Fuel Gage Accuracy
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
RE: Fuel Gage Accuracy
ORIGINAL: VooDooChile
My 08 SG takes approx 4.5gls when light comes. Then of course I can use the fuel mileage count down on the odometer to know how far I have BEFORE I run outta gas. Another cool thang on the 08's........
My 08 SG takes approx 4.5gls when light comes. Then of course I can use the fuel mileage count down on the odometer to know how far I have BEFORE I run outta gas. Another cool thang on the 08's........
i've always just used the odometer and not relied on the gas guage. oh, and btw, before everybody starts jumping on the hd guages suck bandwagon, the one in my truck does the same thing. it sits on full for a long time then drops quickly. only because its a 25 gal tank, it isn't quite as severe as on the bike.
and thats a damn scary avatar.....
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
RE: Fuel Gage Accuracy
My guage does the same thing, once it hits half it falls like a rock, but its the same with the guage in my Xterra. I've made it a habit, especially this time of year when the nights get colder, to stop for a fillup the last thing I do at the end of a longer ride. Even if my guage shows a half tank. With cooler weather you have more chance of condensation in the tank if you leave it partly empty. I figure the fillup at the end of a ride is a small thing I can do to help prevent future problems.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 117
From: Ashby, Ma
RE: Fuel Gage Accuracy
ORIGINAL: MyFirstHD
My first tank of gas is getting low. It hung around Full for a long time, drifted towards half way, then sped downward. I don't thinkmilage vs indicator is linear. The needle is now near "E" and the light went on coming to work. On average how many miles can I expect now? If the light comes on when there is 1 gallon left that's 1/5 of the tank. I've gone about 170 miles, maybe not too gentle either.
My first tank of gas is getting low. It hung around Full for a long time, drifted towards half way, then sped downward. I don't thinkmilage vs indicator is linear. The needle is now near "E" and the light went on coming to work. On average how many miles can I expect now? If the light comes on when there is 1 gallon left that's 1/5 of the tank. I've gone about 170 miles, maybe not too gentle either.
I would put gas in it, quickly when the light comes on. You may have more than 20 miles left, but maybe not.
PS You're getting decent mileage.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
RE: Fuel Gage Accuracy
07 SG has about 1 gallon left when the light comes on. I average 200 miles to the tank riding hard. I go by the odometer and look for gas at about 170. The lights all vary and cannot be trusted until you fill up several times and figure out yours.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,881
Likes: 32,991
From: King George, VA
RE: Fuel Gage Accuracy
I get the rapid fall of the fuel needle to. On trips, I plan a stop within 20 miles when the light comes on. Just around town, I will gas up when its just under the half tank mark.
I would think HD would be able to improve on something like this. After all, they have improved the way they mount tires in the assembly plant and now provide radio headsets for people touring the plant.
I would think HD would be able to improve on something like this. After all, they have improved the way they mount tires in the assembly plant and now provide radio headsets for people touring the plant.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 6
From: Rio Grande Valley-Texas
RE: Fuel Gage Accuracy
I go by millage, the gauge went out and I don't plan on spending the $$ to get a new on. I start looking for a station around 170miles. Never had to switch to reserve....YET.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: Inverness, FL
RE: Fuel Gage Accuracy
ORIGINAL: AtkRWC
I go by millage, the gauge went out and I don't plan on spending the $$ to get a new on. I start looking for a station around 170miles. Never had to switch to reserve....YET.
I go by millage, the gauge went out and I don't plan on spending the $$ to get a new on. I start looking for a station around 170miles. Never had to switch to reserve....YET.
Checked my pocket, only enough for a couple gallons but that will get me to the bank. I think it's time to learn how to set my odo to trip meter.
This has got to be the only site where I can ask a question about my gas gage when I get to work and have the answer by lunch.
One more question then, how do I get the picture of my bike at the bottom of the page?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 6
From: Rio Grande Valley-Texas
RE: Fuel Gage Accuracy
ORIGINAL: MyFirstHD
Switch to reserve? I thought that only the carburated models had a reserve.
ORIGINAL: AtkRWC
I go by millage, the gauge went out and I don't plan on spending the $$ to get a new on. I start looking for a station around 170miles. Never had to switch to reserve....YET.
I go by millage, the gauge went out and I don't plan on spending the $$ to get a new on. I start looking for a station around 170miles. Never had to switch to reserve....YET.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Fuel Gage Accuracy
Fuel gauge accuracy is a joke. Your best bet is to give up right now. Mine has been in the shop six times for the fuel gauge - before I gave up. Mine is on full for 60 miles, 120 at 1/2 tank, then drops very fast from 1/2 to empty. Everyone will tell you the same thing - just use the odometer.