The gauge works fine, but gets its feed off the same float mechanism in the tank as the 'low fuel' light. So the low fuel light comes on and the gas gauge reads just about empty when I hit about 130 miles. I plan on pulling the tank and adjusting the float eventually. If I leave it as is, I figure I've got about 50 to 60 miles left when the gauge hits empty, depending on how hard I've been getting on it...not a job I've got to do right away.
As far as the love bugs, I definitely ride with my mouth closed...