When do you fill your tank
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
When on a road trip in unfamiliar areas (especially out west here where the next gas stop can be 100 miles) i alway err on the side of caution and fill up if at 1/2 tank.
Know your bike's gauge and how it reads. Each bike is different. Some don't read too accurately and a 1/4 tank means you have about 15 miles before you'll be walking for example.
Run your bike down to the fuel light. Then go maybe 10 or 20 miles and fill it up. See exactly how much it takes to fill to the spout and then you'll know what the fuel light indicator is telling you is left.
I've put 5.2 gallons in a 5.2 tank, so yikes I know I've been down to vapor a time or two.
Know your bike's gauge and how it reads. Each bike is different. Some don't read too accurately and a 1/4 tank means you have about 15 miles before you'll be walking for example.
Run your bike down to the fuel light. Then go maybe 10 or 20 miles and fill it up. See exactly how much it takes to fill to the spout and then you'll know what the fuel light indicator is telling you is left.
I've put 5.2 gallons in a 5.2 tank, so yikes I know I've been down to vapor a time or two.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 7
From: The Great Northwest
I know my average MPG so I use a combination of the trip-meter and my brain.
If I'm on a trip I carry 2 extra quarts of premium just in case I feel like pushing the envelope. I use camp fuel canisters purchased a REI.
It's also nice to be able to help out a friend in need
If I'm on a trip I carry 2 extra quarts of premium just in case I feel like pushing the envelope. I use camp fuel canisters purchased a REI.
It's also nice to be able to help out a friend in need
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: gorham maine
Since running out of gas may require me to push a 600 + pound bike and I am to F*%*&^ old to do so I usually rely on my trusty odometer or better yet my idiot light to tell me when its time for fuel.
When riding with a group I generally make it a point to get gas whenever anyone in the group stops .
When riding with a group I generally make it a point to get gas whenever anyone in the group stops .
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 951
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa, Canada
I have a trip meter on my '08 Heritage and I've gone down to the LOW warning for maybe 5 minutes ( that's what I see when there's less than 16 km ie. 10 miles left in gas). By that time I was praying out loud. Why I waited that long? I thought the gas was a little cheaper in the next town...
!
When I pulled into the gas station, I didn't even look at the price. My legs were shaking!
I like living on the edge!
!When I pulled into the gas station, I didn't even look at the price. My legs were shaking!
I like living on the edge!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
When I'm near civilization I let it get down past the low fuel light which comes on right at the 1 gal mark. When I'm out in the boonies like my recent overnight trip alone on the TCH, I stop every chance I get.
Couple times I actually got a bit concerned. I had this vision in my mind of running out of gas and someone finding me frozen to death along side the road in the morning. When you're used to riding on Interstates like 95 where theres a gas station every 20-30 miles you just assume it's like that everywhere. Not so.
Couple times I actually got a bit concerned. I had this vision in my mind of running out of gas and someone finding me frozen to death along side the road in the morning. When you're used to riding on Interstates like 95 where theres a gas station every 20-30 miles you just assume it's like that everywhere. Not so.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
