Fuel gauge?

Pino56

Member
Please excuse my ignorance. Just bought a 06 k9. I rode 20 miles before I realized theres no gas gauge unless I'm missin something. Previous owner lost the owners manual so maybe someone Out there can help me with this one. There's something on the speedo that possibly looks like it could be an idiot light that would come on at reserve level. Could that be correct, or should this idiot be prepared to run outta gas at some point. Thanks
 

linx

Active Member
If it's a carb model, then there is a fuel reserve switch on the underside of the tank. I think it's about half a gallon of gas, which should get ya maybe 20+ miles.

The best thing to do is just track your mileage with your odometer trip. I usually fill up when I get to 140 miles or so just to make sure.

If it's a fuel injected motor, then it may have a dummy light? Not sure. I'm sure a fuelly bike doesn't have a reserve...or none of them my friends own do, but none of them are Big Dog's either.
 

toomanybikes

not enough time 4 riding
No gauge, no low fuel light. Reset the trip odometer at every fill up, and about every 100 miles start thinking about getting fuel. When the engine sounds like it is going to stop running, switch to reserve and find the nearest gas station (unless you are carrying a gas can with you).
 

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
AND, don't count on there being 20 miles left in reserve. it varies from bike to bike, sometimes it's less than 1/2 mile. :whoop::whoop::whoop::whoop::whoop:fun, fun, fun.
 

Nukeranger

Nukeranger
:D:DDido on the 100 miles regardless of the bike. It gives you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy your ride. Always reset your odometer at fill ups. Most bikes don't have a fuel gauge and it is just something else to break or drive you crazy if you want accuracy:D:D
 

ALDog

Active Member
Ray any suggestions on how to monitor the amount of gas left and how far you can make it????

Sorry couldn't resist. Saw this thread and it was screaming your name... :roll:
 

Ray

Well-Known Member
:D:DDido on the 100 miles regardless of the bike. It gives you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy your ride. Always reset your odometer at fill ups. Most bikes don't have a fuel gauge and it is just something else to break or drive you crazy if you want accuracy:D:D
Yep. 100 - 120 miles I am looking for a gas station. Resets the odometer at every fill up. I ran out once when I first starting riding my scooter, had gas in reserve. When mine ran out it was like I cut the key off , no warning sputter, rolled to the side of the road, switched to reserve and went straight to gas station. About 120 miles my butt is aching anyway, that knumb no shocks feeling so a good time to get off for a second.

Ray :2thumbs:
 
Once it happens to you believe me, you won't forget to reset your odometer. To be honest with you, I love not having one. I love my RB just the way it is.
 

Brew

Troop Supporter
I have my dog pegged down to the mile. It'll start spitting and spuddering at the 141 mile mark then I know to switch to reserve. I usually start looking for a gas station around 120 miles to be safe if I'm out on the highway away from town...:2thumbs:
 

orly

Member
I have an 08 Pitbull and I get about 120-140/tankfull depending on how hard I ride. But, just like all the previous posts, the best is to reset your trip and start looking for a place to fuel up once you get past 100.

Also, here's a link to some guys that provide the FREE manual for download...
Wicked Bastard Cycles . It's not the full 'service manual' but it will give you the basics on what you're looking for....Hope that helps.
 

Mad Dog

ValueTeck Enterprises
My low fuel light comes on at about 220 miles. Got about 25 left at that point........:flag:
 

Little-Boo

Well-Known Member
Troop Supporter
There is only one expert on this site that can answer your question. He goes by Raywood and I am sure he can tell you where that idiot like is located. :roll:

Carlos :lol:
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
No fuel gauge but no worries...even Raywood runs out of gas! :D
AND, don't count on there being 20 miles left in reserve. it varies from bike to bike, sometimes it's less than 1/2 mile. :whoop::whoop::whoop::whoop::whoop:fun, fun, fun.
Ray any suggestions on how to monitor the amount of gas left and how far you can make it????

Sorry couldn't resist. Saw this thread and it was screaming your name... :roll:
There is only one expert on this site that can answer your question. He goes by Raywood and I am sure he can tell you where that idiot like is located. :roll:

Carlos :lol:
Alright all you smart asses. Kathy that pic is cruel. I guess I don't understand this thread about a gas light. I've never had a bike that had a gas gauge. While I may run out of gas often I always have my spare can in the pack. I was sabotaged in Sturgis last year though during out group ride. I think it was Hoat!!!! Best bet is just to fuel up at 100 miles no matter where you are.

:cheers::2thumbs::cheers:
 

erldawg

Guru
Too funny Ray... I was wondering how many posts were going to be made before yer name popped up...:lol: ummmm made it to the third post :lol:

No gauge. Yes I was spoiled on the Harley with a guage that was not very acurate anyhow. Now I just reset and keep an eye on the milage. When I get near 135 +/- 5 miles the low fuel light comes on. (EFI bikes only)...:rolleyes:
 

Pino56

Member
fuel gauge

Thanks everyone. No problem resetting the trip. I got used to it with my ultra. Common on harleys for the gauge to be accurate down to about half or less, then surprise, it drops in an instant down to an eigth or less. Thanks again for helpin me out.
 

Beedle

New Member
Sorry for my ignorance now (I was hoping one of those unlabeled non-working lights was a dummy light too :)) .. I just bought my 2001 Boxer, all my previous bikes had fuel shut-offs that resembled a dick hanging in the wind /=on |=reserve \=off .. This thing has a sideways pivoting thingy - I realize all the way pivoted to the rear is off, but which is reserve, half forward, or full?

edit: Oh, also, the blue light is to signify high beam, right? (if so, my little blue light bulb is blown :/)
Another question on the fuel subject, I can't seem to get the left side tank cover open, is it supposed to open? or does the right side cover both halves? Yeah, I'm a newbie to bigger bikes, I've been riding for 20 years, but always smaller Honda's and Yamaha's.
 
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K9Anniv

Well-Known Member
Yep. 100 - 120 miles I am looking for a gas station. Resets the odometer at every fill up. I ran out once when I first starting riding my scooter, had gas in reserve. When mine ran out it was like I cut the key off , no warning sputter, rolled to the side of the road, switched to reserve and went straight to gas station. About 120 miles my butt is aching anyway, that knumb no shocks feeling so a good time to get off for a second.

Ray :2thumbs:
I agree with Ray. I've gone 124 miles and filled up with about 1/2 gallon to spare on my K9.

However, after 110-120 miles...my butt and bladder RULE the UNIVERSE!!! :yesnod: :lol:

Just remember to reset your trip odometer each time you fill-up!
 

Chippy Chad

Member
My bike is also a 2001 so I assume the petcock is the same. While sitting on the bike, all the way clockwise is off, all the way counter clockwise is on, reserve is in the middle. It should be labeled if you look really close. I agree with the 100 mile rule, I never go past that.
 
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