Fuel reserve
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
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From: Bay Area, CA
Fuel reserve
I just bought my '96 RK about a month and a half ago (first bike). It is FI and when I get low on gas, sometimes the idiot light comes on, but I have never had to put more than 2.5-3 gals in it. I realize I have a reserve, but I don't think the FI model has the petcock- so my dumb question is does it automatically take it in from the reserve? I didn't think I had to fill the other side where the gauge is, do I? How do I know how much is in the reserve? I either want to use up the reserve or flush it in case it is old.
Thanks for your patience.
Thanks for your patience.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
RE: Fuel reserve
Fuel injected bikes DO NOT have a reserve. The idiot light usually comes on when you are down to a gallon or sometimes less depending on the setting of your bike. You can get the sensor checked by a dealer to see if it is functioning properly.
Most riders use their trip meter to track fuel. If you figure what gas mileage you get you can calculate when to fill up.
Most riders use their trip meter to track fuel. If you figure what gas mileage you get you can calculate when to fill up.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 72
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From: Bay Area, CA
RE: Fuel reserve
Alright, makes sense. Shouldn't I have a 5 gallon tank though? When I only pump 2-3 gallons and I am at E or extremely close shouldn't I be pumping around 4 gallons.
Jason
Jason
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,081
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
RE: Fuel reserve
ORIGINAL: rm4040
I don't you have a reserve with fuel injection
I don't you have a reserve with fuel injection
When my low fuel light comes on I head for a station and have put 4.97 gals in once. (I let the light go for just a bit then. I don't do that anymore!) When the light just comes on I can put just a hair over 4 gals in the tank.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 5
From: Alaska
RE: Fuel reserve
The only thing in this world that lies more than a xxxxxx is the gas gauge on a Harley.
Get to know your bikes fuel consumption for different speeds, riding conditions, and load. Then use a watch and the odo.
Get to know your bikes fuel consumption for different speeds, riding conditions, and load. Then use a watch and the odo.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 456
Likes: 1
From: Blacksburg, VA
RE: Fuel reserve
Just watch the trip meter. The fuel light is "supposed" to come on with about a gallon left. Most of my previous bikes have been FI. When the light came on, on the last Road King I had, you better be gettin some gas NOW. Less than 20 miles, you were on the side of the road. The one I had after that came on with about 2.5 gal. left in the tank. The sending unit works off of a float in the tank. It's on a wire arm that bend easily. They are a major pain in the butt to get out, and put back in. Most of the time on removal or install, they get bent a lil bit. Now days I never even watch the light. I just know how many miles I can get out of a tank, and watch the trip meter. Just my $.02