Fuel lo-range light
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 156
Likes: 40
From: sacramento, CA
Fuel lo-range light
Just returned from a 2,000 mile trip around Utah, and back to Sacramento. Along the way I went on a fair amount of desolate roads with no gas stations for miles. I am always checking my "range" on my fuel warning gauge. What I have found out is that often times the lo range will come up, telling me I have @ 40, or 30, or less miles running time left. While I try to avoid this, I find myself stopping way too often for gas, to ensure I don't run out. But i have never put in more than 3 1/2 gallons of fuel (5 gallon tank). So....those of you with this feature: Do you just reset the trip meter and judge by that; do you wait until lo-range goes to zero and figure there is at least 1 gallon of gas; or does anyone carry extra gas (only on these types of trips)? I've seen 1/2 gallon gas cans. Thanks for your input.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 6,107
From: Florida
My fuel guage is FUBAR. Only time I ever ran it lo enough to make the light go on, I went for exactly 1 mile before I ran out. I ran it down to "E" the other day, put in 2 gallons, and it was on full.
I really don't trust the damn thing. Wonder why they don't put petcocks with EFI, at least then you'd have a reserve.
I really don't trust the damn thing. Wonder why they don't put petcocks with EFI, at least then you'd have a reserve.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 345
From: Ohio
When the low fuel countdown hits zero on mine I usually have between half and seven tenths of a gallon left.
I'm usually filling up before the warning light comes on though. Either filling up in conjunction with a rest stop, eating, overnight stop, etc etc etc...
I'm usually filling up before the warning light comes on though. Either filling up in conjunction with a rest stop, eating, overnight stop, etc etc etc...
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 303
From: N. Tx.
Even though I have a fuel gauge I calculate a conservative 36 mpg and fill up when appropriate. For long distance rides across several states I also carry a 1/2 gal spare bungeed to the luggage rack stack.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
Personally, I watch my fuel gauge along with my trip meter and go by that. My bike is fairly consistent when it comes to mpg and this method has never let me down. I also don't like letting my tank get that low so I usually have a set mileage in my head where I start looking for the next station and I'd rather stop a few extra times than take the chance on waiting till the low light comes on and hope that I can find a station before I run out of gas. Just call me old fashioned. 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
just 1 time you have to run it out of fuel to know exactly. then take 80% of the miles ridden as a general rule.
i have 3 Harley roadglides, an 04 with a 107, a 10 with a stage 2 96 and a 12, with a 120R.
the fuel gauges all give a different reading.
my 04, @165 miles a gas station better be in sight or you are walking
on the 04, i fill up every 125 miles
my 10, @240 miles is the absolute max mileage
on the 10 i fill up at 200.
my 12. @210 is the max mileage for speeds below 75. @180 if you have been running above 80.
the 12 i fill up at 150.
my best advice, fill it up, pack an extra half gallon of fuel, ride till you run out, note mileage. put 1/2 gallon of gas in tank, go fill up. only way you can be 100% sure. even then, gas grades vary so much you could be wrong
i have 3 Harley roadglides, an 04 with a 107, a 10 with a stage 2 96 and a 12, with a 120R.
the fuel gauges all give a different reading.
my 04, @165 miles a gas station better be in sight or you are walking
on the 04, i fill up every 125 miles
my 10, @240 miles is the absolute max mileage
on the 10 i fill up at 200.
my 12. @210 is the max mileage for speeds below 75. @180 if you have been running above 80.
the 12 i fill up at 150.
my best advice, fill it up, pack an extra half gallon of fuel, ride till you run out, note mileage. put 1/2 gallon of gas in tank, go fill up. only way you can be 100% sure. even then, gas grades vary so much you could be wrong
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
have an app on my cell phone called Fuel Buddy. I record every fill up with miles, gallons, and cost. I reset the odometer at each fill. I do this religiously... so I know when I hit 200 on around town, short trips, it's time to look for fuel. when I travel at steady speeds and cruise control...220-240 and I look for fuel. the app has a recap so I can see what my mileage is... between 35-45 depending. it drives me nuts when someone does not know their range, or how much fuel they have. And those that rely solely on their fuel gage.... never trust mine... reference only!
fuelbuddy-app.com I have both my van and bike in this app.... love it!
fuelbuddy-app.com I have both my van and bike in this app.... love it!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,456
Likes: 2,860
From: SW FL-Jersey Shore Emigre
I only ran out once years ago on my Honda 305, turned the petcock on reserve, forgot, and sputtered to a stop-at the top of a hill, with a gas station on the bottom! Coasted in, filled up, lesson learned-cheap. Now as soon as the gauge gets near the redline, I fill up.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
In my 48+ years of riding a motorcycle I can only remember running out of gas once and that was long before I owned a bike with a fuel gauge.
I know that 200 miles on my bike is a "safe range" for fuel so I re-set my trip meter at every fill-up. This is also a good way of keeping track of MPG's and to determine if my bike is running normally.
I've rode in some desolate areas and I've made it a point to get fuel anytime it's available (even if it isn't premium).
Another thing I carry in my tool pouch is a 5ft piece of siphon hose and an empty pop/soda bottle.
Most anyone will sell you a gallon of fuel for $5 and that should be enough to get you to the nearest service station.
IF, you ride a Sportster with a "peanut" tank and go riding on the backroads of Nevada, not much good anyone can do you, sorry!
I know that 200 miles on my bike is a "safe range" for fuel so I re-set my trip meter at every fill-up. This is also a good way of keeping track of MPG's and to determine if my bike is running normally.
I've rode in some desolate areas and I've made it a point to get fuel anytime it's available (even if it isn't premium).
Another thing I carry in my tool pouch is a 5ft piece of siphon hose and an empty pop/soda bottle.
Most anyone will sell you a gallon of fuel for $5 and that should be enough to get you to the nearest service station.
IF, you ride a Sportster with a "peanut" tank and go riding on the backroads of Nevada, not much good anyone can do you, sorry!