On the Forty-Eight The fuel indicator light comes on after just 1 gallon of fuelis burned (2.1 tank size) giving it a 1 gallon reserve, so would I be correct in thinking if I install a 3.2 gallon tank I would then burn 2 gallons before the indicator light came on? Or is it a float that turns on the indictor when the fuel in the tank is at half way,therefore turning on the indicator at 1.6 gallons left in the tank?

 

Oh and if it is a float and the ladder is correct is there a way to adjust it?

 

There is known problems with the reserve lights on the xl's. the reserve light on my Iron has been on continuously since about 2000kms (I am currently at about 14000). It has been to the dealer twice and they cannot make it go out. they have tried new tank, new speedo, and a few other things but it will not shut off. Who knows what will happen if you switch tanks.

 

Yep,they are unreliable.

 

This...I go by mileage, not the light. Usually around 65-75 miles I start looking for fuel.

 

Well then are the fuel gauges sold through Harley worth the investment - Do theywork well? Hate stopping for a half of tank but I think I would hate pushing it more..

 

I've been wondering about the fuel light on my 48... it recently came on at 52 miles which I thought was a bit odd? Surely I can get more than that out of it.

I wasn't aware that the light is supposed to come on at half tank - is this the case?

 

They use a float. The subject of fuel gauges and warning lights comes up on every model forum in here! On carb bikes we have a reserve position on the gas tap, so the engine starts to die while we fiddle around trying to turn the darned tap. Now on EFI bikes we have a light which tells us pretty well the same thing, but doesn't cut the engine, yet seems to get more complaints than the gas tap!

You can adjust when the light comes on by bending the float wire, it is as simple as that. On a 2 gallon tank I am not sure it is worth adding a fuel gauge - you're always on your way to a gas station!

 

i have a 3.3 iron tank on my 48... i also have the digital speedo/tach guage with the fuel sensor addon...

my light comes on at about 105-110 miles

at 120 miles, i can put just a bit over 2.5 gallons in the tank.

 

LOL...mine comes on around 35 miles... but then again my 48 uses a bit more fuel than most...