Fueling issue
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids, MN
Fueling issue
I have a 2011 Wide Glide with a 4.7 gal fuel tank. Although my fuel gauge reads low with about 5 miles to empty, I have never put more then 3.1 gallons of gas into the bike. Any help? The bike has 2 tanks, one fill and a crossover.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,758
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
The HD fuel gauge setup is sometimes very inaccurate 
I always trust my trip meter when it comes to fuel, and ignore the fuel gauge and the idiot light.
I do plan on removing the sending unit from the left side of the tank and tweak it to see if it will be a bit more accurate. I've thrown my sending unit off quite a bit with a 2" tank lift and +2" over Wide Glide fork tubes so at 90 miles or so the fuel light comes on and the display goes in to panic mode
I've added fuel right at the point the fuel light comes on and it's 2 - 2.2 gallons to top it off; I just trust my trip meter...
I always trust my trip meter when it comes to fuel, and ignore the fuel gauge and the idiot light.I do plan on removing the sending unit from the left side of the tank and tweak it to see if it will be a bit more accurate. I've thrown my sending unit off quite a bit with a 2" tank lift and +2" over Wide Glide fork tubes so at 90 miles or so the fuel light comes on and the display goes in to panic mode
I've added fuel right at the point the fuel light comes on and it's 2 - 2.2 gallons to top it off; I just trust my trip meter...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 259
From: Northstreet, michigan
I've experienced the same thing with both my old street bob, and my current lrs. I upgraded the fuel gage to the LED style, and found that it's only real purpose is so you can go "oooooh pretty lights". However, you can always trust your tripometer. I know that my fuel is gettin low around 110-120 miles so I don't push it much further than that. I use trip a so I know when I need fuel, and trip b for my services (I change all 3 fluids every 2k miles). Bottom line, trust the tripometer, not the fuel gage. I'm sure a lot more will chime In and say the same thing
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 261
Likes: 56
From: Springdale, Arkansas
I agree with these guys on it being inaccurate. I swapped in a Dakota Digital speedo, and a Performance Machine led fuel gauge into my Wide Glide. AFTER calibrating them 2 times, I pulled the sending unit out and tweeked the arm so that I get the reading I want. When the fuel gauge is on the last led and flashing, and the low fuel light comes on in the speedo, I have 1.25 gallons or about 50 mile till it's empty. Now the range in the speedo is a different story, and maybe after a few tanks it will be more accurate, but at least I can turn that off if it doesn't get better.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 130
From: Vancouver
Most veterans done rely on gas gauges. No matter what bike you have, they are never accurate. Rely on mileage if you plan to ride to near empty everytime.
I usually fill up when it's just below half in the city. On a long ride...mileage is pretty consistent where you will know how far your bike will go.
I usually fill up when it's just below half in the city. On a long ride...mileage is pretty consistent where you will know how far your bike will go.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,175
Likes: 2,483
From: Nor Cal
Hmm...you must have some "old" gas in that small 1.6 gal 2nd tank under the seat
Don't you carry a Gas "Stick" with you?
.
Don't you carry a Gas "Stick" with you?
.
Last edited by multihdrdr; Jun 23, 2017 at 10:33 AM.
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Stage III
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From: Grand Rapids, MN
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 433
Likes: 142
From: Georgetown, TX
Your's is a single one piece tank if it is stock. I don't use the gas gauge for any reason, it is just there, trip meter and mileage. In town driving I fill up between 120 and 130 miles, highway I don't push past 150 if I can help it.
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids, MN
Most veterans done rely on gas gauges. No matter what bike you have, they are never accurate. Rely on mileage if you plan to ride to near empty everytime.
I usually fill up when it's just below half in the city. On a long ride...mileage is pretty consistent where you will know how far your bike will go.
I usually fill up when it's just below half in the city. On a long ride...mileage is pretty consistent where you will know how far your bike will go.
I don't plan on riding that close to empty, I was just trying to see how much gas I could get in the tanks when it was almost empty. I do use my trip meter for reference, but thank you for the info.