2005 Mastiff Gas Tank Capacity?

[awssome05]

Hey all Just want to know the tank and reserve capacity of my 2005 Mastiff.
The bike runs great but seems to run thru the main tank fairly quick then stutters till I switch to the reserve. When I got home I checked the main tank and it was bone dry. I fill it up to the top every time I go out and don't think I drove more than 40miles before I had to switch to reserve. There are absolutely no leaks anywhere...Is this normal for a 117ci.

 

[HMAN]

Sounds like you need to fill BOTH tanks. The reserve on my 04 Pit is around a gallon or so..... I can get about 110-135 miles before I have to switch to reserve. I fill BOTH tanks each and every time, usually about 3.5 gal. The crossover line is awful small so make sure its not plugged up.

 

[awssome05]

Do the 2 tanks work together? Does the reserve tank feed the main tank at all? My main tank was literally bone dry after what seemed like 40 to 50 miles. I always make sure both tanks are topped off before I leave out. Being fairly new to Big Dog this is Probably a stupid question but the right tank is the main correct?

 

[HMAN]

Do the 2 tanks work together? Does the reserve tank feed the main tank at all? My main tank was literally bone dry after what seemed like 40 to 50 miles. I always make sure both tanks are topped off before I leave out. Being fairly new to Big Dog this is Probably a stupid question but the right tank is the main correct?

I've always considered the left tank as the 'Main' tank as that's where the petcock is located. The petcock is the "reserve", when you switch to "reserve" you just open the petcock fully to extract the remaining fuel. The petcock extends into the tank quite a ways and in the "on" position the upper portion opens while the lower portion stays closed. Top off both tanks and strap a full gallon or two on the back, run till both tanks are dry and check your mileage. You should be getting 30-50 miles a gallon I would think.... I've gotten up to 62mpg but that was with a stiff tail wind.

 

[Srodden]

Yes the tanks will level as you ride however you have to fill both when you gas up because they will not level with each other that fast while you are gassing up. So you are only filling Half of your gas tanks if you do not fill both. Side note when filling up pay attention to the left tank as it may over flow if you lolly gag at the pump to long so just take care of business and put caps back on

 

[awssome05]

Thanks Guys For All Ur Help.

 

[Brew]

Owners manual calls out 4.5 gallons total. It doesn't mention how much of that is reserve...

 

[Fibersnake]

Yes the tanks will level as you ride however you have to fill both when you gas up because they will not level with each other that fast while you are gassing up. So you are only filling Half of your gas tanks if you do not fill both. Side note when filling up pay attention to the left tank as it may over flow if you lolly gag at the pump to long so just take care of business and put caps back on

Exactly as Srodden says. You need to fill both sides up. The left hand is reverse thread BTW. I always fill my left first while holding it straight up, put the cap back on, then fill the right side while it leans on the kick stand, then put the cap back on. That way I know it is pretty full, however-if I am filling up and going to park it a while, I will fill the right side while holding level and be more cautious about topping it of. This prevent the excess from seeping out of vent if it is topped off and then parked very soon after.

Normally I make habit out looking for fuel at 100 miles range, however I have gone over 130 before hitting reserve. It all depends on riding situation. The reserve is very limited, so best not to hit it if you can avoid. 100 mile give plenty of riding with a chance to get out an stretch the legs, take a break, hydrate and not worry about going empty. Also give extra room if you are in some place that the next gas me be aways off.

 

[Blackie]

Got caught out in middle of nowhere without gas and my reserve went 20 miles before I could fill up. I hardly ever run dry but I didn't think my reserve would go that far. Most I ever went on reserve before was 5-6 miles. My RB is supposed to hold 4.4 gal. I usually go around 110-115 miles before filling up.