Fuel gauge

[mac]

Just did my fist fill up since purchasing an '05 1600 Nomad. The fuel gauge showed about 1/2 tank or more, but the low fuel light came on. I put just over 4 gal. in the tank.

If my fuel gauge is messed up, anyway to re-set it? (it's digital) Seems like my best option right now is to watch the milage, which I don't know what the MPG is yet.

TIA,
Mac

[phenrichs]

My fuel gauge gets down to the last bar and the light comes on but there is usually just over a gallon left in the tank at that point. When I bought it I thought cool gas gauge. I have since gone back to using the trip meter as a fuel gauge. Many here will tell you do not put all your faith in the gauge.

[phenrichs]

In town I get around 100-120 miles before the light comes on and then I can get another 30 or so before getting nervous. Highway riding 2 up I get between 160 and 200 miles to a tank depending on wind and hills. You should get between 30 and 40 mpg average. Some get mid to high 40's while some get low to mid 30's. I have gotten as low as 25 mpg. Of course there was a little throttle rocket going on there.

[ringadingh]

I use my tripmeter and low fuel light as a general rule, most times my light comes on about 150 mile mark, and I'll go up to 30- 40 miles before I fillup unless Im not sure where a gas station is located.

[redjay]

Hi, use the tripmeter as your gas gauge. The digital readout on the gas gauge is often inacurate. You will decide what is a good time to refuel based on miles/kilometres travelled and amount of right wrist used. For me that is about 230 kilometres taking it easy on the throttle.

[ells]

Mac, You should be getting around 35-42 mpg highway. Some people have reported fuel gauge weirdnesses like you mention but mine has always been pretty much on, light comes on after its been down to the last bar for several miles and put in just over 4 gals at that point. I always set the trip meter and go by that, the gauge is about worthless even when its working correctly when it gets critical, the last bar never goes out.

[mac]

Thanks guys.

[pirate]

I'll echo all those sentiments. The "gauge" on my 08 is pretty accurate, but I definitely use the trip meter as my measuring tool.

[VulcanE]

On my '05, the gage seems to work really well. I'll get down to 1 bar, ride about 25 miles and the light will come on and go off (depending on if going up or down hill). When it stays on constantly for about 15 miles, I'll stop and fill up and it usually takes about 4 1/2 gallons.

[meat]

I also have a 2008 and the gauge seems to do pretty well. I can usally go about 20 to 25 miles on the last bar before the light comes on and stays on. I have gone about 20 miles with the light on and when I filled up it took 4.6 gals. Sometimes on the last bar the light will come on and go off several times. When this has happened it will only take 4 gals. or a little less.

[classic1]

The fuel light usually comes on at about 150 miles and the gauge is at the last bar on my 06. The fuel gauge will show more gas if the bike is on the kick stand.

[moenko]

Same here!

Originally Posted by VulcanE

On my '05, the gage seems to work really well. I'll get down to 1 bar, ride about 25 miles and the light will come on and go off (depending on if going up or down hill). When it stays on constantly for about 15 miles, I'll stop and fill up and it usually takes about 4 1/2 gallons.

[dogdoc]

I too have an '05 MM and the gauge works pretty well and accurate. I dont read bars and this is confusing to me. I just watch the general trend, low fuel light which does work, and total miles as others have said. Your might have been taken off and turned upset down a little and now off somewhat. Good Luck

Doc

[socwkbiker]

MM, I have the same problem with my gauge. Finally glad to see someone else with this problem. I thought I was losing my mind. I took it to the stealership near me, they checked all of the electronics and it registered no problem. They said they would have to empty all the fuel out and put fuel in 1 gallon at a time in order to find out the exact nature of the problem. The scary part is they said there was nothing in the service manual about this problem. And of course, no one wanted to take on the project.

So learn your gauge. You will get to the point of knowing when the light comes on so you won't get surprised. And do what these guys said to, use the tripometer.

[rlfaubion]

Coming from Old School, we didn't have fuel gauges, and I've not become dependent upon a gas gauge. Actually, I don't believe I've ever looked at mine. I have come to know what the light means, but the trip meter is the true test. Once you get familiar with your range, you won't need the gauge. Having said that, I've run out of fuel half a dozen times in the last two years, but I'm gett'n a lot better at it now :) Redeye, please no comment at this time - thanks