How accurate is my gas gauge?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 6
From: North London, UK
When I picked up my Road King (a 2011) I was told that the gas gauge was "very pessimistic" and that it was better to rely on the warning light and accompanying readout on the display.
I've noticed that the gauge is actually not far off.
I've noticed that the gauge is actually not far off.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 8
From: General Sherman's Christmas Location 1864
I got a good one..
I stil use the odometer but..
Light comes on consistantly .7-.9 gallons left
I have pushed it to see the limits, needle was right on the E and it took 5.1 Gal
I stil use the odometer but..
Light comes on consistantly .7-.9 gallons left
I have pushed it to see the limits, needle was right on the E and it took 5.1 Gal
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte Area
I have gone another 80 miles when the gauges said empty, freaked the wife out. I use the odometer and the miles to empty deal
On the odometer. Om the other hand, when the light does come on, start looking for a station, you wont go more than 30 miles
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 4
From: Central IL
Proud member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Teamsters
09 ultra classic, red hot sunglo.
Fixed it for ya.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 11
From: Kentucky
My softail came with one of those Willie G LED gauges on it. Once I figured out the reason it didn't work was that it was unplugged, it has been pretty accurate. I rarely pay attention to it, but it's handy if I forget to reset the miles.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 2
From: SE TN
Like many said, use the odometer. For my softail, 160-170 miles is a good time to stop.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 6
From: Route 66
I haven't any experience on the newer fuel injected stuff but isn't the sending unit float adjustable?My Ultra is older,with carb and a reserve but my sending unit float is set where mine runs out within about 5 miles after bottoming out on the empty mark and then I still have reserve.My mileage may vary 50-60 miles on a tank depending on how I ride it so I rely on my gauge more than my odometer.About once a month or so I will let mine hit empty around town just to check the accuracy of my gauge.The rest of the time I fill up at a quarter of a tank when possible.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 149
From: FL
This is my first bike with a fuel gauge and no reserve. Mine seems to be pessimistic, when it reads well into the red the tank only usually takes about 3.5 gallons or so. I've learned to rely on the trip odometer and I'm sticking with that.