'Splain something to me...

[Sunman]

On my Freewheeler I try to never run below 2,500 RPM in 6th gear and only do that when on nice flat ground without a headwind. At 2,500 RPM it takes more throttle to maintain speed than running 2,800 to 3,000 RPMs in 5th gear because the engine has to work harder in 6th gear at that low RPM to maintain speed. Also, I don't want to lug the engine. Not only does it effect GPM but it is hard on the lower end (crank and rod bearings specifically). I seem to get the best mileage running 3,000 to 3,300 RPMs.

Sunman

[Trent]

I ride all over the West solo & 2up, up and down mountain passes, twisty curves, deserts, sand storms, in rain, snow, brutal headwinds and cross winds, and believe me, I function as a very effective wind catcher, and I just don't see these issues. Never seen the need to carry extra gas and rest assured I ride ballz out in as remote areas out here as any place else, or more. Ridden across Central Nevada lately? Every time I fill up, my proven very accurate miles remaining is 180 to 190, sometimes higher, but never lower. Like I mentioned,, who cares about a 2 or 3 mile variable,, or maybe even 5... but if you are getting 22, then something out of the ordinary is causing that. Head wind? I dunno... Does a full blown stage 4 make that much of a difference? My stage 4 is not working hard at all at 85 to 90+ mph. Maybe that is the difference?
The simple point a few of us are trying to make is, anyone who has spent some time on here or does some back thread research will know that the average appears to be 28 to 38 mpg. If your TG is getting anywhere above 28, just ride and have fun and don't sweat that 2 to 5 mile variance. If you are getting 22, something is wrong, or maybe just different due to the Trike mechanicals, or maybe our big fat a$$e$$! . You get whatever you get, and if you are happy with it, great. If not, then mess with it I guess. But it will not be identical to any one else. Gas milage is like fingerprints. None are the same.

[geezerglide11441]

I ride all over the West solo & 2up, up and down mountain passes, twisty curves, deserts, sand storms, in rain, snow, brutal headwinds and cross winds, and believe me, I function as a very effective wind catcher, and I just don't see these issues. Never seen the need to carry extra gas and rest assured I ride ballz out in as remote areas out here as any place else, or more. Ridden across Central Nevada lately? Every time I fill up, my proven very accurate miles remaining is 180 to 190, sometimes higher, but never lower. Like I mentioned,, who cares about a 2 or 3 mile variable,, or maybe even 5... but if you are getting 22, then something out of the ordinary is causing that. Head wind? I dunno... Does a full blown stage 4 make that much of a difference? My stage 4 is not working hard at all at 85 to 90+ mph. Maybe that is the difference?
The simple point a few of us are trying to make is, anyone who has spent some time on here or does some back thread research will know that the average appears to be 28 to 38 mpg. If your TG is getting anywhere above 28, just ride and have fun and don't sweat that 2 to 5 mile variance. If you are getting 22, something is wrong, or maybe just different due to the Trike mechanicals, or maybe our big fat a$$e$$! . You get whatever you get, and if you are happy with it, great. If not, then mess with it I guess. But it will not be identical to any one else. Gas milage is like fingerprints. None are the same.

Roger

[DblTrbl]

LOL.....wow...this thread got hot quickly...LOL

Lots of opinions... that's what the thread is for.

I'm not really worried about 2-5 mpg more however, what I save in fuel, I can spend on accessories...........It all works out in the end.

[consitter]

LOL.....wow...this thread got hot quickly...LOL

Lots of opinions... that's what the thread is for.

I'm not really worried about 2-5 mpg more however, what I save in fuel, I can spend on accessories...........It all works out in the end.

Yeah, looks like I created an animal. I like all the different stuff people are saying as well. And truthfully, I'm not that worried about the MPGs either. BUT, I don't want to be riding around on a trike getting 20 mpg, if you know what I mean.

[msocko3]

On my Freewheeler I try to never run below 2,500 RPM in 6th gear and only do that when on nice flat ground without a headwind. At 2,500 RPM it takes more throttle to maintain speed than running 2,800 to 3,000 RPMs in 5th gear because the engine has to work harder in 6th gear at that low RPM to maintain speed. Also, I don't want to lug the engine. Not only does it effect GPM but it is hard on the lower end (crank and rod bearings specifically). I seem to get the best mileage running 3,000 to 3,300 RPMs.

Sunman

You are correct, lugging the engine beats the tar out of the bottom end. Not only is it hard on bearings, it isn't the best for the crank. When Harley 1st come out with the 96" engine in 07 they had quite a few shifted cranks. With the 07's still being cable throttle there was little control HD had on someone stodging along in 6th gear lugging away, then twisting the throttle to climb a hill or just plain accelerate. The fix for the cranks was two fold, one was introducing throttle by wire and the other was increasing the pressing pressure on the crank. With throttle by wire Harley can control how quick it opens when someone twist the throttle. The incidents of failed cranks did drop with the introduction of these 2 things in 2008.

[Larry Sobczak]

There is only one reason I worry about gas mileage and my Tri Glide, under what conditions can I get to the next gas stop. Not that crazy about walking down some back road or interstate looking for gas.

[Trent]

Yeah, looks like I created an animal. I like all the different stuff people are saying as well. And truthfully, I'm not that worried about the MPGs either. BUT, I don't want to be riding around on a trike getting 20 mpg, if you know what I mean.

Oh,, this thread is very mild compared to where this subject has taken us previously! Ha ha!! All in good fun and debate till someone gets their girly-man feelings hurt or changes the subject.

I am reasonably sure you are not getting 20 mpg on that sweet new TG, and of course nobody here wants you to be at that number either. But since it is new, and I assume running very nice and how you want it to run, just go zoom and don't sweat the milage. If my antique 2011 is running according to the expectations of my quite accurate Mustang posterior sensor, and I can go at least 150 miles through any variable conditions before I run out of gas, then I am a happy primate.

And... being fully aware of the HD prices $$$$$ to add useless shiney chromey crap and other unnecessary junk to these things, {not that I would know of course}, holding back from some ballz out fun and throttle twisting to save less than a dollar per fill-up will take a lotta fill-ups to buy even the cheapest add on!

That's Trent's tip of the day

[GARYD]

[QUOTE=Clint44;307222]How many times have you actually had to use the aux fuel tank,Fuzz? How hard would it be transferring fuel from it to your main tank?
If you're placing it in the bottom of the trunk,that means it's laying flat on its side,right? No worries about leaks?


I almost ran out of gas once - I did run out of gas once - (my fault). Now on long trips I started to carry 2) 20 oz. MSR fuel containers. I also seal them in a vacuum sealed bag(food vacuum sealer) just in case. Even if I didn't need to use one, it is also available for other stranded riders.

They are completely leak proof (made for fuel)and don't take up much room in the trunk.

It's better to have them and not need them then not have them and need them. Life is so simple.

- - - Updated - - -

[clint44]

I almost ran out of gas once - I did run out of gas once - (my fault). Now on long trips I started to carry 2) 20 oz. MSR fuel containers. I also seal them in a vacuum sealed bag(food vacuum sealer) just in case. Even if I didn't need to use one, it is also available for other stranded riders.

They are completely leak proof (made for fuel)and don't take up much room in the trunk.

It's better to have them and not need them then not have them and need them. Life is so simple.

I'm thinking about buying one of Roto Pax's aux fuel cans,for some cross country trips we plan to do. Our trunk is pretty spacious and their one or two gallon containers are shaped just right to fit snugly in a corner.
Thanks for the idea,Fuzzie!

[FuzzyWuzHe]

[QUOTE=GARYD;307496]

How many times have you actually had to use the aux fuel tank,Fuzz? How hard would it be transferring fuel from it to your main tank?
If you're placing it in the bottom of the trunk,that means it's laying flat on its side,right? No worries about leaks?


I almost ran out of gas once - I did run out of gas once - (my fault). Now on long trips I started to carry 2) 20 oz. MSR fuel containers. I also seal them in a vacuum sealed bag(food vacuum sealer) just in case. Even if I didn't need to use one, it is also available for other stranded riders.

They are completely leak proof (made for fuel)and don't take up much room in the trunk.

It's better to have them and not need them then not have them and need them. Life is so simple.

- - - Updated - - -

The Roto PaK X 2 gallon is just a can that I use to fill the main ... It is guaranteed Leak and fume proof ... somewhere I saw a pic of and f250 running over one ... little pricey ($60-70) but worth the piece of mind.

[clint44]

[QUOTE=FuzzyWuzHe;307633]

The Roto PaK X 2 gallon is just a can that I use to fill the main ... It is guaranteed Leak and fume proof ... somewhere I saw a pic of and f250 running over one ... little pricey ($60-70) but worth the piece of mind.

They sell a Blem version for about half that. On most blemished stuff,it's usually just cosmetic.
If they are designed for off-road use,I'm sure they are pretty tough.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

[QUOTE=Clint44;307637]

They sell a Blem version for about half that. On most blemished stuff,it's usually just cosmetic.
If they are designed for off-road use,I'm sure they are pretty tough.

I got mine from a local dirt bike dealer ... it was covered in dust (plastic film was) he gave it to me for ($35) ... took off the plastic film ... brand new ... I forgot and left it in the sun one afternoon, didn't even swell, and no leaks.

[GARYD]

[QUOTE=Clint44;307637]

They sell a Blem version for about half that. On most blemished stuff,it's usually just cosmetic.

I've bought a lot of different "blems" - never had any problems.


I don't have the Roto Pak container. I have the MSR containers. The Roto Pak looks like a good unit, but too big for me. Even the one gallon is too big.
I don't need to fill my tank - just enough to go 10/15 miles. I don't like the idea of "possibly" having to take everything out of the trunk in order to vent it every day. Besides I cram too much stuff in there already so it wouldn't fit anyway.

Good luck

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I've never had to vent mine ... no leaks ... no fumes ... no worries.