Trike MPG - What to expect?

[HDB0B]

2014 - 12K miles ... we get around 36-38 pretty consistently .... 60 mph and under, hilly PA roads 2-up. De-catted stock headpipe, Nightrider FL-Vied-10s set at 50%, stock mufflers. I run Sunoco 93 Octane 10 % ethanol most of the time and often 91 octane ethanol free. Seems to get the same mileage on either ... but runs better on ethanol free gas.

We are very happy owners. I'm sure you will find quite a difference with the new twin cooled 103 trike motor.

Bob orag:

 

[rivercityjack]

Fuel Economy

Thanks to all for your replies - looks like I need to take it in and get a damn good tune. Guess I'll do that for sure if I decide not to trade it on a 2016 - will probably make that decision in the next month or so.

Yes, the trip was absolutely incredible! If you haven't been to Pikes Peak put it in your bucket list - it's a must ride!! I was awe struck to say the least. Been to the top of Beartooth 14 times - but Pikes Peak was something else.

Lizard - Question: Why 5th gear at 70 and not 6th? I thought running lower RPM's would give you better mileage? I realize you never want to "lug" the trike but is 70 in 6th lugging it? Hope this isn't a stupid question!:laugh:

Guess my 2-wheel bros are going to have to get use to riding a bit slower and stopping every 100-130 miles or I'll just hafta find different bros!

Thanks again.
Greg

I have a 2014 TG that runs well and usually around 32mpg. I am not a light weight but I love the ride and nearly always at the speed limit. I had a 13 TriGlide and traded because of the heat and poor fuel economy mileage. I don't know what the 16's will bring, but what I have now is the best I have had from HD, and I have bought new every couple years for the last 20 some years. Only had two trikes, but so far this one is working well.

 

[rhino 2]

Tuesday i had to ride to PA Rt 6 to search out parts for my ATV [02] Did 199 miles, And drove like i always do, Not concentrating on what gear i'm in, Just shifting when i felt i need to. Filled the tank to the ''very'' top.. And it took 5.35 gals of 93- which has 10% ethanol= 37 MPG's.

 

[BinIdaho]

Hey, Trent...pass the popcorn please! :gah::gah::gah::gah::gah:

 

[Trent]

Good One Barbara!! Ha ha ha !!!!!:laugh::clapping:

 

[DK Custom Products]

Hey, Trent...pass the popcorn please! :gah::gah::gah::gah::gah:

Good One Barbara!! Ha ha ha !!!!!:laugh::clapping:

Hey you two! Are you laughing at those of us that like to get good MPG? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Kevin

 

[Trent]

What? Me laugh at someone? You crazy!!!

 

[mcdonaldroadcapt]

I have a 2008 Screaming Eagle conversion with the 110 engine. It runs Kuryakyn headers into Rineharts along with a K&N air filter. I get 36mpg riding two up pulling my trailer and up to 39 and a few times 40 riding two up w/o trailer.

 

[Lizard]

Lizard - Question: Why 5th gear at 70 and not 6th? I thought running lower RPM's would give you better mileage? I realize you never want to "lug" the trike but is 70 in 6th lugging it? Hope this isn't a stupid question!:laugh:

Well, That was a try to see if it increased my fuel mileage. I am on my way back from Sturgis and have been averaging 25mpg, running 5 over the speed limit everywhere except SD, where I ran 80 and lower mileage. However, I started having some clutch slippage, and had it replaced today. My mileage seems to be higher, only 1 tank today so too soon to tell. I think I was losing some HP with the clutch slipping.

 

[msocko3]

Well, That was a try to see if it increased my fuel mileage. I am on my way back from Sturgis and have been averaging 25mpg, running 5 over the speed limit everywhere except SD, where I ran 80 and lower mileage. However, I started having some clutch slippage, and had it replaced today. My mileage seems to be higher, only 1 tank today so too soon to tell. I think I was losing some HP with the clutch slipping.

The ride to and from the Black hills can be a real fuel burner. Run speeds of 80 mph and buck nasty head winds just makes the mpg go in the toilet. I can remember in 2008 making that ride on 2 wheels, caught some nasty head winds which made the mileage go from 40 mpg down to 28 mpg, this was on my -06 Ultra which at the time was 95". Every Harley in the group had their mileage tank badly, the lone Wing didn't get hit near as bad.

 

[GoSlo]

Just did a three day ride all along the western slope of Colorado this past weekend. I rode 1044 miles. The guy I rode with had 1090 miles. We started and finished up at the same place, so you'd think the mileage would be closer. So I either got better mileage than I thought, or his was worse than he thought. I know the odometer varies a bit from bike to bike, but this seemed a bit much. I was going to compare my odometer to my GPS but forgot to set it up before we left each morning.

If you get out to Colorado, don't miss riding through the Colorado National Monument just outside of Grand Junction. Lived in Colorado for over 40 years and always thought it was just a statue or something, so I never bothered to see what it was. Man, was I wrong!! It is absolutely beautiful. The other road we toured was 141 and 90 around Gateway and Paradox, on the far western edge of Colorado. Almost like you were riding at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Can't wait to get back out there again and see what other roads I've been missing.

Sorry, but again no pictures. I don't seem to ever take any on my trips for some reason.

 

[GoSlo]

Next time we get out there, I definitely will get in touch with you beforehand. Definitely want to go back and spend more time looking around and smelling the flowers, so to speak.

We were kind of on a "mission" this trip because we had to get to specific places for a 36-Stops in Colorado contest our dealership is having. Could have done it in 2 days, but wanted to try to enjoy the ride so we stretched it into three days. To get my last few stops, we had to go to Glenwood Springs, Buford, Colorado National Monument, Paradox, Bedrock, Lizard Head Pass, Mesa Verde, and then over Wolf Creek. For those that complete the challenge, they give you a really nice challenge coin.

 

[GoSlo]

Here's what the challenge coins look like.



I picked mine up Tuesday when I turned in the book with all 36 stops completed. It's a great series of rides because it takes you all over the state and most likely, a few places you haven't been before. One of my favorites was Manasas, where Jack Dempsey was born. Tiny town, but they have a museum there inside the house where he grew up. Maybe a 20' x 30', one-room cabin. 10 people lived in it, 2 parents and 8 kids. It's no wonder he grew up tough!!

 

[alsdeb]

Gas mileage stinks!

I've got a 2010 TG and only get 25 mpg (consistently). I have decatted header pipe, but otherwise, she's bone stock. Is there something I'm missing or need to do since we replaced header pipe?

 

[rhino 2]

I've got a 2010 TG and only get 25 mpg (consistently). I have decatted header pipe, but otherwise, she's bone stock. Is there something I'm missing or need to do since we replaced header pipe?

It does seen low at 25mpg's... What type of driving do you do...
ie. Highway, And at what speeds... ? City... A lot of short trips/idling ??
Also how many miles are on the Trike..?

 

[Sully]

I've got a 2010 TG and only get 25 mpg (consistently). I have decatted header pipe, but otherwise, she's bone stock. Is there something I'm missing or need to do since we replaced header pipe?

Have you done a Re-Tune:Shrug: May need to. I stay off interstates, drive the speed limits and go easy on the throttle. I'm getting 32/34 mpg.

 

[alsdeb]

It does seen low at 25mpg's... What type of driving do you do...

ie. Highway, And at what speeds... ? City... A lot of short trips/idling ??

Also how many miles are on the Trike..?

I don't ride it a lot. Usually 20 or so miles at a time, but now and then 100+ or more. Not much idling; country roads. I usually run 65-70 mph. No matter, I still only get 25.

- - - Updated - - -

Have you done a Re-Tune:Shrug: May need to.

I stay off interstates, drive the speed limits and go easy on the throttle. I'm getting 32/34 mpg.

We live in the country, so no interstate driving normally. What do I need for a re-tune? That's probably a strange question, but I don't know.

 

[67wizard]

I get 35-40 mpg running two up highway 65-75 most of the time. Fullsac header and crossover SE air cleaner with K&N filter, SE pro tuner, Rienhart mufflers. Very happy camper.

 

[alienwulf]

two up getting 36.3 I am fine with that for the weight of a trike and an 80".:cxtv:

 

[Gorilla]

besides a tuner you might be keeping the rpms to low. you should try and keep it above 2500 rpms or you are lugging it. bad for the motor and gives terrible gas mileage

 

[Zammy]

Ours is bone stock right now with only 5 k miles on it and we're getting 32-34 riding two up all the time.

 

[bronxbill]

2013, running VIED's Screamin' Eagle slip ons and Kuryakyn air cleaner. Getting 33 to 34 mpg consistently

 

[rhino 2]

Looking back at your post.... You say decatted the header pipe..... How did you do it?.... Did you get it all out?
Could be you have a blockage in the pipe...Just guessing with the limited info... ;i.e. How is the Trike running, How many miles are on it?????

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

2016 Tri bone stock over all mileage is about 32,so i see that you want to keep the rpm around 2500.I will try that and see what i get on my next tank,will be decatting the head pipe next week an SE mufflers stock air box will upgrade air box with a good tune next spring.

- - - Updated - - -

Looking back at your post.... You say decatted the header pipe..... How did you do it?.... Did you get it all out?
Could be you have a blockage in the pipe...Just guessing with the limited info... ;i.e. How is the Trike running, How many miles are on it?????

I have a jig i use to cut them in the middle then using a drill remove all the cat them weld them back together.

 

[CJAC]

My stock 2015 was averaging 28-30 mpg. Installed Fuel Moto ceramic head pipe, Stage 1 A/C with stock cover, Rinehart slip-ons, and PV Tuner. Mileage jumped to 38-40 mpg.