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05-03-2011, 01:49 PM | #1 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 93
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Fuel Capacity
Everything I read says my 2002 Nomad 1500FI has a 5 gallon tank; is that true?
If so, my gas light is coming on (and my gauge is on E) when I still have about 1.5 gallons, or about 60 miles since I've been getting almost 40mpg. Is something wrong, or is that just the way these bikes are set-up? Now that I have been tracking, I know that I get about 40 mpg's, and that when my light comes on it take 3.5 gallons to fill-up, so I can just watch the odometer to know when I need gas (or figure about 40 miles after the light comes on to be safe), but am curious if there is something wrong, and/of if there is a fix. Thanks for any and all info. Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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05-03-2011, 02:13 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lancaster County, PA
Posts: 261
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Fuel Capacity
I have had a number of bikes with a warning light for low fuel and they all worked the same way - shows empty and you've got a gallon + to play with. When you ignore the gauge all day consider it a gift. I got in the habit of watching the miles since my Sportster back in the 60s with a peanut tank, 90 miles and you were out! I have an '07 and I believe it is a 5.3gal. tank and I get about 44 mpg, generally start looking for fuel at 150 miles on the trip meter.
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2007 Nomad - Black/Titanium |
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05-03-2011, 02:29 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 93
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Fuel Capacity
I never figured-out how many mile I had left when the light came on, on the old Volusia, but 1.5 gallons seems like alot! Maybe I am just comparing it to bikes from way back that had no light, and just had a reserve tank (that was usually only good for a very short distance).
I guess they make the gas light (and gauge) the same way the make the speedometers!! I guess it's better than vice-versa (for both). |
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05-03-2011, 03:05 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Psychiatric Ward FL
Posts: 3,429
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Fuel Capacity
Don't run it too far after the light comes on.
The fuel pump is in the tank and is cooled by the fuel. If you run it too low it could cause the pump to run hot and fail prematurely. On my 03 the light usually comes on between 120 and 150 miles. MT
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MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936 |
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05-03-2011, 03:16 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 93
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Fuel Capacity
Makes sense. My next question was going be about potential damage from running the bike dry. I think you already answered it.
99% of the time, gassing-up every ~160 miles (4 gallons) will not be a problem....so hopefully those super-rare times when I might need all 5 gallons won't strain the pump too much. Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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05-03-2011, 03:55 PM | #6 |
Sr. Contributor
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 18,287
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Fuel Capacity
I have a '01 FI and mine does the same thing, I'm used to it now.
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Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email] |
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05-03-2011, 04:56 PM | #7 |
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada
Posts: 35,387
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Fuel Capacity
I usually pump in about 18 litres which is almost 5 US gallons, I'll usually ride about 30 miles after my fuel light comes on.
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2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951 |
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05-03-2011, 05:36 PM | #8 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 93
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Fuel Capacity
Thanks for the input.
I've filled up a number of times now within a few miles of the light coming on, and have put in 3.5 US gallons each time |
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05-03-2011, 06:09 PM | #9 |
Top Contributor
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 6,530
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Fuel Capacity
It's better to have too much than not enough. In some regions 60 miles may not get you to the next fuel station. I do believe the design was to give plenty of warning so as not to run it dry and potentially damage the fuel pump.
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Joel "Waterman" 2017 HD Road Glide Ultra 2006 Nomad - Sold VBA 213 VROC 16913 Custer 09: Cortez 10: Crescent City 11: Kanab 12: Estes Park 13: Tahoe 14: Red Lodge 16 |
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05-03-2011, 06:22 PM | #10 | |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 93
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Fuel Capacity
Quote:
Agreed. |
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