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These power sources not only feature large displacement cylinders but also utilize many outdated technologies including carburetors and air-cooling.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!
| Year | Model | MPG Combined | MPG City/Hwy | Average Fuel Range (Miles) | Fuel Capacity (Gal) |
| 2021 | Street 500 | 65 | na | 228 | 3.5 |
| 2004 | Sportster 883C Custom | 56 | na | 252 | 4.5 |
| 2007 | XL 883L Sportster 883 Low | 52 | 45/60 | 172 | 3.3 |
| 2007 | XL 883 Sportster 883 | 52 | 45/60 | 172 | 3.3 |
| 2007 | XL 883R Sportster 883R | 52 | 45/60 | 172 | 3.3 |
| 2006 | XL 883 Sportster 883 | 52 | 48/57 | 172 | 3.3 |
| 2006 | XL 883L Sportster 883 Low | 52 | 48/57 | 172 | 3.3 |
| 2006 | XL 883R Sportster 883R | 52 | 48/57 | 172 | 3.3 |
| 1979 | Sportster XLS1000 | 52 | na | 172 | 3.3 |
| 2007 | XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom | 52 | 45/60 | 234 | 4.5 |
| 2006 | XL 883C Sportster 883C Custom | 52 | 48/57 | 234 | 4.5 |
| 2020 | Iron 883 | 50 | na | 165 | 3.3 |
| 2007 | XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster | 49 | 42/57 | 162 | 3.3 |
| 2007 | XL 1200N Sportster Nightster | 49 | 42/57 | 162 | 3.3 |
| 2007 | XL 1200 50th Anniversary Sportster Limited Edition | 49 | 42/57 | 162 | 3.3 |
| 2007 | XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low | 49 | 42/57 | 221 | 4.5 |
| 2007 | XL 1200C Sportster Custom | 49 | 42/57 | 221 | 4.5 |
| 2020 | Harley Forty-Eight | 48 | na | 101 | 2.1 |
| 2006 | 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster | 48 | 45/52 | 158 | 3.3 |
| 2020 | Iron 1200 | 48 | na | 158 | 3.3 |
| 2020 | Roadster | 48 | na | 158 | 3.3 |
| 2006 | XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom | 48 | 45/52 | 216 | 4.5 |
| 2006 | FXDBI Dyna Street Bob | 47 | 44/50 | 221 | 4.7 |
| 2006 | FXDLI Dyna Low Rider | 47 | 44/50 | 221 | 4.7 |
| 2006 | FXD/I Dyna Super Glide | 47 | 44/50 | 226 | 4.8 |
| 2006 | FXDCI Dyna Super Glide Custom | 47 | 44/50 | 226 | 4.8 |
| 2006 | FXSTD/I Softail Deuce Fuel Injected | 47 | 44/50 | 230 | 4.9 |
| 2006 | FXST/I Softail Standard Fuel Injected | 47 | 44/50 | 235 | 5 |
| 2006 | FXSTB/I Night Train Fuel Injected | 47 | 44/50 | 235 | 5 |
| 2006 | FXSTS/I Springer Softail Fuel Injected | 47 | 44/50 | 235 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLSTF/I Fat Boy Fuel Injected | 47 | 44/50 | 235 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLSTN/I Softail Deluxe Fuel Injected | 47 | 44/50 | 235 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLSTSC/I Softail Springer Classic Fuel Injected | 47 | 44/50 | 235 | 5 |
| 2020 | Softail Heritage Classic 114 | 47 | na | 235 | 5 |
| 2006 | FXDI35 Dyna 35th Anniversary Super Glide | 47 | 44/50 | 240 | 5.1 |
| 2006 | FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide | 47 | 44/50 | 240 | 5.1 |
| 2006 | FXSTD/I Softail Deuce Carbureted | 46 | 42/50 | 225 | 4.9 |
| 2006 | FXST/I Softail Standard Carbureted | 46 | 42/50 | 230 | 5 |
| 2006 | FXSTB/I Night Train Carbureted | 46 | 42/50 | 230 | 5 |
| 2006 | FXSTS/I Springer Softail Carbureted | 46 | 42/50 | 230 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLSTF/I Fat Boy Carbureted | 46 | 42/50 | 230 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLSTN/I Softail Deluxe Carbureted | 46 | 42/50 | 230 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLSTSC/I Softail Springer Classic Carbureted | 46 | 42/50 | 230 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLSTC/I Heritage Softail Classic Fuel Injected | 46 | 43/48 | 230 | 5 |
| 2000 | Sportster 1200 | 45 | na | 149 | 3.3 |
| 2000 | Sportster 1200 Sport | 45 | na | 149 | 3.3 |
| 2000 | Sportster 883 | 45 | na | 149 | 3.3 |
| 2000 | Sportster 883 Hugger | 45 | na | 149 | 3.3 |
| 2000 | Sportster 883 Custom | 45 | na | 149 | 3.3 |
| 2000 | Sportster 1200 Custom | 45 | na | 198 | 4.4 |
| 2020 | Softail Standard | 45 | na | 158 | 3.5 |
| 2007 | FLHRSE3 Screamin’ Eagle Road King | 45 | 38/54 | 225 | 5 |
| 2007 | FLHTCUSE2 Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide | 45 | 38/54 | 225 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLST/I Heritage Softail Carbureted | 45 | 43/48 | 225 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLST/I Heritage Softail Fuel Injected | 45 | 43/48 | 225 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLSTC/I Heritage Softail Classic Carbureted | 45 | 41/48 | 225 | 5 |
| 2020 | Road King Special | 45 | na | 270 | 6 |
| 2020 | Street Glide (FLHX) | 45 | na | 270 | 6 |
| 2004 | Sportster 1200R | 44 | na | 163 | 3.7 |
| 2007 | FXD Dyna Super Glide | 43 | 34/53 | 206 | 4.8 |
| 2007 | FXDB Dyna Street Bob | 43 | 34/53 | 206 | 4.8 |
| 2007 | FXDL Dyna Low Rider | 43 | 34/53 | 206 | 4.8 |
| 2007 | FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom | 43 | 34/53 | 206 | 4.8 |
| 2007 | FXSTD Softail Deuce | 43 | 34/53 | 211 | 4.9 |
| 2007 | FLSTF Fat Boy | 43 | 34/53 | 215 | 5 |
| 2007 | FLSTN Softail Deluxe | 43 | 34/53 | 215 | 5 |
| 2007 | FLSTSC Softail Springer Classic | 43 | 34/53 | 215 | 5 |
| 2007 | FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic | 43 | 34/53 | 215 | 5 |
| 2007 | FXST Softail Standard | 43 | 34/53 | 215 | 5 |
| 2007 | FXSTB Softail Night Train | 43 | 34/53 | 215 | 5 |
| 2007 | FXSTSSE Screamin’ Eagle Softail Springer | 43 | 35/52 | 215 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLSTFSE2 Screamin’ Eagle Fat Boy | 43 | 35/53 | 215 | 5 |
| 2007 | FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide | 43 | 34/53 | 219 | 5.1 |
| 2007 | FXSTC Softail Custom | 43 | 34/53 | 219 | 5.1 |
| 2000 | Dyna Convertible | 43 | na | 211 | 4.9 |
| 2000 | Dyna Low Rider | 43 | na | 211 | 4.9 |
| 2000 | Dyna Super Glide Sport | 43 | na | 211 | 4.9 |
| 2000 | Dyna Super Glide | 43 | na | 211 | 4.9 |
| 2000 | Fat Boy | 43 | na | 211 | 4.9 |
| 2000 | Night Train | 43 | na | 211 | 4.9 |
| 2000 | Softail Standard | 43 | na | 211 | 4.9 |
| 2000 | Hertiage Sofail Classic | 43 | na | 215 | 5 |
| 2000 | Hertiage Springer | 43 | na | 215 | 5 |
| 2000 | Softail Deuce | 43 | na | 215 | 5 |
| 2000 | Springer Softail | 43 | na | 215 | 5 |
| 2000 | Dyna Wide Glide | 43 | na | 224 | 5.2 |
| 2006 | VRSCD Night Rod | 42 | 37/47 | 155 | 3.7 |
| 2006 | VRSCA V-Rod | 42 | 37/47 | 155 | 3.7 |
| 2007 | VRSCDX Night Rod Special | 42 | 37/48 | 210 | 5 |
| 2007 | VRSCD Night Rod | 42 | 37/48 | 210 | 5 |
| 2007 | VRSCR Street Rod | 42 | 37/48 | 210 | 5 |
| 2007 | VRSCAW V-Rod | 42 | 37/48 | 210 | 5 |
| 2007 | FXDSE Screamin’ Eagle Dyna | 42 | 34/51 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | VRSCR Street Rod | 42 | 37/47 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHR/I Road King Carbureted | 42 | 37/47 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHR/I Road King Fuel Injected | 42 | 39/46 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHRS/I Road King Custom Carbureted | 42 | 37/47 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHRS/I Road King Custom Fuel Injected | 42 | 39/46 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHRCI Road King Classic | 42 | 37/47 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLTRI Road Glide | 42 | 39/46 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHX/I Street Glide Carbureted | 42 | 37/47 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHX/I Street Glide Fuel Injected | 42 | 39/46 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHT/I Electra Glide Standard Carbureted | 42 | 37/47 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHT/I Electra Glide Standard Fuel Injected | 42 | 39/46 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHTC/I Electra Glide Classic | 42 | 39/46 | 210 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide | 42 | 39/46 | 210 | 5 |
| 2005 | FLSTNI Softail Deluxe | 42 | na | 210 | 5 |
| 2004 | Road King Custom FLHRSI | 42 | na | 210 | 5 |
| 2000 | Electra Glide Ultra Classic | 40 | na | 200 | 5 |
| 2000 | Electra Glide Standard | 40 | na | 200 | 5 |
| 2000 | Road King | 40 | na | 200 | 5 |
| 2000 | Road Glide | 40 | na | 200 | 5 |
| 2007 | VRSCX | 39 | 34/44 | 195 | 5 |
| 2006 | FLHTCUSE Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide | 39 | 34/46 | 195 | 5 |
| 2006 | VRSCSE2 Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod | 38 | 33/43 | 141 | 3.7 |
| 2007 | FLHX Street Glide | 38 | 33/45 | 190 | 5 |
| 2007 | FLTR Road Glide | 38 | 33/45 | 190 | 5 |
| 2007 | FLHR Road King | 38 | 33/45 | 190 | 5 |
| 2007 | FLHRS Road King Custom | 38 | 33/45 | 190 | 5 |
| 2007 | FLHRC Road King Classic | 38 | 33/45 | 190 | 5 |
| 2007 | FLHT Electra Glide Standard | 38 | 33/45 | 190 | 5 |
| 2007 | FLHTC Electra Glide Classic | 38 | 33/45 | 190 | 5 |
| 2007 | FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide | 38 | 33/45 | 190 | 5 |
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
