How accurate is the fuel gauge?

[MarkShelley]

I seem to be getting pretty good MPG so far, about 53mpg out of my 1100GS.
Today I filled up with 210 on the odometer and it took just under 18 litres. There were still two bars left on the gauge and the fuel warning light hadn`t come on. Is it safe to wait until the light comes on or have they been known to run out before the light comes on?

 

[D6]

mine has plenty when the light comes on

 

[Deleted account W]

210 miles on 18 litres? You do know the throttle goes more than a quarter of a turn?

 

[MarkShelley]

210 miles on 18 litres? You do know the throttle goes more than a quarter of a turn?

I was a bit surprised myself as I tend to cruise between 80 and 90. There did seem to be roadworks everywhere on the A1 and M25 though so a fair bit was plodding at 60 odd in 5th.

 

[Paul Young]

They're accurate when they're full, & they're accurate when they're empty. The bit inbetween can be a bit vague...

240 is about the best I've heard of but I could empty my tank in 150 miles, sometimes

 

[MMC]

210 miles on 18 litres? You do know the throttle goes more than a quarter of a turn?

And you do know you have to turn that black thing on the headstock to make the engine come on? You can't always paddle along with your feet you know.

210 miles?!?!??!?!?! Holy God - I'll get about 180 on mine on a really good day.

Sounds like you got a good 'un.

 

[MarkShelley]

Got 200 miles from 17 litres = 53.5mpg from atrip to Sussex and back via M11/M25 whilst making `good progress`
Pretty much the same as before. I really must chuck a petrol can in and see how far I can go before the light comes on.

 

[ahutcheon]

I've often run my 1150GS until the fuel light has come on, never had to walk to the fuel station as a result. I can get 20+ miles with the light on, but I try not to make a habit of it.

 

[Vern]

Stick a can of petrol on the back,fill the tank up,and then ride it untill it runs out,then you'll know.You can even make notes on when the bars drop another level.It's the only way to find out

I was out on my shiney 1100(now known as the Donkling)last week, and riding very steadily and smoothly,and it was doing just over 73mpg when I filled it up again

 

[MarkShelley]

I've often run my 1150GS until the fuel light has come on, never had to walk to the fuel station as a result. I can get 20+ miles with the light on, but I try not to make a habit of it.

I wouldn`t risk it with a `new ` bike. They all seem to vary a bit. For all I know the light may not work! I got caught out in the past.

 

[Stewart H]

Spare fuel is always a good idea, my gauge was not working for ages, when I fixed it I had fuel in cans, for my bike the last bar disappears with about six litres in the tank, the orange light comes on at five, I envy the economy you guys are getting, hopefully I fixed my rich running with a replacement oil temp sensor.
Stewart

 

[jonesai]

I zero the odomenter when I fill up and assume 50mpg for ease of calculation on the road. Fill up after 200 miles (4 gallons approx) max - it is a 5 gallon tank approx. Around a gallon left in the tank usually when the light comes on

 

[motobiker]

It's seldom mentioned.. but even if you were to run out of fuel (or appear to).. there will still be some in the tank.. you have to virtually lay the bike on its side to move it from lobe to lobe though... a good 10+ miles worth by all accounts. (worth remembering)

 

[G.C.]

210 miles on 18 litres? You do know the throttle goes more than a quarter of a turn?

Quality Kev

Holy God - I'll get about 180 on mine on a really good day.

That`s about right for me.
I have had to do the long walk of shame