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Fuel Capacity Question - Doesn't Add Up

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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 11:34 AM
  #31  
Mike Horrell's Avatar
Mike Horrell
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Originally Posted by HYPR
The other issue is the SMOG fuel fillers will shut off with more than .5 gallons of empty space left so I have to hold the SMOG neck up by hand with the nozzel just touching the anti-splash neck to completely fill the tank.
Bob
I have to do the same on my 2009 FXDC and many nozzles "kick" causing
spillage. It's either that or lose 40-50 miles of range and out here in the
desert range is everything..
 
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Old Jul 9, 2012 | 06:08 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by Superlow
They told me the gage and pump takes up about 1 gallon. So a 4 ˝ gallon tank only holds 3 ˝ gallons. Beware.
I think the dealer was mistaken. The fuel guage does not "hold" any fuel. I guess the fuel guage float can displace some fuel, but only a couple of ounces. The pump, filter and lines may hold some fuel, but I would think 8 to 10 ounces combined max. If you have a 4.5 gallon tank, it should hold very close to that.
 
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Old Jul 10, 2012 | 01:55 AM
  #33  
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Yea! I have a 2012 FXDWG and I have the same issue! But, as many people as i see with this problem it seems to be the normal!
 
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 10:18 AM
  #34  
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I found this thread because I have experienced the same thing. I will be in my local dealer this weekend. I will asks and post back later with what they tell me.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 06:21 PM
  #35  
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FWIW, I pulled into a station Monday with the "Miles Remaining" showing 12 and took 4.6 gallons.

Once in the past I deliberately ran it down to the point that it stopped calculating at about
10 miles remaining and just showed "LOW FUEL". At that point it took about 4.8.

So I'd say that 5.0 is right; it's just that it's very difficult to get it 100% full unless you accept
some kickback spillage (ounces at most) from most pumps.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 07:32 PM
  #36  
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I ignore the gauge. Just reset the trip meter and figure 40mpg and fill up around 160 miles, and it normally takes at or a little less than 4 gallons, Time to take a stretch and bathroom break anyway. The 60's can be a bitch...
 
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 07:55 PM
  #37  
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most bikes don't have acurite gauges.. cars arnt always that acurite ether, but they hold a lot more fuel and it isn't as noticeable.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 09:17 PM
  #38  
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I can say the problem goes back to 2001 (at least)

My gauge is off, I know when it gets to "E" it's time to think about getting gas. Even then the most I've put in is just over 3 gallons.

Never had the courage to actually see how far I could go on "E" :P
 
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Old Aug 27, 2012 | 06:20 AM
  #39  
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So I went in to my dealership this weekend and asked about the fuel capacity. I have an 2012 WG which is supposed to have 4.7 gal tank. I have never put more than 3.4 in after running it down to 5 miles remaining. The service tech at the dealer said that I "should" have another gallon or so in there, but that the capacity of these tanks is not exact. So not a whole lot of information to add unfortunately. looks like I will have to strap on a gas can and run it until it sputters to find out exactly how much my tank can hold.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2012 | 07:36 AM
  #40  
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The most I ever managed to put in the tank with Low Fuel displaying for more than 6/8 miles, was 4,5 gallon. I run that low because I was in town and knew exactly I far I was from each gas station, in case I had to push...

Somehow when I ride, and my fuel gauge indicates upwards of E, or not in the "red" zone, I can find a gas station every 15miles or less. Once the needle is in the "red" E, gas stations become incredibly rare.... don't know how that works!
 
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