Cali 1400 fuel mileage

[HDGoose]

Anyone getting 40MPG in the USA? My next bike will be able to get 200+ on one tank. Anyone doing that with the new Cali1400 variants? Liking the Cali1400 touring.

[lucian]

I usually get around 45 mpg on the highway ,that's two up and freighted. My custom 's mileage has been improving as it wears in. now at 10,000 miles. I find it to be an excellent bike for the super slabs and two up duty.

[HDGoose]

I usually get around 45 mpg on the highway ,that's two up and freighted. My custom 's mileage has been improving as it wears in. now at 10,000 miles. I find it to be an excellent bike for the super slabs and two up duty.

Nice. Hope to hear from others.

How do you shift? I shift down. I run the RPMs up, and shift when I achieve my desired speed. I like to keep my Guzzi's spinning 3500-6000 rpm. 

[elvisboy77]

I'm still breaking my Eldo in but it is slowly improving, last tank was almost 40 MPG, can go 150 plus before fuel light comes on, never added more than 4 gallons.  And of course when I run fast it drops off too.

[mjptexas]

Anyone getting 40MPG in the USA?

Yes, if I keep in under 70.

75 - about 38mpg
85+ - around 33mpg
85 into the wind - as low as 25 mpg
around town? Forget about it....

[El Pescador]

On my Cali Touring, I get about 35 if I'm normal city riding.  I've tried my best to improve it on the highway and the best I can get is about 42.  I only have 1700 miles on mine so I hope it improves as the engine continues to break in.

[Wayne Orwig]

How big is the tank. (yes I'm too lazy to look up the specs  )

[El Pescador]

5.4 gallons

[HDGoose]

HD ElectraGlides weighing over 850 pounds get better fuel mileage with 150-200 pounds more bike weight.

[segesta]

HD ElectraGlides weighing over 850 pounds get better fuel mileage with 150-200 pounds more bike weight.

Seems like MPG is so dependent on riding style that it's difficult to generalize.

But then, I never understood the fascination with fuel efficiency for what, to me, is an expensive toy anyway. But I guess if you commute on your bike, it could make a difference.

[Wayne Orwig]

HD ElectraGlides weighing over 850 pounds get better fuel mileage with 150-200 pounds more bike weight.

Once you get rolling, weight isn't a big factor.

That Harley doesn't have around 100 horses in a stock configuration. Maybe a comparison to a V-rod would be better.

[rocker59]

Based on all the reports I've read, I would not trust the bike to go 200 miles between fuel stops on its 5.4 gallons.

At higher elevations, it can probably do it.  But, at low elevations, interstate speeds, and a windy day, I just don't see it.

More like fuel stops in the 160 to 170 range is what I'd be expecting.

[toaster404]

Started with 35 new.  Up to about 38, clearly does much much better on steady state roads.  Is improving slowly and steadily.  I am hoping to get to 40 mpg average on my usual mix, with a bit better on 70 mph Interstate cruise control runs.

[HDGoose]

Seems like MPG is so dependent on riding style that it's difficult to generalize.

But then, I never understood the fascination with fuel efficiency for what, to me, is an expensive toy anyway. But I guess if you commute on your bike, it could make a difference.

So you've never traveled where there's 150 miles between fuel stops? Or had to refuel because you have 50 miles on the current tank, and it's 130 to the next fuel stop.

[Peter from Sch'dy]

Any noticeable difference between the map choices?

Best,
Peter

[john hooper]

Segesta says  he doesn't  understand  the worry about milage,  that's  because  he doesn't  live in europe where tax makes gas $8 a gallon, a trip around your favorite cafes  on a sunday costs $25 before you get the coffee,  gas milage is important.

john

[rocker59]

So you've never traveled where there's 150 miles between fuel stops? Or had to refuel because you have 50 miles on the current tank, and it's 130 to the next fuel stop.

Yep.  Fuel range is one of the reasons I hesitated on buying a Cal14.

Personally, I don't care if the bike returns 30mpg or 50mpg, I just don't want to be stopping every two hours for fuel on a long trip, or worrying about the exact scenario you noted above.

A touring bike like the Cal14 should have enough fuel on board to ensure something over 200 miles between stops.  Preferrably 250 miles.

As it is, if you take it easy, and all goes well, you may be able to stretch it to 200 miles.  But, it would be risky in the western USA where that next gas station may, or may not be open when you pull in on fumes.

[segesta]

Segesta says  he doesn't  understand  the worry about milage,  that's  because  he doesn't  live in europe where tax makes gas $8 a gallon, a trip around your favorite cafes  on a sunday costs $25 before you get the coffee,  gas milage is important.

john

That's true. Taxes on fuel are lower in the USA, and we are now the largest producer of crude oil on the planet, so we pay less--thank God.
But at least Europeans have good bread. I can't stand the stuff here.

PS my California easily goes 150 miles between fill ups, though I never calculated the MPG. I just realized that the Low Fuel light is very conservative--it turns on when I can go another 70 miles.

[elvisboy77]

HD ElectraGlides weighing over 850 pounds get better fuel mileage with 150-200 pounds more bike weight.

That is true, and if it is really important to get the fuel economy then that is a great choice for you.

[Lcarlson]

I've never had a bike that would take me 200 miles between fill-ups. Can scarcely imagine it .

[lucian]

200 miles on a tank no problem whatsoever. As was mentioned the reserve is sizeable. I have never run it dry but was surprised by how much fuel you can slosh around when the gauge is on its last bar. 

[HDGoose]

I've never had a bike that would take me 200 miles between fill-ups. Can scarcely imagine it .

My 79 1000SP would not hit reserve until 220 miles or more. My 85 LeMans IV had 200 before reserve.

Manufactures are reducing weight by reducing fuel. 80% of todays' riders won't care.

[Gliderjohn]

Quote from elcarlson:
"I've never had a bike that would take me 200 miles between fill-ups. Can scarcely imagine it ."

I have the bikes, just not the bladder.
GliderJohn

[rocker59]

Quote from elcarlson:
"I've never had a bike that would take me 200 miles between fill-ups. Can scarcely imagine it ."

I have the bikes, just not the bladder.
GliderJohn

You can stop and take a leak anywhere.  Gas, not so much.

[mjptexas]

As it is, if you take it easy, and all goes well, you may be able to stretch it to 200 miles.  But, it would be risky in the western USA where that next gas station may, or may not be open when you pull in on fumes.

I used to think that you had to worry about that 200 miles between gas stops in the open country, but I'm not sure there is anyplace in the Lower 48 where you'll have that problem.  Yes, you may have to stop earlier that you care to, but I suspect 150 miles will get you between most gas stops during daylight hours.

Anyway, my sorry old ass always welcomes the break after two hours in the saddle.

[fatbob]

I used to think that you had to worry about that 200 miles between gas stops in the open country, but I'm not sure there is anyplace in the Lower 48 where you'll have that problem.  Yes, you may have to stop earlier that you care to, but I suspect 150 miles will get you between most gas stops during daylight hours.

Anyway, my sorry old ass always welcomes the break after two hours in the saddle.

Wyoming. Fuel range is paramount here. 

[mjptexas]

Wyoming. Fuel range is paramount here.

Interesting.

I spent several days in the Big Bend area of Texas this spring.  Doubt if there are many places more desolate in the Lower 48 than that.  You didn't want to pass up a gas stop, but they were typically within 150 miles of each other.

[HDGoose]

Interesting.

I spent several days in the Big Bend area of Texas this spring.  Doubt if there are many places more desolate in the Lower 48 than that.  You didn't want to pass up a gas stop, but they were typically within 150 miles of each other.

So you cannot pass a fuel station? Because if you only have a reliable 160 miles on a tank, and you already have 20-30-40-50 run out, you have to stop. I ride back roads that are less traveled. In the southwest I frequently encountered 150+ between fuel stations. Especially when some town only had one store, and they closed.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I've never had a bike that would take me 200 miles between fill-ups. Can scarcely imagine it .

My '69 Ambassador (with later 5.8 gallon tank) will do it. Once rode my (first) Morini 350 K2 to the WV Rally, 250 miles via I-70, I-68, US40, etc. Filled up in New Cumberland - 3 gallons = 83 mpg. 

[JeffOlson]

You could always do what scooter riders do on long trips: carry extra fuel in a can strapped to the bike somewhere!

Speaking of scooters, my new Vespa 300 GTS has been returning more than 70 MPG on average. With its 2.5 gallon fuel tank, it should be good for 175 miles. However, the low fuel light comes on early, and I start to get nervous.

I'd love to get a Cal 1400 Touring, but I'd hate to start worrying about running out of fuel at 150 miles...