Ok, so I average about 36mpg on my 95 Heritage. The manual says I have .7 gal reserve. But I'm dead after about 8 miles riding on reserve. This happened to me once before, so with nothing better to do, I stayed close to a gas station the other night. Same thing happened....only went about 8 miles. According to my calculations, I should be able to go at least 20 miles, shouldn't I? Any idea what gives? Simple fix or some other explanation?

 

Do you have to manually turn the valve when the light comes on? Sorry, I'm not familiar with that particular bike.

 

Are you the original owner???
Has the petcock ever been changed?

#1 Fill up before you need reserve and the obvious, know you only have 8 miles if you don't.
#2 gas is constantly moving & splashing which will allow riding slightly below normal level
#3 per questions - if the primary tube has been altered or petcock has been changed it the primary tube may not be much higher than the reserve

 

You didn't put a tank lift on your bike by any chance did you?
Or lift the front end and lower the rear?

 

No lights - you just run out of gas and manually switch, hopefully before you come to a stop

Good point stock angle vs higher front could make significant difference.

 

I bought it from original a few years ago. I have no reason to believe anything was mesed with. Petcock looks original and is manual. I don't have the luxury of any lights, just know that at 175 miles on the odometer, I need to start looking for fuel. Only time this is kind of an issue is when I'm traveling in an unfamiliar area. Would be nice to know I have another 20-25 miles left once I flip the switch. That would get me to a station in most areas. Sucks when I'm between exits somewhere and know I only have a measely 8 miles before I'm stranded.

 

No, nothing modified as far as angle. Pretty much an unmolested bike.....pipes and mild cam, that's it.

 

I know it's coming so I'll just say it......start looking for gas when odometer hits 165 instead of 175, right? I'd rather fix whatever the issue may be.....especially if it' a simple fix.

 

If that's the case I would suggest pulling the petcock, giving the petcock a good cleaning and rinse/verify their is no crud in the tank. While the tank is empty check the equalizer nipples and change that hose.
Also if you ride lots of out of the way places, I would suggest a saddle bag gas can. If you NEVER need it it can't hurt, but if you EVER need it you'll be glad you bought it.

 

I have a 97 EG that gets 35-36 mpg on a regular basis.
However when on the super slab when I hit 145-150 mi I'm gonna be going to reserve pretty quick.

Getting to 175 on what I think (not saying for sure) is a 5 gal. tank seems like a long ways.

Haven't run completely out of fuel but have covered 20-25 mi on reserve on occasion.

The length of the tubes on the petcock would be my first place to ck

WP