Gas mileage decrease

[Greydog]

Filled the bike up after Betty and I rode yesterday. I had paid little attention to the gauge prior to filling up so I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary at the time. We rode 121 miles today and the gauge reads approximately 1/8 tank or somewhat less than 1/4 tank!! It seems to run just fine, no popping or sneezing through the A/C and doesn't smell like it's running too rich but, even with the 103 kit and cams, that seems like WAY too much fuel. Guess it's back to the dealer Tuesday to get it checked out.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

That seems to be about right. Maybe a little low but let it break in for a while then you should see a difference in mileage.

There are many reasons why your mileage may be low and the tune is only one factor.

While running to Charlotte last weekend I got 121 miles on my 5 gal tank but we did 80-90 up there. Coming back at 70-75 I got 163 miles before filling up. I know my map is rich over 3000 RPM's and mileage will suffer but I have it that way for a reason.

Give her some time to settle down.

 

[Greydog]

It appears that my fears were somewhat unfounded. Just got back from filling her up. Took 4.18 gallons and I had 132.7 on the odometer. That's almost 32 MPG so I guess she's fine!!!

 

[Gorilla]

Yep that's about right. Remember you did all that engine work. That new power is not free. My 103 gets 32 to 36

 

[Dwight]

Greydog,
It's absolutely how you ride and what the conditions are that effects your milage. My T Glide is a little better than my Ultra/CSC on milage but not much. I've gotten as low as 22 and my highest was about 36. Now, here is some of the reason for my low milage, I generally ride pretty aggressively, the wind does blow a little here in KS (major effect on mpg), and I need some rpm to ride like I do. I'd be surprised if your average is much better than 32. Now that I've said all of that, I really don't care what my milage is. It's all about the ride!

Have fun, great looking trike!
Dwight

 

[1550vt]

Biggest thing is to "know" what your gauge is really telling you. Every bike/trike seems to vary. I calibrate mine to my brain (more often that I use to) to remember how much is in there when the needle says 1/2, or whatever. I average around 33 depending which way the wind is blowing, etc. and when my warning light comes on, I have exactly 1/2 gallon left. That is why I have that little auxiliary tank with the extra 2-gallons and I have had to flip-that-switch on more than one occasion.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

OK... here's a thought and a really good question.

How much weight do "we" have to loose to gain 1 MPG? It's about time for those New Years Resolutions, ya know.

(I can't wait for these answers)

 

[John Luciano]

Wife lost 65 lbs I lost 45 saw a 2mpg increase .. so do the math 50 lb is 1MPG

 

[Gorilla]

I ride solo and weigh 220 and am happy. So I guess I better be happy with my 35 mpg average.

 

[BlueTrinity]

Wife lost 65 lbs I lost 45 saw a 2mpg increase .. so do the math 50 lb is 1MPG

OK John, you've made me feel guilty, but I'll let YOU tell my wife she should loose weight so we can burn less gas.

 

[WildBillH]

My wife said she would pay for the gas, it is easier then loosing the weight. :yes:

 

[bdn56]

OK John, you've made me feel guilty, but I'll let YOU tell my wife she should loose weight so we can burn less gas.

When and if you survive that encounter, you could also convince my bride of the benefits of good fuel mileage

 

[Mr.Wizard]

You guys crack me up.

BDN... since you and I are about the same size I think we would blow away on a calm day if we were to save 1 MPG.

 

[Nana]

When and if you survive that encounter, you could also convince my bride of the benefits of good fuel mileage

Oooooooooo.... Bryan, you do like walking on that very thin line, don't you? I have to say, I'd sure like to be a fly on the wall to witness how John handles these little errands for you gentlemen :faint: :innocent:

 

[Greydog]

LOL!!! All my Trike riding so far has been with Betty on the back....I don't think it would be wise to suggest she lose weight to increase mileage!! :no: I fear things would get a little uncomfortable....if not down right painful!! :yes: She's starting to like the Trike better each time she rides so I'll leave well enough alone!!

 

[bdn56]

I do need to loose a few lbs. I don't think it will be 50. I think my mileage would increase greatly if I could keep out of the throttle all the time. I blame the exhaust pipes company's. The bikes sound so good, you just have to hear them.

 

[Gorilla]

There's the real issue, keeping the RPM's down to a reasonable level. But then we would not be having fun, so I will go with what I am getting now.

 

[joelin5386]

Where did you locate your aux tank