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130 miles on a tank?

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Old Apr 21, 2007 | 10:51 PM
  #1  
blmoore20's Avatar
blmoore20
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Default 130 miles on a tank?

Rode the new Ultra today and only got 130 miles before the low fuel light came on (mostly back roads). The bike just passed the 250 mile mark so it is not even broken in, so I understand it will get better.

Does this seem normal?

Thanks!
 
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Old Apr 21, 2007 | 10:56 PM
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Default RE: 130 miles on a tank?

That seems abit premature. I am about the same point in break in as you as I just passed 300 miles yesterday. My light came on about 150 miles and when i filled it, It took 4.2 gallons and the total elapsed mileage was 168. I am averaging about 39.5 MPG.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2007 | 10:58 PM
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gman
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Default RE: 130 miles on a tank?

fuel light is pretty unpredictable. mine comes on way early. when it does come on i have a little over a gallon left. figuring you're somewhere in the 30-35 mpg, the light coming on when it does is pretty normal. course, the fuel guage isn't much more accurate. think the same guy who built the fuel light, built the fuel guage and the air temp guage. what a joke.

[IMG]local://upfiles/12616/47767F464B3C4B98829EBAC2FD9F607E.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/12616/3C32A69AFAA641A78FC33CE65A09B5A9.jpg[/IMG]
 
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Old Apr 22, 2007 | 12:21 AM
  #4  
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btefft
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Default RE: 130 miles on a tank?

Mine varies. Just today my light came on around 128 miles. It held a little more than 4 gallons.

I took a "5th grear" long trip last week-end and got 176 before the light came on.

The harder I hammer it, the faster the tank empties.

Hack
 
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Old Apr 22, 2007 | 01:45 AM
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Default RE: 130 miles on a tank?

Mine went on yesterday at 122 miles, pulled into station, it took 3.8 gallons. The light came on a little soon but the bad news is I'm only getting around 33mpg.
Today I abandoned my dyno tune and installed a canned map with my SERT, took it for a test ride and couldn't feel much difference but we'll see if the MPG improves.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2007 | 03:12 AM
  #6  
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74_ironhead
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Default RE: 130 miles on a tank?

thats what I got today, but I was fighting pretty heavy winds.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2007 | 05:03 AM
  #7  
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Default RE: 130 miles on a tank?

Probably normal with the low miles and depending on your riding style. I usually go 160 miles before I feel the urgency to fill up. The light doesn't come on at that mark but that's about my comfort level. I've had the light come on around 170 with normal riding but if I push it or there's a strong head wind, the light comes on a LOT sooner. I just had mine dynoed withe the new K&N filter but haven't checked the mileage yet. If no rain tomorrow, I'll get the chance. Your mileage will improve once it's broken in, mine did, but when I run 75+, it drops dramatically. I've made long rides on back roads a low speeds and almost gotten 200 miles before the light but this is rare I think.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2007 | 08:12 AM
  #8  
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Default RE: 130 miles on a tank?

Put not your faith in HD fuel guages or lights!!!
My bone-stock '03 RK routinely gets 40-44mpg,and I usually refill at 130-150 miles.On one occasion I refilled at 165 miles,put in exactly 4 gallons,and the stupid guage said I still had 3/4 tank.
Your mileage should increase after break-in.
Clark
 
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Old Apr 22, 2007 | 09:32 AM
  #9  
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SG 1
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Default RE: 130 miles on a tank?

Mine is still stock. I filled up yesterday @168.5 miles and it took 4.2 gallons. Gas mileage has definatly gotton better with miles. Got a little over 2000 on it now.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2007 | 09:37 AM
  #10  
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Default RE: 130 miles on a tank?

Interesting you mention this in your post. Not the same bike, but it is interesting that yesterday my my light came on for the first time. I had been making a bunch of short runs, mostly around town and in very heavy winds the past three days, and trying out new fluid to see how the tranny felt. (And listening to the rumble). I was not paying attention to the fuel. The light came on, had 186 miles on it and the guage said 1/8 tank. I turned around and went to fill up, and it took 4.527 gallons and was then 190 miles. Very accurate guage. (I had always told my self 150 miles was fill up time). That is very lowest I have gotten, but like I mentioned it was a series of short runs, so since I warm my bike up well, the wind, etc., got a low reading. On the road I get 46-49 running about 70mph with the 04 /5 speed RK.

Hogback
 
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