Fuel gauge
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
For some reason the gauge that I recently installed on my Dyna is dead nuts accurate, I have a 4 gallon FXR gas tank on it and when it reads 3/4 it will take right at one gallon, 1/2 right at two gallons, 1/4 right at 3 gallons and it needs to go on reserve right when the needle hit's the red line at 1/8 of a tank.
It's the most accurate gauge I've ever had on a Harley.
It's the most accurate gauge I've ever had on a Harley.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I never trust a fuel gage on a motorcycle. but then I'm a bit **** too.... I record every gallon of fuel run through. I top off (carefully wiggle bike and continue filling until it's topped off) and reset to 0.0 on odometer. 13 street glide, 6 gal tank, 38-42 around town.... get near 200 and fuel gage says about 1/4 I start looking. to me, the fuel gage is only a suggestion. I know what I get, how far I can go, and use that.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
gI have never understood the compulsion to run until only one quart is left in the tank. If you guess wrong, that last 100 foot push to the pump is a long way. Each fuel gauge is a little different. Pay attention to the needle position and how much fuel is needed to top off the tank. That relationship should be fairly consistent. I reset the trip odometer at each fill up BUT also use the gauge for a "warm and fuzzy" indication that things are normal.
It is NORMAL for my mileage to vary from around 32 when running at 80 mph into a strong headwind to around 50 mpg when gently sight seeing at around 45 mph. If the gauge drops rapidly while gently cruising I become suspicious that something isn't right and will stop for fuel early to avoid that 100 foot push. If the gauge does NOT drop rapidly when running hard into a head wind I will disregard the gas gauge indication and again stop based on anticipated high consumption rather than trust an overly optimistic gauge. Both of these examples would indicate a malfunction and how much fuel is needed for the top off would confirm the malfunction and suggest where to start looking.
It is NORMAL for my mileage to vary from around 32 when running at 80 mph into a strong headwind to around 50 mpg when gently sight seeing at around 45 mph. If the gauge drops rapidly while gently cruising I become suspicious that something isn't right and will stop for fuel early to avoid that 100 foot push. If the gauge does NOT drop rapidly when running hard into a head wind I will disregard the gas gauge indication and again stop based on anticipated high consumption rather than trust an overly optimistic gauge. Both of these examples would indicate a malfunction and how much fuel is needed for the top off would confirm the malfunction and suggest where to start looking.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
That's unkind - it's just misunderstood! The number of queries we get around HDF on how to use the darned things never ceases to amaze me. How would modern riders cope with only a reserve gas tap FFS?! Don't answer that...... 
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,805
Likes: 6,931
From: Cincinnati OH.
Over and back
I sold my last bagger to buy the Spyder. Four years later, I sold the Spyder to buy this bagger. Funny how history repeats itself.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
I never trust a fuel gage on a motorcycle. but then I'm a bit **** too.... I record every gallon of fuel run through. I top off (carefully wiggle bike and continue filling until it's topped off) and reset to 0.0 on odometer. 13 street glide, 6 gal tank, 38-42 around town.... get near 200 and fuel gage says about 1/4 I start looking. to me, the fuel gage is only a suggestion. I know what I get, how far I can go, and use that.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I just go by mileage. The fuel light I found to be accurate but the gauges on my last 2 were worthless.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 33
From: East Alton, IL
My 10 Ultra (6 gal tank) takes 4.8 gal consistently when the low fuel light comes on. That's when I refill regardless of the miles ridden. I don't want to push that 1000 lb thing a foot let alone 100 feet. Personally I have never understood riding them to the last drop. When it's convenient I'll refill when the gauge says 1/2 or below. I'm taking a short day trip tomorrow and currently have about 1/2 tank. I'll refill before I leave. I see no reason to worry about fuel levels while riding.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 563
Likes: 4
From: Raleigh, NC
I just wish I could get more than 150 miles on a tank. I think the best I ever got, I mean the closest to empty I got it, was about 160 miles. And it took 5.2 gallons to fill it. I have a 5.5 gallon tank.