fuel milage

I just bought a new 2003 Valkyrie and love the bike, but my fuel milage seems low. My first three tanks gave mpg in the 30 - 33 range of combination hwy and town riding. Is this normal or will it improve?

[Valker]

Steady cruising at 75-90mph will get high 20s to about 30, slow cruising of 55-60 mph will return in the 40s usually. Best I got was 53 twice when slow cruising through the mountains of CO/NM. When you use those 6 carbs, they like to drink.

['KC']

I like what you're saying Valker, but 40? I only got over 40 once, and that was when I was still breaking in my '99. But then I am talking about Interstates, since that is all I have owned.

[Valker]

You are so tall, that you are creating drag:D
We short folks are more aerodynamic, to say nothing of us short, round folks.

[ossiningvalkyrie]

so will I get better mileage if I go to the bigbikes parts windshield on my interstate instead of the standar honda shield?

[Valker]

Speed is the enemy of good mileage!:eek:
My 250 gets about 82 mpg at 50 mph, but only 60 at 70-75 mph.

[Pistolchamp]

The Valker is right.  Speed is the enemy of gas mileage, but, no matter how easy I ride my 2003 I have never managed more than 42 mpg.

I often use mine for commutes of over 100 miles non-stop through the Hill Country and usually manage about 35-36 mpg.  The same end-to-end trip using Interstates results in 32-33 due to the higher speeds of 80-85.  One 98 mile trip in west Texas in 58 minutes resulted in the last ten miles on reserve... yep about 20 mpg.  Six carburetors simply inhale fuel.  My trusty Valkyrie seemed to love that little burst of exercise with a few miles over 125 mph.

Just remember how good we have it.  The cheapest and best gas in the world and the right to use it as we want.  Thanks to those who have gone in harms way for us!

['KC']

I might have to go see my brother in Kansas again, if I do some easy riding around there, (no altitude, or serious hills), Then maybe I will see mileage above the 42's.