Fuel gauge - worth it or not?
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1st Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Fort Sill, OK
Fuel gauge - worth it or not?
I just purchased a 2006 Softail Standard (FXSTI), but the previous owner replaced the fuel gauge with a cloisonne medallion. Is this a removable item that is stuck on the factory fuel gauge or is it a replacement? I would like a fuel gauge, so I have an idea on how much fuel I have left in my tank. For now, I am resetting my trip everytime I fuel up and monitoring my mileage. Is the fuel gauge simply a waste of time? I have been reading that numerous people have issues with the analog fuel gauges. Any thoughts?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
Likes: 9,322
From: Georgia
didn't have a gauge for 30+ years before the Train.Might have run out of gas 2-3 times by misjudging the next town or exit.160 miles I look for gas on my 05.Lots of other things to spend money on.
I have an analog fuel gauge on my '02 and I use it all the time -- with the understanding it only registers about 60% of the fuel actually in the tank (when it reads "E", I still have another 40-60 miles). But I fill up when it reads "E" anyway. Agree that the odometer is more accurate method however the fuel gauge does have a certain usefulness, IMO.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 390
Likes: 1
From: Dark Side of the Moon
I found my factory gauge inaccurate. I replaced ot with one of the LED gauges and it is Way better. It is easier to see and alot more accurate. The LED's do dim at night so it is not irritating. If I were to do it again I would probably go with the flush mount in Black instead of the skulls (which have been discontinued). I may have to invest in another set. I might be able to offset the price with selling the skulls.........
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Fort Sill, OK
I found my factory gauge inaccurate. I replaced ot with one of the LED gauges and it is Way better. It is easier to see and alot more accurate. The LED's do dim at night so it is not irritating. If I were to do it again I would probably go with the flush mount in Black instead of the skulls (which have been discontinued). I may have to invest in another set. I might be able to offset the price with selling the skulls.........
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, Orange County, Ca
Doesn't your speedometer have a function to tell you when you're low on gas? I can't remember what year that was added? My '08 has it. When you get down to about 30 miles left, it should automatically change over and tell you how many miles you have remaining. It may not be 100% correct...but it should do what you want? Also, I just changed out my speedo for the HD new speedo/tach which also registers your gas. You could just change that out? You won't need that fuel gauge anymore then.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: SE Michigan
Actually, not true. The system as configured requires the resistance from *a* fuel gauge wired to the stock wires that run to the gauge. If you dont have a gauge (either stock or the LED gauge kit), it will display no fuel on the speedo/tach combo and the low fuel light will always be on.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 246
Likes: 2
From:
I have an 06 FXSTSI. The fuel gauge is a good item to have. The gauge may not be that accurate, but as a relative indicator, it's fine. The best part is that it turns on the yellow "low fuel" light on the dash when I get near the last gallon of fuel. I still watch my miles though. At 160, I start looking for fuel, even though I could probably go to 180 or so. I've never run out of fuel and have always had at least half a gallon left in the tank (i.e. I've never put in more than 4.5 gal.).
Jake
Jake
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,620
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From: Irvine, Orange County, Ca
Actually, not true. The system as configured requires the resistance from *a* fuel gauge wired to the stock wires that run to the gauge. If you dont have a gauge (either stock or the LED gauge kit), it will display no fuel on the speedo/tach combo and the low fuel light will always be on.