How do I know when my fuel is low?
#12
04-06-2009, 08:15 AM
Elite HDF Member
It's time to start seeing the light, and riding your bike more. 
That's just stupid!
#15
04-06-2009, 11:02 AM
Tourer
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Middle River, MD
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By the book, the light is supposed to come on when there is approximately one gallon left in the tank. Put the emphasis on the word "approximately".
I have the 4.5 gallon tank on my '08 XL883C, and the low fuel light comes on somewhere between 130 and 140 miles. It will occaisionally come on at about 125 miles when accelerating or pulling a hill, but goes back off. I average around 50MPG with my riding style, and I have gone 30 miles with the low fuel ligh on, but still only added 3.2 gallons to the tank.
Don't expect to be able to get to all 4.5 gallons. I'm of the belief that this is the volume of the tank calculated from its dimensions, and that some of that volume is occupied by the fuel pump. Even if the stated capacity considered the fuel pump, the pick-up is not in the ideal spot to sip the last drop out of the tank. I've also beeen warned by a mechanic that running the tank completely dry risks killing the fuel pump.
Bottom line, unless the area you ride in is extremeley flat, there is not enough warning if you wait for the engine to sputter. Once it sucks air going downhill & braking, you'll end up walking uphill.
My council is to reset the trip odometer every fill-up, and never try for more than 140 miles on a tank of gas. If the light comes on, don't panic, but start looking for a gas station. Don't risk it looking for a bargain, because even a difference of 50 cents per gallon only adds up to an extra dollar or two for a fill-up. Don't take the chance, it isn't worth it.
I have the 4.5 gallon tank on my '08 XL883C, and the low fuel light comes on somewhere between 130 and 140 miles. It will occaisionally come on at about 125 miles when accelerating or pulling a hill, but goes back off. I average around 50MPG with my riding style, and I have gone 30 miles with the low fuel ligh on, but still only added 3.2 gallons to the tank.
Don't expect to be able to get to all 4.5 gallons. I'm of the belief that this is the volume of the tank calculated from its dimensions, and that some of that volume is occupied by the fuel pump. Even if the stated capacity considered the fuel pump, the pick-up is not in the ideal spot to sip the last drop out of the tank. I've also beeen warned by a mechanic that running the tank completely dry risks killing the fuel pump.
Bottom line, unless the area you ride in is extremeley flat, there is not enough warning if you wait for the engine to sputter. Once it sucks air going downhill & braking, you'll end up walking uphill.
My council is to reset the trip odometer every fill-up, and never try for more than 140 miles on a tank of gas. If the light comes on, don't panic, but start looking for a gas station. Don't risk it looking for a bargain, because even a difference of 50 cents per gallon only adds up to an extra dollar or two for a fill-up. Don't take the chance, it isn't worth it.
#16
04-06-2009, 11:11 AM
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Location: Irvine, Orange County, Ca
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This weekend I got 120 miles on my 3.3g tank and the light never came on. Was going 65 on the freeway and got over 60mpg! Tank only took 1.9 gallons when I filled up. Usually the light goes on around 100 and I fill up soon after (just because it's in town and easy). I could have done another 60 miles on that tank yesterday! But I'm ready to stand up after 120 miles anyway.
#17
04-06-2009, 11:18 AM
Never been there because I don't have a low fuel light. I know that 100 miles the tank has about 1/2 gallon left. Farthest I've gone before filling was 115 miles, didn't have to switch to reserve. I can't see going much farther than 130 without planning on pushing. I have a 2.25 gal peanut tank.
If you've got a reserve switch on your bike, run it down and see if the light comes on while on regular setting. If you have to switch to reserve before it comes on, you've got a problem, or not.......
If you've got a reserve switch on your bike, run it down and see if the light comes on while on regular setting. If you have to switch to reserve before it comes on, you've got a problem, or not.......
Last edited by Gpsjr10; 04-06-2009 at 11:21 AM.
#18
04-06-2009, 12:37 PM
