How Many MPG do Harley-Davidsons Get? [Harley MPG Chart]


As a rule of thumb, most Harley-Davidson motorcycles get about 40-50 MPG, which translates to an average fuel range of 150-200 miles.

If you want to find out more about the fuel economy of Harley-Davidsons, this post is for you.

We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

Are Harley-Davidsons Fuel Efficient?

Let’s face it, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are not known for having great fuel economy. Unlike most modern motorcycles, Harleys have classic air-cooled big-twin engines, which tend to have poorer MPG figures.

But it’s common knowledge that Harley-Davidson is committed to the production of traditional motorcycles rather than developing the most fuel-efficient commuter bikes.

How do the MPG figures of Harley-Davidsons compare to other brands?

According to Motorcyclist Online, five of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles right now are as follows:

  • Suzuki V-Strom 650: 50+ MPG
  • Yamaha SR 400: 60+ MPG
  • Kawasaki Versys-X 300: 60+ MPG
  • Honda Rebel 300: 70+ MPG
  • BMW G 310 GS: 70+ MPG

As you can see, the fuel mileage of these bikes ranges from 50 up to 70 MPG.

Sure, these models are very lightweight and economical commuter bikes for which fuel efficiency is essential. They have smaller single or twin-cylinder engines featuring advanced water-cooling and fuel injection systems.

In contrast, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are quite heavy and come with traditional V-twin engines.

These power sources not only feature large displacement cylinders but also utilize many outdated technologies including carburetors and air-cooling.

Although they are part of the “Harley style,” these big-twin engines combined with their heavy platforms result in moderate MPG figures.

Are you wondering how many MPG a Harley-Davidson gets?

Keep reading!

How Many MPG do Harleys Get?

The average mileage of most Harley-Davidsons falls into a range of 38-65 MPG (combined), with an average of 44 MPG. To be more precise, most Harleys get about 30-45 MPG in the city and 40-60 MPG on highways.

The most fuel-efficient Harleys are arguably the Sportster 883 and the Street 750/500 models. You can expect the fuel mileage of these bikes to range 50-65 MPG.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are the large touring bikes like the Road King, Road Glide, and Street Glide, which get a mileage of 38-42 MPG.

Between them, you can find “average” Harleys, which get about 45-50 MPG depending on the year and model.

Please consider these numbers as ballpark figures, since the MPG of a Harley depends on many factors, including:

  • Features of the bike (weight, engine, transmission, wheels, fairings, etc.)
  • Load
  • Modifications
  • The attitude of the rider
  • Environmental conditions
  • City or highway riding

Since some of these factors are not permanent, the MPG of Harley motorcycles may vary from ride to ride.

How Many Miles Can a Harley Go on one Tank?

Harley-Davidsons can typically go about 150-200 miles on one tank of gas, but some models can go as far as 250-270 miles. The fuel range of a Harley depends on its fuel capacity and fuel mileage.

In a nutshell, the most common fuel tank sizes of Harley-Davidson motorcycles are as follows:

  • 2.1 gallons
  • 3.3 gallons
  • 3.5 gallons
  • 3.7 gallons
  • 4.4 gallons
  • 4.5 gallons
  • 4.7 gallons
  • 4.8 gallons
  • 4.9 gallons
  • 5.0 gallons
  • 5.1 gallons
  • 5.2 gallons
  • 6.0 gallons

You can find the smallest, 2.1-gallon fuel tank in the Forty-Eight. True to its name, this machine gets 48 MPG, which ensures a fuel range of about 100 miles.

The manufacturer reserves its 3.3-gallon fuel tank for the standard Sportster family. Due to its design and size, this tiny fuel tank has earned the nickname “peanut.”

These bikes get about 45-52 MPG combined so they can go about 150-170 miles on a full tank of gas.

Certain Sportster models feature a larger, 4.5-gallon fuel tank, which increases the fuel range up to 200-240 miles.

The fuel capacity of most cruiser and touring Harley models varies between 4.5 and 5.1 gallons, which allows you to ride 200-250 miles between fill-ups.

However, a few “special” models like the Street Glide Special and Road King Special come with an extra-large, 6-gallon fuel tank. Since the fuel mileage of these Harleys is about 45 MPG, they can reach 250-270 miles on a tank of gas.

But keeping safety in mind, it’s never wise to completely dry out your tank. For example, on a 6-gallon fuel tank, the Low Fuel warning light comes when about 1 gallon of gas is left. Best practice is to refill your tank before the light comes on!

If you are looking for extended fuel capacity, you can choose from many aftermarket Harley fuel tanks.

Harley-Davidson MPG Chart

For a better comparison, we’ve compiled the fuel mileage figures of some of the most popular models into this Harley MPG chart!

YearModelMPG CombinedMPG City/HwyAverage Fuel Range (Miles)Fuel Capacity (Gal)
2021Street 50065na2283.5
2004Sportster 883C Custom56na2524.5
2007XL 883L Sportster 883 Low5245/601723.3
2007XL 883 Sportster 8835245/601723.3
2007XL 883R Sportster 883R5245/601723.3
2006XL 883 Sportster 8835248/571723.3
2006XL 883L Sportster 883 Low5248/571723.3
2006XL 883R Sportster 883R5248/571723.3
1979Sportster XLS100052na1723.3
2007XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom5245/602344.5
2006XL 883C Sportster 883C Custom5248/572344.5
2020Iron 88350na1653.3
2007XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster4942/571623.3
2007XL 1200N Sportster Nightster4942/571623.3
2007XL 1200 50th Anniversary Sportster Limited Edition4942/571623.3
2007XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low4942/572214.5
2007XL 1200C Sportster Custom4942/572214.5
2020Harley Forty-Eight48na1012.1
20061200R Sportster 1200 Roadster4845/521583.3
2020Iron 120048na1583.3
2020Roadster48na1583.3
2006XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom4845/522164.5
2006FXDBI Dyna Street Bob4744/502214.7
2006FXDLI Dyna Low Rider4744/502214.7
2006FXD/I Dyna Super Glide4744/502264.8
2006FXDCI Dyna Super Glide Custom4744/502264.8
2006FXSTD/I Softail Deuce Fuel Injected4744/502304.9
2006FXST/I Softail Standard Fuel Injected4744/502355
2006FXSTB/I Night Train Fuel Injected4744/502355
2006FXSTS/I Springer Softail Fuel Injected4744/502355
2006FLSTF/I Fat Boy Fuel Injected4744/502355
2006FLSTN/I Softail Deluxe Fuel Injected4744/502355
2006FLSTSC/I Softail Springer Classic Fuel Injected4744/502355
2020Softail Heritage Classic 11447na2355
2006FXDI35 Dyna 35th Anniversary Super Glide4744/502405.1
2006FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide4744/502405.1
2006FXSTD/I Softail Deuce Carbureted4642/502254.9
2006FXST/I Softail Standard Carbureted4642/502305
2006FXSTB/I Night Train Carbureted4642/502305
2006FXSTS/I Springer Softail Carbureted4642/502305
2006FLSTF/I Fat Boy Carbureted4642/502305
2006FLSTN/I Softail Deluxe Carbureted4642/502305
2006FLSTSC/I Softail Springer Classic Carbureted4642/502305
2006FLSTC/I Heritage Softail Classic Fuel Injected4643/482305
2000Sportster 120045na1493.3
2000Sportster 1200 Sport45na1493.3
2000Sportster 88345na1493.3
2000Sportster 883 Hugger45na1493.3
2000Sportster 883 Custom45na1493.3
2000Sportster 1200 Custom45na1984.4
2020Softail Standard45na1583.5
2007FLHRSE3 Screamin’ Eagle Road King4538/542255
2007FLHTCUSE2 Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide4538/542255
2006FLST/I Heritage Softail Carbureted4543/482255
2006FLST/I Heritage Softail Fuel Injected4543/482255
2006FLSTC/I Heritage Softail Classic Carbureted4541/482255
2020Road King Special45na2706
2020Street Glide (FLHX)45na2706
2004Sportster 1200R44na1633.7
2007FXD Dyna Super Glide4334/532064.8
2007FXDB Dyna Street Bob4334/532064.8
2007FXDL Dyna Low Rider4334/532064.8
2007FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom4334/532064.8
2007FXSTD Softail Deuce4334/532114.9
2007FLSTF Fat Boy4334/532155
2007FLSTN Softail Deluxe4334/532155
2007FLSTSC Softail Springer Classic4334/532155
2007FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic4334/532155
2007FXST Softail Standard4334/532155
2007FXSTB Softail Night Train4334/532155
2007FXSTSSE Screamin’ Eagle Softail Springer4335/522155
2006FLSTFSE2 Screamin’ Eagle Fat Boy4335/532155
2007FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide4334/532195.1
2007FXSTC Softail Custom4334/532195.1
2000Dyna Convertible43na2114.9
2000Dyna Low Rider43na2114.9
2000Dyna Super Glide Sport43na2114.9
2000Dyna Super Glide43na2114.9
2000Fat Boy43na2114.9
2000Night Train43na2114.9
2000Softail Standard43na2114.9
2000Hertiage Sofail Classic43na2155
2000Hertiage Springer43na2155
2000Softail Deuce43na2155
2000Springer Softail43na2155
2000Dyna Wide Glide43na2245.2
2006VRSCD Night Rod4237/471553.7
2006VRSCA V-Rod4237/471553.7
2007VRSCDX Night Rod Special4237/482105
2007VRSCD Night Rod4237/482105
2007VRSCR Street Rod4237/482105
2007VRSCAW V-Rod4237/482105
2007FXDSE Screamin’ Eagle Dyna4234/512105
2006VRSCR Street Rod4237/472105
2006FLHR/I Road King Carbureted4237/472105
2006FLHR/I Road King Fuel Injected4239/462105
2006FLHRS/I Road King Custom Carbureted4237/472105
2006FLHRS/I Road King Custom Fuel Injected4239/462105
2006FLHRCI Road King Classic4237/472105
2006FLTRI Road Glide4239/462105
2006FLHX/I Street Glide Carbureted4237/472105
2006FLHX/I Street Glide Fuel Injected4239/462105
2006FLHT/I Electra Glide Standard Carbureted4237/472105
2006FLHT/I Electra Glide Standard Fuel Injected4239/462105
2006FLHTC/I Electra Glide Classic4239/462105
2006FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide4239/462105
2005FLSTNI Softail Deluxe42na2105
2004Road King Custom FLHRSI42na2105
2000Electra Glide Ultra Classic40na2005
2000Electra Glide Standard40na2005
2000Road King40na2005
2000Road Glide40na2005
2007VRSCX3934/441955
2006FLHTCUSE Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide3934/461955
2006VRSCSE2 Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod3833/431413.7
2007FLHX Street Glide3833/451905
2007FLTR Road Glide3833/451905
2007FLHR Road King3833/451905
2007FLHRS Road King Custom3833/451905
2007FLHRC Road King Classic3833/451905
2007FLHT Electra Glide Standard3833/451905
2007FLHTC Electra Glide Classic3833/451905
2007FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide3833/451905

The numbers are for informational purposes only! For exact specifications visit the manufacturer’s website or contact the closest dealership.

MPG Figures of Different Harley Models

How many MPG does a Harley Trike Get?

The fuel mileage of Harley-Davidson Trikes averages between 30-42 MPG. For example, the Tri-Glide Ultra gets 42 highway MPG while the CVO Tri-Glide gets 40 MPG.

How many MPG does a Harley Street Glide get?

The Harley-Davidson Street Glide achieves 38-45 MPG combined depending on its year and features.

How many MPG does a Harley Sportster 883 get?

The Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 achieves about 50-54 MPG combined depending on its year and features.

How many MPG does a Harley Sportster 1200 get?

The Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 achieves about 48-52 MPG combined depending on its year and features.

How many MPG does a Harley Road King get?

The Harley-Davidson Road King achieves about 38-45 MPG combined depending on its year and features.

How many MPG does a Harley Softail get?

The Harley-Davidson Softail achieves about 42-47 MPG combined depending on its year and features.

How far can a Street Glide go on a tank of gas?

A Harley Street Glide with a 5-gallon fuel tank has a fuel range of 190-210 miles, while with a 6-gallon fuel capacity they can go as far as 250-270 miles.

How far can a Road King go on a tank of gas?

Similar to the Street Glides, Harley Road Kings have a range of 190-210 miles with the 5-gallon tank and 250-270 miles with the 6-gallon fuel tank configuration.

How far can a Harley 883 go on a tank of gas?

Thanks to their 3.3-gallon fuel capacity, Harley Sportster 883s can go 150-170 miles on one tank of gas.

How far can a Harley Forty-Eight go on a tank of gas?

Since the Harley Forty-Eight has a tiny 2.1-gallon fuel tank, its fuel range is as low as 100 miles.

Which Harley-Davidson is the most fuel-efficient?

It’s safe to say that the most fuel-efficient Harley-Davidson is the Street 500, which is powered by a liquid-cooled 500cc (30 ci) Revolution XTM V-Twin engine.

This tiny power source produces 29.5 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 RPM and ensures an outstanding fuel mileage of 65 RPM.

Although the Street 500 packs a 3.5-gallon fuel tank, it only allows you to ride 200-230 miles between fill-ups!

Takeaways

The average Harley-Davidsons get about 40-60 MPG on the highway and about 30-45 MPG in the city translating to a combined mileage of 40-50 MPG.

The fuel range of Harleys varies greatly depending on its weight and features.

You can expect the shortest range on the Forty-Eight, as it can go only about 100 miles on one tank (2.1-gallons) of gas.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can find the largest touring Harleys, which have a 6-gallon fuel tank that offers a remarkable fuel range of 250-270 miles.

Between these two worlds, you can find “average” Harleys with 3.3-5-gallon fuel tanks. These machines can typically go a distance of 150-200 miles between fill-ups.

References:

Harley-davidson.com/, Totalmotorcycle.com, Ecomodder.com, Motorcyclistonline.com

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