Author |
Message |
Paniller
| Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 10:42 am: |
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So, I got the bike a month ago, but only have been able to get out once a week due to a new girlfriend on the weekends, and weekdays in the teens for temperature. Today went up to 30, so I got to ride to work. I filled up the gas tank when I first got the bike, and reset the trip odometer to do a mpg estimate. Now, the low fuel light is on...seemingly early. Here's the kicker though. It switched to the fuel odometer, but toggling through, all my trip odometers are 0. wtf? So, is there behavior I'm not aware of, or did the low battery just reset the odometer on me? The battery sucks on this thing, understandably so being that it's the only part with a HD logo. I'm hoping for 40mpg to match my SV650s. It claims more, but I'm always on the low end. My car claims 17/23 for example, and I get 15 mixed. |
Froggy
| Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 11:30 am: |
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If your tripometers and clock reset itself, that means the battery voltage dropped too low. This usually means your battery is dead or was near dead and starting the bike sucked just enough power to cause the cluster to die. As for fuel economy, it will be horrible at first till the engine breaks in, but you should be able to easily get 50mpg once things settle in. Also take note that fuel economy is lower during the winter due to longer idling times and different gasoline formulations. |
Froggy
| Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 11:49 am: |
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Another thought, it applies mostly to the older models, but a bad battery connection can cause the same thing. The battery terminal screws are about 1mm longer than they should be, so many put a washer under the screw to improve contact. |
Paniller
| Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 12:28 pm: |
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ok, cool. I'd assume the trip and stuff would be good down to like 5v. So, my battery must be pretty screwed. Turns really slow before it starts, too. Even after charged. Looks like I should add $60 for a new battery to my $5k purchase price. Oh, the horror! |
Froggy
| Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 12:43 pm: |
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Get the battery tested before you go and replace it, and new batteries are approx $100. Head to Liberty in Rahway and if you mention you are a Badwebber, you get a 10% discount |
Paniller
| Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 03:43 pm: |
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Rahway...sounds familiar. They had a bunch of batteries for $65 or so, non HD brand. My Yuasa on my SV sat for 3 months, then started right back up. That alone makes me want to buy theirs again. Any special kinds of tests, or just ~13v for a good battery, and if mine won't hold a charge above like 12.5, it's suspect? I'm not sure if there's any kind of advanced testing past voltmeter love. |
Froggy
| Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 04:38 pm: |
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Yes, there is a thing called load testing, which is a test of the battery under stress like starting a motor. You can have plenty of voltage, but the battery can still be weak enough to not start the bike. You can get this test done at Autozone or a similar car parts shop. Also, is your bike under warranty? You *may* be able to get the battery replaced under warranty. |
Paniller
| Posted on Monday, January 18, 2010 - 02:47 pm: |
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It's under warranty, assuming the warranty is transferable. Finding time to go to a Harley dealership is another story. Not to mention I hate going. The first and last time I was there, there were full grown men crying because their friends teased them for buying a non-harley motorcycle. This weekend apparently has a party scheduled where customers sit together and watch biker movies and probably touch each other. To be quite honest...I'd be too embarassed to be seen there. lol |
Paniller
| Posted on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - 01:06 pm: |
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Fuel light came on, went about 25 miles more and refilled 4 gallons. Fuel light came on again today, at 100 miles. Refilled it to the same level. 3.45 gallons in 108 miles. Tell me that's not right. I'm 60% highway @ 80mph, and 40% city @ 45 mph or so. I don't even have the riding ability to pull off 30mpg if I tried. I'm always 1-2mpg below the rated city, but this is messed up. Bike's an 08, but broken in from the previous owner, 5k on the clock. |
Gw_04_xb12r
| Posted on Saturday, March 13, 2010 - 08:56 am: |
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although it could be something more serious, it could be due to the 80mph highway speeds. the bike is really revving at 80, and this probably uses significantly more gas. make yourself a little more time before you go somewhere and try 65 mph, just to see how your numbers improve |
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