fuel gage

[Jonathan Bernstein]

Is there a way to measure the amount of gas in the tank of my 250?

[MadRat]

I always reset my trip meter. I can usually count on 60 mpg on the 450. But when you say "measure", it makes me think of trucks filling up tanks at service stations. They drop a rod down into the tank. Maybe you're onto something. If somebody aint done figured it out, maybe they will.

[b4v4]

I also reset the trip odometer everytime I fill up. When I first buy a bike, and get it tuned to where I like it, I fill it up, then go for a long ride, but never more than about 25 miles from the nearest gas station. When I have to switch to reserve, I make a mental note of how many miles I put on, and if you can't remember it, put one of those Dymo Labelmaker stickers with the miles on it right below the trip meter. It will vary somewhat from that, especially if you've been doing a lot of in-town riding, but it'll be close to that.

[txsizzler]

When I first started riding my Rebel, I knew the tank holds 2 gallons, with a reserve of 0.76 gallons. So, I filled up the Rebel, reset the odometer. I knew by reading these forums that the Rebel averages from 65-75 mpg (130-150 miles on that tank of gas before going to the reserve). So, I measured mine, and once I started getting close to that mileage, I was careful about how far I was from the gas station. Once it hit the reserve (155 miles), I knew what to look for as far as refilling goes.

So, to summarize, every time I fuel up, I just reset the odometer, and watch for the 150-155 mile mark, and go fuel up. Plus, if you do have to go to your reserve, it should last you awhile (20-30 miles at least), so you should be able to make it to a gas station.

[Jonathan Bernstein]

I have been doing as the three of you have suggested. It makes me nervous. I would feel better if I could measure it. Mileage has been 70 to 75 gallons for five tanks, but I have been caught in some very heavy traffic.
Sticking something in the tank like the truck drivers might be the answere. The question is what?
Or I might just have to get used to it. Being nervous that is.
Thanks for the replies.

[MadRat]

Last wknd I took a trip 265 mi. one way down the Interstate. There was about a 60 mile stretch when the traffic thined out, I just kinda let'er roll, 80 to 85 mph. (this is on a 450). I stopped at an exit with just over 90 mi. on trip meter, expecting to fill up with just over 1 1/2 gal. It actually took 1.9 gal. So speed makes a difference too. (DUH... hehe) I was carrying extra weight, but I didn't notice any diferance untill then.

[ole Ed]

On my 250 I usually average around 89 mpg. Thats with me on it and just what the bags will carry in them. By comparison, my v45 only gets around 45 to 50. Again thats just with me on it. My riding buddies all have Harleys and they only get around 80 to 90 miles to the tank, maybe 100 if they go easy on em. My Mazda pickup only averages 15 to 18 on good days with tail winds. Man I really LOVE my Rebel.
By the way, its an 05 and I would like to know does anyone else get that kinda fuel mileage outa theirs. Just thought Id add my 2 pennies worth.

[MadRat]

Hey Jonathon, I know the feelin' of being nervous in heavy traffic and having my mind on something besides getting run over. Maybe if you kept a can of gas at home and just topped it off every day or so, untill you get more comfortable with just judging by milage. Just a thought. I do that alot just to keep from having to stop on my way home.

[b4v4]

Just to make you all feel better, My V65 (VF1100) gets between 38-42 mpg. the only reason it goes 140 miles before refilling is that it has a gihugerous tank (4.5 gal.) on it. Believe me, you pay for speed!

[Jonathan Bernstein]

I do have a five gallon can. I'll start using it.
Yesterday I cleaned my Rebel. When I rode it I noticed the mileage on the trip meter was way off. Probably turned it while cleaning.

[Duke Bushido]

Essentially the reserve is your gas gauge. When you hit reserve, find a station. ;)

The problem with sticking something in there is that you can expect to stick it in there in the same spot, depth, angle, etc. It won't get you anywhere.

Can a gauge by made?

Sure. A good meteronomist (or is that metronomist? Been too long since I knew one) can rig up a sending unit, calibrate it, re-face a voltage meter to interpret the readings, etc.

The problems here are finding a metronomist to do it, wiring the whole deal when it's done (because then you'll likely worry about having "live electrical wires" in your fuel tank. If you do worry about that, keep in mind that it's normal. All fuel gauges have had that for over twenty years now), and the fact that you'll likely have to shell out two grand or so for the labor, development, and the one-off math and parts you'll need done.

Factor in that fuel gauges on bikes, except for the largest of tanks, are pretty inaccurate anyway unless your stopped, level, and the engine is off.

With all that stacked against you, it's just easier to plan on fueling every 100 miles, or every 120, or whenever you hit reserve.

But I felt that you do deserve to know that what you want _can_ be done.

[MadRat]

Maybe this is the right thread to post this in. Anyway here goes. I work in sheet metal. Been workin' on dif. designs of gas tanks (at home) for the 450. I'm gonna move my seat back and make a longer, wider and taller tank out of thin stainless or heavier gauge T6 aluminum. The easiest design I've come up with is similar to coffin shape, to avoid having to roll the material. So far I've just made one out of cardboard. When it gets too cold to ride and things get slow at the shop I'll get more involved with it. After reading these replies, I'm gonna add one more feature, a gas gauge. I don't really need it but I don't really need a dif. tank either. It' just gonna be a one of a kind. I'm gonna use a mechanical gauge like the one on my old Craftsman riding mower. May not be perfectly accurate but it will be close. If I can make it look decent, I don't know, I just think it would be cool. But I'm a RatBiker at heart.

[Duke Bushido]

Good luck, and take lots of pictures ;)

[txsizzler]

Ditto on what Duke said. I would be very interested in seeing them!

[Jonathan Bernstein]

A bigger gas tank makes lots of sense. A gas gage, even if it doesn't work perfect does too.