Low fuel level indicator light

[Cunningham]

So here's a potentially silly question: How do I know if my low fuel level indicator light is actually working?

I've had my '06 Rocket III for a little over a month and I've been refueling every 150 miles or so, even rode for 160 miles once, but have yet to see the light come on. (I reset the 'Trip A' odometer when I refuel, but sometimes I get a couple miles down the road before I remember to do that.) Should I push 170 to see if the bugger works? I'd sure hate to run out of gas while riding. Any insights will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cunningham]

For you... I passed my normal gas station...

Aww! That's so thoughtful.

 

[MIG]

So here's a potentially silly question: How do I know if my low fuel level indicator light is actually working?

I've had my '06 Rocket III for a little over a month and I've been refueling every 150 miles or so, even rode for 160 miles once, but have yet to see the light come on. (I reset the 'Trip A' odometer when I refuel, but sometimes I get a couple miles down the road before I remember to do that.) Should I push 170 to see if the bugger works? I'd sure hate to run out of gas while riding. Any insights will be greatly appreciated.

Nothing good comes from running out of fuel... for many reasons. That said, what is you miles per gallon? that will tell you. Based on design, I gauge my 5.5 gal tank, when I fill it, has about 5 gallons of fuel in it. That math makes my gauge pretty accurate. I'd do the math based on your miles-per-gallon and then push the envelope to 4.7 gallons to see if the light comes on. I have a more aggressive tune (for an R3T) and tend to have a heavy wrist, so I'm sure other's get better gas mileage than I do.
-MIG

 

[Bernard Vinet]

Then it works and you have to believe it.

Alternative: Take a ride, stay near the filling stations and have some gas with you. Then ride until it stops.

Challenge accepted?

I took my 2012 touring around in a loop & had my wife on standby . I did this to see how many kms ( miles ) I would get after the low fuel went on . I've got a good idea now . After low fuel goes on I get close to 70 km ( 44 miles ) . I know for sure I'm running on fumes .. My philosophy is gas up at next fuel stop .

 

[MIG]

I took my 2012 touring around in a loop & had my wife on standby . I did this to see how many kms ( miles ) I would get after the low fuel went on . I've got a good idea now . After low fuel goes on I get close to 70 km ( 44 miles ) . I know for sure I'm running on fumes .. My philosophy is gas up at next fuel stop .

I have a goal of not seeing that light and filling up between 120-140 miles.
-MIG

 

[concours]

OP, Smash the throttle harder, you'll see.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

I have a goal of not seeing that light and filling up between 120-140 miles.
-MIG

Me also. I have seen the low fuel light once on the freeway and found a gas station fairly quickly. I don't care to see it again and my OCD will make sure I don't.

 

[MIG]

Me also. I have seen the low fuel light once on the freeway and found a gas station fairly quickly. I don't care to see it again and my OCD will make sure I don't.

One time on my Thunderbird, I was like "WOW, I am getting such good gas mileage" (no light)... then she coughed and my Bride had to rescue me... NEVER Again!
-MIG

 

[Cunningham]

Not that I want to make a habit of relying on it, just want to know if the bugger actually works.

 

[Cunningham]

Just past 100 miles day before yesterday. (I don't get to ride everyday, my commute is from the breakfast table, down the hall to my office.) Gonna go for 170; probably strap a tank to the back, too! Will keep y'all posted.

 

[MIG]

Not that I want to make a habit of relying on it, just want to know if the bugger actually works.

Same same. I too like to know things work...
-MIG