my feet on the ground (IOWs, no fuel stops).  The entire experiment was conducted at 3,000 rpm or less as required by traffic conditions.  The tank(s) were topped off prior to departure.  When I finally stopped for fuel and that very necessary pee stop, she was on fumes but, she pulled into that fuel stop under her own power.

Wx conditions were favorable with little to no wind the entire experiment.  So, I know a Valkyrie can get 40+mpg.    It just takes a light throttle hand and not being in a hurry.   55 to 60 mph ain't all that bad if you enjoy the scenery.  .   No, I don't ride like that all the time.  

Rams  

[scooperhsd]

I would LOVE to acquire an Interstate tank, but the price was more than I was willing to pay. When asked, I've always replied "I can pass everything but a gas station"...     

[Alberta Patriot]

I would LOVE to acquire an Interstate tank, but the price was more than I was willing to pay. When asked, I've always replied "I can pass everything but a gas station"...  

I like the handling of my bike when the tank is near empty. The small tank/ belly tank combo sounds like the way to go. 3 gallons at the axle line makes more sense to me than buying the I/S tank.
BTW ...my I/S gets about 35MPG touring mileage...stop and go city...30 or under depending on twist of the wrist.

[98valk]

I just got back from a 100 mile ride this afternoon, started with 20 mile on the tank, ended at 127, put in 5.25 gallons gas, for an MPG of 24.2 Miles / gallon. What does everyone else usually average ? And this was on  non-ethanol regular, put in last week. I did do an oil change last weekend.

Temp was 45-50 F, 95%+ of the miles were highway (70-75 MPH).  Is there something wrong with my bike  to get such a low figure ?

size of front tire affects the ODO and speedo.  from the factory they are both off. I'm using a 130/90-17 rear tire in front and that puts the ODO spot on verified using hwy mile markers. speedo is off by 4 mph verified by side street radar boxes.

rear tire size affects the engine rpm. smaller OD tire reduces mpg.

I run 205/65-16, modified air box, carb tunning, dyna ignition with modified TW, viking exhaust, memphis shades hellcat windshield (increases aero dynamics, increased mpg by 2) and using TC-W3 fuel additive and I've been seeing a constant 40-42 mpg avg. before using the TC-WC was seeing a constant 38-40 mpg avg.  I check mpg every tank since new. 61k miles now.

[0leman]

Rode about 140 miles yesterday.  Still trying to get the winter gas out of tank (has had a lot of Sta-Bil in it).   Most of the ride was on County/Farm roads with posted 55 mph speed limits.  So  kept mostly under 3k rpm mark.  Got 38 mpg.   I have, when really going slow in the mid 2k rpm's, get over 40 mpg. 

I usually get an average of 37 mpg, unless I slip down across the boarder to CA where the secondary roads are 65 mph roads.   Then get around 35-36 mpg.   

My Valk is an Interstate with 65 series CT on the rear and OEM size tire on the front.  Nothing done to the carbs.  Run the 10% gas in her most of the time as can't get gas without when out of town.

[old2soon]

             Others here have heard this already BUT here goes. Couple years bsack just before I got on I-55 south in Illinois I topped up the fuel tank on my I/S. And promptly got back on I-55 south and twisted Phatt Ghurls tail and ran at and over the ton till about 125 miles and NEEDED. reserve. Just a smidge under 21 M P G.  But let me tell ya-She-Phatt Ghurl-iz not Only content to run at that speed she IS Also Rock Solid at that speed. I've gotten as high as 42 M P G But that was on a Long P G R escort and we never exceeded 50 M P H for a goodly stretch. High 20s mid 30s are normal M P G for me but like Mark-Mad6Gun-i did NOT purchase this thing for conserving fuel. Sides with a Valkyrie I am NOT meeting myself and my Phatt Ghurl when I duz ride! Kind of an exclusive club if ya will-way more V-twinkys than Valkyries. Now when I pull my H/F trailer I stop Way More Often fer fuel replenishment.  Ya gotz the shekels-Shameless plug here for a Friend and Board Sponsor-git hold of atticrat and get his mods done to yer machine. More H/P more response to throttle and YES believe it or not an increase in M P G. As an old(er) gear head still tryin ta figure That one out-better H/P and better M P G. Should you start messin bout with the airbox PLEASE research airbox modes Carefully as we've had more screwups then good results. RIDE SAFE.

[Moonshot_1]

I just got back from a 100 mile ride this afternoon, started with 20 mile on the tank, ended at 127, put in 5.25 gallons gas, for an MPG of 24.2 Miles / gallon. What does everyone else usually average ? And this was on  non-ethanol regular, put in last week. I did do an oil change last weekend.

Temp was 45-50 F, 95%+ of the miles were highway (70-75 MPH).  Is there something wrong with my bike  to get such a low figure ?

If you really want a serious and accurate avg. MPH for your bike, one tank of gas won't do.

Lots of variables in play. Multiple tanks on reasonably similar roads and conditions are needed.

You may have had a high wind day.
A tank of bad or old gas.
A day of racing Harleys and shaming their owners and "forgot to tell anyone"

Lots of variables

The problem is likely in your right wrist. I know it is in mine.

But seriously, it will need a few tanks and a bit of math if you are looking for a real grasp of the issue.

I've had 24 mpg days but that was in all day brisk headwinds at interstate speeds.

[scooperhsd]

Ran the same loop this afternoon -
Kept the throttle at or below 3000 RPM (except on acceleration to speed) -usually the GPS showed this as 61-65 MPH, the speedometer on the bike about 65. Miles covered (tripodometer - 109.8, GPS 112. GALLONS CONSUMED - 3.524 - MPG - 31.153,, GPS MPG - 31.78

Guess if I slowed down to 55-60 MPH (usual in NC local) I could get that mid 30's. Speed kills - your MPG.

[SCain]

A week ago the GF and I rode through some Northern NM mountain roads, road from Albuquerque up around Taos, road 211 miles and when I stopped for fuel I only put in 5.2 gallons, this was right at about 40.57 mpg, on the way home rode I-25 from Las Vegas, NM back to Abq and got around 30 mpg.
Riding I-25 around 83 to 87 mph really sucks the fuel, but my IS really likes that speed.

[Fazer]

I used to get around 35 with the ATT and keeping under 3000 rpm.  On the way to Morgantown Inzane, was on a 55 mpg road for a lot of the way, and just puttering along got 42.  Since I've been Rattified though, it's more tempting to twist the throttle, so mileage going down a little.  Only 33 on the last tank.

[Pappy!]

On a trip at highway speeds I usually go on reserve at around 135 miles or so with my Standard. I do not have a large windshield on mine nor do I have the Baker wings on it. Lots of factors make differences in your mileage.
This may be a better or at least a different way for you to "measure" your mileage.

[scooperhsd]

I've got a monster sized National Cycle switchblade 2 Up. I really would like a smaller one, say the Chopped version that is about 5 inches shorter, so I can look over it.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've got a monster sized National Cycle switchblade 2 Up. I really would like a smaller one, say the Chopped version that is about 5 inches shorter, so I can look over it.

Got a jigsaw ? They are easy to cut down. 

[scooperhsd]

I've got a monster sized National Cycle switchblade 2 Up. I really would like a smaller one, say the Chopped version that is about 5 inches shorter, so I can look over it.

Got a jigsaw ? They are easy to cut down. 

I used to, but I'm not all that confident in my ability to layout and cut a symetrical cut in that windshield.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've got a monster sized National Cycle switchblade 2 Up. I really would like a smaller one, say the Chopped version that is about 5 inches shorter, so I can look over it.

Got a jigsaw ? They are easy to cut down. 

I used to, but I'm not all that confident in my ability to layout and cut a symetrical cut in that windshield.

personally, I can't stand a shield that I don't look over. So for me it would be worth a shot. If you are game, get some poster board or some cardboard and trace out the top outline of your shield. Then drop the board down 5". Use some painters tape to mark the outline. You can readjust it as you need. When you get the layout you are comfortable with, tape some paper down to protect your shield from scratches. You can probably find a jigsaw pretty cheap at Harborfreight.

[Willow]

I've got a monster sized National Cycle switchblade 2 Up. I really would like a smaller one, say the Chopped version that is about 5 inches shorter, so I can look over it.

Got a jigsaw ? They are easy to cut down. 

I used to, but I'm not all that confident in my ability to layout and cut a symetrical cut in that windshield.

personally, I can't stand a shield that I don't look over. So for me it would be worth a shot. If you are game, get some poster board or some cardboard and trace out the top outline of your shield. Then drop the board down 5". Use some painters tape to mark the outline. You can readjust it as you need. When you get the layout you are comfortable with, tape some paper down to protect your shield from scratches. You can probably find a jigsaw pretty cheap at Harborfreight.

Variable speed jig.  Do not cut on high speed as it will melt plastic.  If you must use a shield you should be looking over it.

[cookiedough]

tend to agree as well my tourer shield is same national cycle switchblade and unless 6 1/2 feet tall is way too tall unable to see OVER it.  it works, but am too am afraid to use a jigsaw/painters tape and cut down 4 inches or so.  I would think the style (rough or jagged) blade matters as well causing cracking or fractures while cutting?  It can stop a bullet (or so they say), so has to be pretty hard stuff to cut?

just lucky last week riding at 7 a.m. in the fog that I took my other Valk out for few minutes into the ride my shield fogged up and no way seeing thru it just lucky I can see OVER my other Valks windshield as is much safer not having to bend your head to the side to see AROUND in front of you while doing 60 mph. 

[Jess from VA]

There's also the right blade (of many) to use on the jigsaw for a shield.  I think there are blades specifically designed to cut plastic and packaged as “No Melt” blades.

Then finish the edge with a fine file and (I think) acetone.

But I'm a lousy carpenter, so I just bought a shorter shield.    

[MarkT]

Just tip it back.  It's easy, reversible, improves milesge, puts the gas cap reflection out of sight - lots of advantages.  See http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Windshield_Tipping/windshield_tipping.html  Both of the shields in the below pics are tipped.  Note the shields angle.