MS and HD Ultra Classic question

flybub · 04-04-2008

Hey all. Thanks to all who continually help the newbies (myself new to the cruiser world). My question has to do with gas mileage. I am completely sold on the Meanstreak (I'm buying used and the year is not an issue) now I just need enough cash to bring one home. I was contemplating a 900 Custom simply because of the better gas mileage and cheaper insurance but the Meanie has too many advantages over the 900.

Now for my question. My father in law rides an 06 HD Ultra Classic and I'm wondering what kind of fuel mileage they get. I've googled but can't find what I'm looking for. My point of the question is if I land a Mean Streak and we go on a ride will I be stopping every 100-110 miles to fill up compared to the HD's 160 or whatever it comes out to be, or will the bikes be pretty close mileage wise? Meanie has a 4.5 gallon tank compared to the 5 gallon tank on the HD. We don't plan on any long cross country trips but I'm sure there will be times we hit the road and decide to keep going. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

RichLockyer · 04-05-2008

Harleys absolutely STOMP Vulcans when it comes to fuel economy.

The full dress Ultra will to 10mpg better than a 1600 Classic or Nomad under comparable riding conditions.

Be glad the ol' man doesn't have an '08.... they now have 6 gallon tanks!

Also keep in mind that of the Meanie's 4.5 gallons, about 1 quart is not usable.... you'll be 2.5-3 gallons down when the low fuel light comes on. You're pretty close in your 100-110 mile estimate, but I have seen reports of needing fuel as soon as 80 miles.

If you are looking for something for road trips with your dad, I'd go for the 900 Custom and install the Scootworks pulley to improve it's highway "legs".
I've ridden with a few guys who have the 900C and it is more than capable on the highway and the twisties... and with the 5 gallon tank you can easily push 180-200 miles and plan fuel stops around your butt instead of your tank.

But the Meanie IS a sweet machine

flybub · 04-05-2008

Good info Rich, thanks for the help.

N3FOLN3FOL · 04-05-2008

If you plan to get the 900 custom, you should definitely do better on mpg. If you will be running mostly highway on a long cruise, you can easily stretch your tank to a little over 200 miles. My 900 will always go over 200 miles before I fill up the tank on a highway cruise. The scootworks pulley mod is a great addition, but I don't have it installed in my bike...highway cruising at 75 to 80 mph on the speedo is not a problem for the 900.

RichLockyer · 04-05-2008

Verify it with a GPS to be sure... but 75-80 on the speedo is closer to 65-75.

Had a group ride last weekend... I was maintaining a pretty steady 70 on the GPS with an occasional bump to 75... the rider right behind me said his speedo was running 80.

LordGT · 04-05-2008

My wifes 900 LT with a 5.3 gallon tank gets over 200 miles IN TOWN EASILY. On the hwy, way better than that.

I love the Meainie, but that's one reason I got the V2K. I want the legs if I need them. I get over 200 miles per tank in town on my Thirsty V2K, but it's a 5.5 gallon tank also.

Make no mistake, Meaines are COOL.

OhSteelerfan · 04-05-2008

My uncle has a HD ultra classic and claims to get 50mph. I have a 900lt and have not got that high.

Capt. Redbeard · 04-06-2008

"My father in law rides an 06 HD Ultra Classic and I'm wondering what kind of fuel mileage they get."

Maybe the salt air has muddled the 'ole Pirates brain, but why don't you ask him? Then you be able to make your decision. I'd just buy a Nomad and be done with it. He'll want to get off the shaker after 180miles or so anyway

mz meanstreak · 04-18-2008

Yep the Meanie is cool, but the range leaves alot to be desired - I just installed new pipes and a PC III and with one or two quick scoots in, I'm disappointed that she's eating gas even more now

But I love her - even for the long trips...I just have to plan my fuel stops very well (and carry a little jerry can in my barrel bag just in case on those really long days). My HD friends just laugh at me (not to mention my husband who has a Valkyrie that seems to go forever before needing refueling), but....oh well.

RichLockyer · 04-18-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by OhSteelerfan

My uncle has a HD ultra classic and claims to get 50mph. I have a 900lt and have not got that high.

If he keeps hit highway speed down to 55-65, he can easily do that well.
The guys in my club ride like maniacs and pull 43-45.

vn2kbob · 04-18-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybub

Hey all. Thanks to all who continually help the newbies (myself new to the cruiser world). My question has to do with gas mileage. I am completely sold on the Meanstreak (I'm buying used and the year is not an issue) now I just need enough cash to bring one home. I was contemplating a 900 Custom simply because of the better gas mileage and cheaper insurance but the Meanie has too many advantages over the 900.

Now for my question. My father in law rides an 06 HD Ultra Classic and I'm wondering what kind of fuel mileage they get. I've googled but can't find what I'm looking for. My point of the question is if I land a Mean Streak and we go on a ride will I be stopping every 100-110 miles to fill up compared to the HD's 160 or whatever it comes out to be, or will the bikes be pretty close mileage wise? Meanie has a 4.5 gallon tank compared to the 5 gallon tank on the HD. We don't plan on any long cross country trips but I'm sure there will be times we hit the road and decide to keep going. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

My sister came out from Florida last September to ride in Utah. She owned a Dyna____?? but when she was out here, she rented a Heritage Softail Classic and absolutely fell in love with it. It was an '07 model. After the vacation,she went back to Florida and immediately bought an '08 softail Classic. BUT while she was out here riding along side my VN2K, she was constantly coming up along side and pointing to her tank which meant she was running low. I was quite surprised she was going through that much fuel since I was running two-up. Remember now she had that infamous 6th gear overdrive too...are Nomads and Classics that thirsty?

BassAddict · 04-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by vn2kbob

...are Nomads and Classics that thirsty?

I have a Thunder Air kit and Roadhouse Dooley exhaust on my Nomad. My riding style is probably about average and I get around 37 MPG. I think that is pretty normal for the Nomad. I typically refuel at 150 miles, sooner if I don't know where the next fuel station is located. My wife gets 48 MPG or better on her 900LT. We have the same size tanks, so she could go much longer but refuels when I do.

06Streaker · 04-19-2008

The way I look at it is after 100-110 miles, i'm ready for a stop to stretch my legs anyways.

jemsurvey · 04-20-2008

I have two close friends with Ultra Classics, a 2007 and 2008. The 2007 gets 30-32 average, the 2008 32-34 average. Both are conservative riders with stock bikes and both are always complaining to me about the poor mileage. I get 35-37 average on my 1600 Classic and am dissapointed in that....should be close to 40.

sl3slinger · 04-20-2008

friday when i filled up on my 900lt, the trip said 203 miles, (if its totally accurate) it took exactly 4 gallons, the low fuel light came on around the 190 mark

Kodiakmac · 07-08-2009

I'm not a fan of any brand, and I know I'm generalizing, but, giving credit where it's due, Harleys do get damned decent gas mileage.

I just did an easy, relatively level and straight 600 k run with my buddy - me on my new Voyager and him on his E Glide UC - and he certainly put less in his tank on fillups than I did. It was an easy run, and I got 45.6 mpig (Imp. gal) which was bloody impressive for a new bike. We were both lugging about the same weight and going the same speed. He didn't figure his mileage out, but I bet he got 55 mpig...maybe more.

Firechicken · 07-08-2009

My brother has an '05 H-D Ultra Classic. Anytime we've been on an extended ride together and fill up, we are within a couple tenths of a gallon for a tank-full. One time he will get better mileage, the other time I will. On those trips I regularly get 42 MPG, and can easily go 200 miles on a tank if I fill it to the top.

SilverBullet · 07-08-2009

My Buddy has an 09 Fire fighter addition Ultra and his gas mileage is insane.

badlandsbrett · 07-08-2009

I have a well tuned 1500 classic (PCIII and big air kit, pipes) I get better mpg now then before about 35-36 if I am crusing, I have a 2000 Road King and get 46-50 every day.

06Streaker · 07-08-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by badlandsbrett

I have a well tuned 1500 classic (PCIII and big air kit, pipes) I get better mpg now then before about 35-36 if I am crusing, I have a 2000 Road King and get 46-50 every day.

I get around 35mpg with the big bore kit....I would think you can get a little better mileage than that, but maybe the weight difference has something to do with it.

04-04-2008	#1 (permalink)
flybub Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 14	MS and HD Ultra Classic question Hey all. Thanks to all who continually help the newbies (myself new to the cruiser world). My question has to do with gas mileage. I am completely sold on the Meanstreak (I'm buying used and the year is not an issue) now I just need enough cash to bring one home. I was contemplating a 900 Custom simply because of the better gas mileage and cheaper insurance but the Meanie has too many advantages over the 900. Now for my question. My father in law rides an 06 HD Ultra Classic and I'm wondering what kind of fuel mileage they get. I've googled but can't find what I'm looking for. My point of the question is if I land a Mean Streak and we go on a ride will I be stopping every 100-110 miles to fill up compared to the HD's 160 or whatever it comes out to be, or will the bikes be pretty close mileage wise? Meanie has a 4.5 gallon tank compared to the 5 gallon tank on the HD. We don't plan on any long cross country trips but I'm sure there will be times we hit the road and decide to keep going. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

04-05-2008	#2 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 28,016	Harleys absolutely STOMP Vulcans when it comes to fuel economy. The full dress Ultra will to 10mpg better than a 1600 Classic or Nomad under comparable riding conditions. Be glad the ol' man doesn't have an '08.... they now have 6 gallon tanks! Also keep in mind that of the Meanie's 4.5 gallons, about 1 quart is not usable.... you'll be 2.5-3 gallons down when the low fuel light comes on. You're pretty close in your 100-110 mile estimate, but I have seen reports of needing fuel as soon as 80 miles. If you are looking for something for road trips with your dad, I'd go for the 900 Custom and install the Scootworks pulley to improve it's highway "legs". I've ridden with a few guys who have the 900C and it is more than capable on the highway and the twisties... and with the 5 gallon tank you can easily push 180-200 miles and plan fuel stops around your butt instead of your tank. But the Meanie IS a sweet machine __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Ultra-Classic Patriot Guard Rider *Please put your bike year/model in your sig line or fill in your profile before asking for help.*

04-05-2008	#4 (permalink)
N3FOLN3FOL Needs A Real Job BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Stewartstown, PA. Posts: 2,719	If you plan to get the 900 custom, you should definitely do better on mpg. If you will be running mostly highway on a long cruise, you can easily stretch your tank to a little over 200 miles. My 900 will always go over 200 miles before I fill up the tank on a highway cruise. The scootworks pulley mod is a great addition, but I don't have it installed in my bike...highway cruising at 75 to 80 mph on the speedo is not a problem for the 900. __________________ '06 Vulcan 900LT (previous ride) '07 Yamaha Venture (Love this bike) Keep riding!

04-05-2008	#5 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 28,016	Verify it with a GPS to be sure... but 75-80 on the speedo is closer to 65-75. Had a group ride last weekend... I was maintaining a pretty steady 70 on the GPS with an occasional bump to 75... the rider right behind me said his speedo was running 80. __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Ultra-Classic Patriot Guard Rider *Please put your bike year/model in your sig line or fill in your profile before asking for help.*

04-05-2008	#6 (permalink)
LordGT Millenium Vulcan Pilot Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Port Richey, FL Posts: 3,807	My wifes 900 LT with a 5.3 gallon tank gets over 200 miles IN TOWN EASILY. On the hwy, way better than that. I love the Meainie, but that's one reason I got the V2K. I want the legs if I need them. I get over 200 miles per tank in town on my Thirsty V2K, but it's a 5.5 gallon tank also. Make no mistake, Meaines are COOL. __________________ Member of (Todd's V2K Custom Temptress Club) TV2KCTC #1 2006 V2K LTD

04-05-2008	#3 (permalink)
flybub Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 14	Good info Rich, thanks for the help.

04-05-2008	#7 (permalink)
OhSteelerfan Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lima, Oh Posts: 1,128	My uncle has a HD ultra classic and claims to get 50mph. I have a 900lt and have not got that high.

04-06-2008	#8 (permalink)
Capt. Redbeard Road Pirate Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fremont, California Posts: 421	"My father in law rides an 06 HD Ultra Classic and I'm wondering what kind of fuel mileage they get." Maybe the salt air has muddled the 'ole Pirates brain, but why don't you ask him? Then you be able to make your decision. I'd just buy a Nomad and be done with it. He'll want to get off the shaker after 180miles or so anyway __________________ 05 1600 Classic "The Frigate" "Arrg! Road Pirates shoot volly's from both sides" Last edited by Capt. Redbeard : 04-06-2008 at 08:09 PM.

04-18-2008	#9 (permalink)
mz meanstreak (minus the meanie) Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Alberta, Canada eh! Posts: 16	Yep the Meanie is cool, but the range leaves alot to be desired - I just installed new pipes and a PC III and with one or two quick scoots in, I'm disappointed that she's eating gas even more now But I love her - even for the long trips...I just have to plan my fuel stops very well (and carry a little jerry can in my barrel bag just in case on those really long days). My HD friends just laugh at me (not to mention my husband who has a Valkyrie that seems to go forever before needing refueling), but....oh well. __________________ "4 wheels move the body. 2 wheels move the soul." -author unknown '09 Nomad 1700 - Diablo Black

04-19-2008	#13 (permalink)
06Streaker Made It To Second Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 99	The way I look at it is after 100-110 miles, i'm ready for a stop to stretch my legs anyways. __________________ '06 Mean Streak

04-20-2008	#14 (permalink)
jemsurvey Nubbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 25	I have two close friends with Ultra Classics, a 2007 and 2008. The 2007 gets 30-32 average, the 2008 32-34 average. Both are conservative riders with stock bikes and both are always complaining to me about the poor mileage. I get 35-37 average on my 1600 Classic and am dissapointed in that....should be close to 40.

04-20-2008	#15 (permalink)
sl3slinger Banned BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,808	friday when i filled up on my 900lt, the trip said 203 miles, (if its totally accurate) it took exactly 4 gallons, the low fuel light came on around the 190 mark

07-08-2009	#16 (permalink)
Kodiakmac Made It To Second Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Glengarry, Ont. Posts: 90	I'm not a fan of any brand, and I know I'm generalizing, but, giving credit where it's due, Harleys do get damned decent gas mileage. I just did an easy, relatively level and straight 600 k run with my buddy - me on my new Voyager and him on his E Glide UC - and he certainly put less in his tank on fillups than I did. It was an easy run, and I got 45.6 mpig (Imp. gal) which was bloody impressive for a new bike. We were both lugging about the same weight and going the same speed. He didn't figure his mileage out, but I bet he got 55 mpig...maybe more. __________________ Robin Hood had it right: As long as you have deer and beer, you don't need much government.

07-08-2009	#17 (permalink)
Firechicken Size does matter! BTK Intermediate Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Savannah, MO Posts: 250	My brother has an '05 H-D Ultra Classic. Anytime we've been on an extended ride together and fill up, we are within a couple tenths of a gallon for a tank-full. One time he will get better mileage, the other time I will. On those trips I regularly get 42 MPG, and can easily go 200 miles on a tank if I fill it to the top. __________________ -Greg Black '06 Vulcan 2000 Classic LT VROC #27390 ROG #656 DS #204 Last edited by Firechicken : 07-08-2009 at 06:39 PM.

07-08-2009	#18 (permalink)
SilverBullet Life Begins at 200 mph BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Da Burgh! AKA Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,170	My Buddy has an 09 Fire fighter addition Ultra and his gas mileage is insane.

07-08-2009	#19 (permalink)
badlandsbrett Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 724	I have a well tuned 1500 classic (PCIII and big air kit, pipes) I get better mpg now then before about 35-36 if I am crusing, I have a 2000 Road King and get 46-50 every day.

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