Touring

Fuel Economy on the Indian Pursuit: Highway vs. Backroads

Real MPG numbers from New Brunswick touring. What you actually get on the Pursuit 108ci compared to the EPA estimate, and how to maximize fuel efficiency on Atlantic Canada roads.

Stock EPA Rating vs. Real-World Results

The Indian Pursuit 108 is EPA-rated at 44 MPG combined. Sounds great until you actually ride it. On my bike, with real New Brunswick terrain and my riding style, I'm averaging 38–42 MPG.

Here's why the gap exists and what actually matters for touring fuel economy.

Highway Runs: I-2 & Trans-Canada Performance

Highway riding is where the Pursuit shines for fuel economy. Interstate-2 and the Trans-Canada at steady 100–110 km/h sees the best MPG numbers.

Condition	Avg Speed	MPG Observed	Notes
Highway cruise (no headwind)	100 km/h	45–47 MPG	Best efficiency. Steady throttle, light load.
Highway with traffic	110–120 km/h	40–43 MPG	More throttle input, wind resistance higher.
Highway with cargo (touring)	100–110 km/h	38–41 MPG	Saddlebags + cargo box add weight and drag.
Mountain passes (Quebec)	Varies	35–38 MPG	Elevation changes, more engine work.

Backroads Reality: New Brunswick Rural Routes

This is where touring gets interesting. New Brunswick backroads—county roads, gravel transitions, and twisty routes through the Acadian Peninsula—are where I lose the most efficiency.

• Constant throttle adjustment: Backroads mean speed changes, curves, and altitude swings. You're never in a steady RPM band. This drops efficiency to 35–38 MPG.
• Gravel transitions: Dirt road sections force lower speeds and more aggressive throttle input. I see 32–36 MPG in these stretches. The Pursuit's cruiser design means less confidence on loose surfaces.
• Wind exposure: Atlantic wind on open roads kills efficiency. Riding the same route eastbound vs. westbound can mean a 3–5 MPG swing.

Upgrade Impact: Stage 1 Exhaust & ECU Tuning

I added a Stage 1 exhaust to my Pursuit. Many owners ask if it affects fuel economy.

The honest answer: Negligible change if you ride the same way. -0 to -2 MPG with aggressive riding (you're using the extra power). Zero change if you keep throttle inputs smooth.

The Stage 1 doesn't optimize for efficiency—it optimizes for power delivery. If you want better fuel economy, don't upgrade the exhaust.

Tuning for Fuel Economy (If You Care)

If fuel efficiency matters more than power, here's what works on the Pursuit:

• Tire pressure: Run 38 PSI (front) and 42 PSI (rear) instead of stock 36/40. Lower rolling resistance. Gain: 1–2 MPG. Tradeoff: slightly firmer ride.
• Aerodynamics: A windscreen (stock or aftermarket) reduces wind resistance at highway speeds. Expect 2–3 MPG gain on steady highway runs. I tested budget windscreen clones from AliExpress—they work fine for touring.
• Gearing: The Pursuit comes with a 2.56:1 final drive. Stock is good for touring. Shorter gearing (2.74:1) burns more fuel; taller (2.37:1) trades torque for efficiency.
• Fuel type: Ethanol-blended gas (E10) vs. pure gasoline makes a small difference—maybe 1 MPG swing. Not worth hunting pure gas in Atlantic Canada.

Real Touring Fuel Budget: New Brunswick Loop

Let's do the math. Typical New Brunswick loop tour: 800 km over 3 days across Trans-Canada, backroads, and coastal routes.

• Average efficiency: 39 MPG (mix of highway and backroads)
• Fuel needed: 20.5 gallons (77 liters)
• Cost at $1.40/L: $107.80
• With touring cargo (full tank, bags, passenger): assume 37 MPG average
• Adjusted cost: $114 for 800 km

That's cheap touring. Compare to a full-size bagger (30 MPG) or gas-heavy SUV (22 MPG), and the Pursuit earns its keep.

Tank Range & Practical Riding

The Pursuit has a 3.6-gallon (13.6L) fuel tank. At 39 MPG average:

• Conservative estimate: 140 km range (stop at 1 gallon remaining)
• Aggressive riding: 130 km range (35 MPG)
• Steady highway: 160+ km range (42+ MPG)

New Brunswick has gas stations every 50–80 km on main roads. Rural backroads are tighter—plan accordingly, and don't let your tank dip below 1 gallon on remote county roads.

Fuel Economy vs. Riding Enjoyment

Here's the real talk: chasing maximum MPG on a touring cruiser is pointless. The Pursuit is designed for comfort and presence, not efficiency racing. Ride smooth, avoid aggressive throttle blips, and you'll see respectable 38–42 MPG without sacrificing fun.

If you want a genuinely efficient bike, buy a 250cc dirt bike or a sport tourer. The Pursuit rewards smooth, long-distance touring—that's where its fuel economy and comfort shine.

Related moto posts: Read about real costs of touring and trailer touring on the Pursuit.