Sportster 48 2010 GAS tank Question
Stock 48 tank with no mods, you will get max 75 miles. I only get 60 miles and my 48 is empty with no tank lift, shorty pipes, PCV, and open element air cleaner. I did a tank lift for 1 day and only could pull 50-55 miles before it was empty. Oh and Dez, when the gas light comes on, you better start looking for a gas station within 5 miles. The tank might not be empty, but it will be low enough that the fuel pump cant pull the gas out of the bottom of the tank.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
Not my experience. Ive got a 1.5" tank lift, which didnt change anything for me. My light usually comes on in the mid 60s, Ill fill up mid 70s and usually put in about 1.6 gallons. Took a road trip late last year and I did run out once, I was right at 100 miles. I plan on taking some trips out west where gas is fewer and farther between so I got this tank thats sitting in the garage waiting to be sealed and painted.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 35
From: Gulf Breeze, FL
Not my experience. Ive got a 1.5" tank lift, which didnt change anything for me. My light usually comes on in the mid 60s, Ill fill up mid 70s and usually put in about 1.6 gallons. Took a road trip late last year and I did run out once, I was right at 100 miles. I plan on taking some trips out west where gas is fewer and farther between so I got this tank thats sitting in the garage waiting to be sealed and painted.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
Ha, Ive kept my eyes peeled here and ebay for months. Im either too late or they want too much.......I got tired of waiting. Oh well..........just my luck. 
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
The iron gets exactly 140 miles to a full tank lol she sputtered into the gas tank ... For any1 who doesn't know the average range of their bike since it will differ slightly because everyone rides differently just reset your odometer every time you fill up and try to pay attention to the average mileage when you need to refill ... Like I kno I can make it 130 but try to fill up every 100 ish miles. As far as the peanut tank it's awesome looking hut if you want more range I would go with the 3.3 that's on my bike don't go with anything bigger I don't like they way they look on the 48.
Good luck and enjoy the new bike !
Good luck and enjoy the new bike !
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Thanks for all the advice! I have been resetting the trip meter everytime I get gas and have been getting close to 50-60 miles before the gaslight comes on.
I guess I am really confused as to why it consistently only takes about 1.3 gallons of gas when its supposed to be a 2.1 gallon tank. I have tried standing the bike upright when I fill up to see if that makes any difference but it was about the same.
I will probably be looking to do the 3.3 gallon swap in the not to distant future.
I guess I am really confused as to why it consistently only takes about 1.3 gallons of gas when its supposed to be a 2.1 gallon tank. I have tried standing the bike upright when I fill up to see if that makes any difference but it was about the same.
I will probably be looking to do the 3.3 gallon swap in the not to distant future.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
It means you can go further Try going 75 miles a few times and see how much you end up putting in.
Try going 75 miles a few times and see how much you end up putting in.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 3
From: 27°51' N, 082°17' W
Did the tank lift when I had my 48 tank and it didn't seem to change mileage or fuel light. Put a nightster tank on now with no lift and get the low fuel light @ 98-105 miles and have only tested it to 120 miles. I usually figure 20 more miles after the low fuel light is safe.
