fuel light

[1st bike]

okay, so my fuel light came on when i started the bike on it's side stand. supposing i get it level and switch to reserve tank, approximately how many miles/minutes do i have to fuel the damn thing before she dies on me?

thanks!!!

[XSokieSPECIAL]

okay, so my fuel light came on when i started the bike on it's side stand. supposing i get it level and switch to reserve tank, approximately how many miles/minutes do i have to fuel the damn thing before she dies on me?

thanks!!!

Right up to---and including the last one!

I've never pushed it to see, but depending on your fuel milage I don't think I would push it beyond about 10 miles.

IMHO

[1st bike]

yeah, that's kinda where i'm at, i really don't want to end up PUSHING my bike (which i read a debate as to whether or not i SHOULD push my bike) to a gas station. but i really would rather take my bike over my car to get gas for my bike. just seems simpler that way, you know? some place close, a few miles, maybe i'll make it? sounds kinda like an adventure....

[XSokieSPECIAL]

yeah, that's kinda where i'm at, i really don't want to end up PUSHING my bike (which i read a debate as to whether or not i SHOULD push my bike) to a gas station. but i really would rather take my bike over my car to get gas for my bike. just seems simpler that way, you know? some place close, a few miles, maybe i'll make it? sounds kinda like an adventure....

I meant pushing the envelope of the low fuel light--not the motorcycle ya nut

[DGXSER]

I meant pushing the envelope of the low fuel light--not the motorcycle ya nut

Hmmm....seems they could be VERY closely related!!

I have never found out the hard way, but when the light come son for me, I get about ten miles before I have to switch to reserve and that has gotten me 5-7 miles more before.

[1st bike]

right! pushing both is pretty much the same game....and i'm in! off to gas station! i should make it, it really isn't that far, mostly i just didn't know it was a "fill it up now" or not, but it sounds like, pretty much it is! so now i know, you guys on this site are incredibule! thank you! anyone know anything better than pb blaster to loosen my handle bar bolts?

[XSokieSPECIAL]

Hmmm....seems they could be VERY closely related!!

I have never found out the hard way, but when the light come son for me, I get about ten miles before I have to switch to reserve and that has gotten me 5-7 miles more before.

Yup.... that sounds about right. And after you switch to reserve it tends to run kinda funky.

That engine loves gas!!!

[oseaghdha]

okay, so my fuel light came on when i started the bike on it's side stand. supposing i get it level and switch to reserve tank, approximately how many miles/minutes do i have to fuel the damn thing before she dies on me?

thanks!!!

You should get at least 20 miles on reserve.
Back when my light still worked, it would go 10 miles between the light and the sputters when I would turn on reserve, so it's a warning, not a death sentence. YMMV
Just take note of how much gas it takes to fill it up. The Special holds 4 gallons. Do the math and you'll know what's left.

[CatatonicBug]

I know mine is unique (based on what I've read from others' experiences), but when my light comes on, I have about 1/4 mile before it starts to sputter. Based on fuel mileage, and tank capacity, I figure I have about 10-15 miles left once I switch to reserve.

[fredintoon]

okay, so my fuel light came on when i started the bike on it's side stand. supposing i get it level and switch to reserve tank, approximately how many miles/minutes do i have to fuel the damn thing before she dies on me? thanks!!!

Hi 1st,
I put a jerrycan of gas in the carrier rack and did a test with my XS11SG using the stock small tank.
After the red light came on, the bike went 10 miles before needing to be switched to reserve and then ran a further 10 miles before running dry. So from red light to bone dry takes 20 miles.
FYI, switching to a Standard tank not only gives you another 2+ gallons of gas but a one gallon reserve.

[fredintoon]

- - - anyone know anything better than pb blaster to loosen my handle bar bolts

Hi 1st,
PB blaster is one of the best penetrating oils. If they won't move after soaking for a day, take an air impact wrench to them.

[randy]

From the Cycle Magazine '79 Special review:

Fuel capacity, main/reserve 12.5 liters/2.5 liters (3.3 gal./O.66 gal.)

If you know your mpg you can calculate your reserve range.

[DGXSER]

As Fred stated, I think if PB Blaster did not loosen things up, I don't knwo what would. You could also try an impact driver with the correct hex wrench attachment if you do not have air tools.

[Ivan]

Ok, first thing. Running out of fuel should not send you off far enough that you bend your handle bars out of shape. Since I know we all have our moments of weakness, I will sympathize and say that PB should work just fine, however maybe angermanagement would be better in the long run.

On my Special, it is somewhere 15 and -9 miles that the light comes on before hitting reserves. Usually the light is kind enough to confirm that I just turned the petcocks to reserve. I am glad for that, it has saved me numerous headaches wondering wether they really needed turning or not. As if the bike starting to run out wasn't enough.

From the turning of the petcocks to the pushing of the envelope or the bike, whichever you call it is usually about 200 feet from the gas station, and can be farther in extreme temperatures or heavy rush hour traffic. For somereason, if there is no one around to point and laugh, it will run almost 50 miles on reserve. I think this is just a calculated effort to find someone that can point and laugh. Usually, those that do point and laugh find out I too need anger management lessons, and then point and laugh even harder.

[1st bike]

i've looked into the angry management classes and they are just simply too expensive. i guess i still to bike therapy! it was warm today but i got home too late to ride (kids and wife....not so happy when i come home from work and get right on the bike, plus, still had work to do), but i am hopeful for tomorrow...at least a few minutes and i some fuel, and i should be back to my old calm self!!