How would you stretch miles from a tank of gas?

**smokier** · 07-15-2018, 07:01 AM

Greetings,

As riders, exploring new roads and places, is part of the cycling fun. Twisties and sweepers are arguably the most fun...

There have been times when reserve or LOW FUEL has happened and the next gas (Petrol) is more than a few uncomfortable miles away. So, what do you do when you need to get more miles from a tank?

In extreme situaiton I have pushed the bike on the flats, then coasted down hills with the engine off, only starting and riding up the hills.
More common is kill the cruise and slow down to the sweet spot for better MPGs.

????

Demolition Man · 07-15-2018, 08:45 AM

Extra gas can or refill earlier - that's what I do.

Cu,
Sven

**JD Hog** · 07-15-2018, 09:58 AM

I have a fuel cell that holds 4/10 of a gallon just in case I need it. I always fil the bike gas tank to within a 1/2” from the top with the front wheel turned to full right. Having the longer kickstand also helps with getting more fuel in the tank. That will get me 200 miles before the gas light comes on. If that isn’t enough I have the fuel cell but I have not had to use it yet.

4Steelers · 07-15-2018, 11:29 AM

Most of the guys that I ride with have 6 gallon tanks and know when they start losing sight of me in their mirrors that I'm milking what I can out of the tank.

We do a lot of riding in hilly areas (Galena Territory) and I usually let gravity take me down the hills and take it easy on the throttle up the hill while I keep seeing "FUEL" flashing on the display.

I have noticed that I have around a gallon of gas left once the display starts flashing.

Hillhouse · 07-15-2018, 06:34 PM

On my VV i can get 46-50 mpg doing 45/55 mph push it up to 65 and mpg drops to around 42 move up to 75 and now I'm at 33. So i guess the answer is slow down. I also carry a 1/2 gal metal camp stove can with me, just in case. Haven't found that going fast then coasting actually helps.

**Sabre-t** · 07-15-2018, 06:47 PM

I'm not an aggressive rider but I still find that I get better mileage with cruise control on the highway, especially in hills. But simply slowing down will really increase mileage. Also, slow acceleration and slow stopping, letting the bike slow down without brakes. You still want to activate the brake light if anyone is behind you, but the front control will activate the light with just a slight pull.

redjay · 07-15-2018, 08:23 PM

Running the fuel tank really low increases the chance of ruining the fuel pump.
The fuel cools the pump.

**smokier** · 07-17-2018, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redjay

Running the fuel tank really low increases the chance of ruining the fuel pump.
The fuel cools the pump.

Understood and an excellent point. The thought was for those instances were we get away from our normal refueling places, how would one stretch the tank? What would you do to conserve fuel to get to the next pump?
It seemed like a good topic for sharing thoughts and strategies. Maybe help someone who suddenly found themselves in this situation.
We definitely do not want to run an injected bike out of gas, so what can we do to maximize our distance while minimizing being stranded?

Just trying to create a sharing knowledge forum...

mbarr10 · 07-17-2018, 11:05 AM

Quote:

We definitely do not want to run an injected bike out of gas,

So....It maybe a dumb question, but What happens?? I have heard stories, yet Facts are better to learn from.

redjay · 07-17-2018, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokier

Understood and an excellent point. The thought was for those instances were we get away from our normal refueling places, how would one stretch the tank? What would you do to conserve fuel to get to the next pump?
It seemed like a good topic for sharing thoughts and strategies. Maybe help someone who suddenly found themselves in this situation.
We definitely do not want to run an injected bike out of gas, so what can we do to maximize our distance while minimizing being stranded?

Just trying to create a sharing knowledge forum...

Slow down and use the throttle sparingly while at the same time not lugging the engine. I remember seeing an article a while back that stated you use 20% more fuel at 120 kmph compared to 100 kmph.

Peg · 07-17-2018, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redjay

Slow down and use the throttle sparingly while at the same time not lugging the engine. I remember seeing an article a while back that stated you use 20% more fuel at 120 kmph compared to 100 kmph.

Makes sense I guess... Go 20% faster, use 20% more gas?

redjay · 07-17-2018, 08:23 PM

Math was never my best subject :)

P2breaker · 07-18-2018, 12:09 AM

I have a 2016 Vaquero. My Dad my Brother and I were on our way back to Virginia after driving to California last summer. There is a town called Walsenburg in Colorado. That town has one gas station and all the pumps were being used so we decided to hit the next station that came up. Little did we know that there is NO station between Walsenburg Colorado and La Junta Colorado, a distance of 75 miles. By the grace of God, a little tail wind and driving toward a lower elevation I was able to get 250 miles out of that tank. I have never before or since gotten such great mileage out of the Vaquero. Luckily I got it when I needed it most. There is Nothing between that 75 miles but corn. My Dad has a 2016 Indian Chief Vintage and was chugalugging into the station. My bro has a 2014 Triumph Rocket 3 Touring with a six gallon tank, he would have made it if we didn’t.

**smokier** · 07-21-2018, 06:36 AM

P2Breaker, you were indeed fortunate that could have been ugly.
Did a similar thing in southern Utah a few years back.
Blew past a gas station, "ehh, only 33 miles on the tank, I'll hit the next one." Went on down the road, beautiful secondary roads. Hardly any cars, just open southern Utah spaces. Dawned on me that I'd been riding a while, looked down, 128 miles on the tank! ('01 Carb'd Classic). Oh no, what was the distance to the next town on that last sign, 65? Slowed from 65 to 60.
Got into reserve within the next few miles, road carefully for awhile. Then decided since I was in the middle of nowhere Utah, I'd start conserving gas seriously. Killed the engine and rolled down hills. Started it only to go up the hills. Did that for a few miles. Then started pushing the bike on the flats, and coasting down hills, and only it starting to drive up the hills.
Was coasting down a hill when a pickup with a four wheeler in the back passed me. Pointed at the tank while he went by. He pulled over, I explained I had no idea where I was at in relation to the next gas station. He said 30 miles. He had a gallon of "high-test", which he gave me and would not take money for. I have no idea how close to being OUT OF GAS. I do know, I got more miles on that tank than I ever had. The trip meter was at 218 when I did get to the station. I had never even gotten to 190 on that carb'd bike...
I learned a couple of lessons from that particular adventure. Mostly, don't pass up a gas station when in unfamiliar country.

Ride safe,
Smokier

mbarr10 · 07-21-2018, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Was coasting down a hill when a pickup with a four wheeler in the back passed me. Pointed at the tank while he went by. He pulled over, I explained I had no idea where I was at in relation to the next gas station. He said 30 miles.

Brilliant, Excellent strategy. Logging that one into the back of my brain. Hope I never need it.

Not wanting to start a new thread, I still have this question.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU RUN A " FI" BIKE OUT OF GAS?? And How do you recover?

07-15-2018, 07:01 AM	#1
smokier Join Date: May 2015 Location: DBQ Iowa Posts: 1,807	How would you stretch miles from a tank of gas? Greetings, As riders, exploring new roads and places, is part of the cycling fun. Twisties and sweepers are arguably the most fun... There have been times when reserve or LOW FUEL has happened and the next gas (Petrol) is more than a few uncomfortable miles away. So, what do you do when you need to get more miles from a tank? In extreme situaiton I have pushed the bike on the flats, then coasted down hills with the engine off, only starting and riding up the hills. More common is kill the cruise and slow down to the sweet spot for better MPGs. ???? __________________ You only get one, so "Make it the best day ever!" 2014 Victory Cross County Tour Blue Fire Gloss (BFG) "Cruella" Brides Ride: 2012 Victory Crossroads in Sunset Red "Ruby" Previous Vulcans: '15 Vaquero, '12 Vaquero, '10 1700 Nomad, '04 1500 Classic, '01 1500 Classic, '88 Vulcan 750 VROC # 10967 \| VBA # 3115 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-15-2018, 08:45 AM	#2
Demolition Man Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Hannover, Germany Posts: 380	Extra gas can or refill earlier - that's what I do. Cu, Sven __________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well-armed lamb." - Benjamin Franklin MY LIFE - MY RULES ! 2018 Indian Roadmaster
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07-15-2018, 09:58 AM	#3
JD Hog Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Placerville, CA Posts: 2,948	I have a fuel cell that holds 4/10 of a gallon just in case I need it. I always fil the bike gas tank to within a 1/2” from the top with the front wheel turned to full right. Having the longer kickstand also helps with getting more fuel in the tank. That will get me 200 miles before the gas light comes on. If that isn’t enough I have the fuel cell but I have not had to use it yet. __________________ Jim Diebolt 2015 Vulcan 1700 Voyager ABS The Black Kaw 2005 Vulcan Nomad Sold 2006 Honda 1800 VTX (Freebie) Sold 2008 Harley Ultra Classic Sold 2001 Harley Ultra Classic Sold Hangtown, Kalifornia VBA #2625
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07-15-2018, 11:29 AM	#4
4Steelers Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Rickman, TN Posts: 59	Most of the guys that I ride with have 6 gallon tanks and know when they start losing sight of me in their mirrors that I'm milking what I can out of the tank. We do a lot of riding in hilly areas (Galena Territory) and I usually let gravity take me down the hills and take it easy on the throttle up the hill while I keep seeing "FUEL" flashing on the display. I have noticed that I have around a gallon of gas left once the display starts flashing. __________________ 2015 Vaquero "Ivanized" V&H Dual Slash Cut Slip Ons Auxillary Lights Kuryakyn Longhorn Highway Pegs Mustang Seat VBA #: 3681
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07-15-2018, 06:34 PM	#5
Hillhouse Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Western MA Posts: 180	On my VV i can get 46-50 mpg doing 45/55 mph push it up to 65 and mpg drops to around 42 move up to 75 and now I'm at 33. So i guess the answer is slow down. I also carry a 1/2 gal metal camp stove can with me, just in case. Haven't found that going fast then coasting actually helps. __________________ Present rides 1983 Honda Shadow VT750 - Harley Killer 2005 Yamahe V-Star - Yarley 2012 Kawasaki Voyager - Weeping Angel http://tourofhonor.com/ #97 (2019) #128 (2018) #8 (2017) #458 (2016) IBA #50918 VBA #2296 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-15-2018, 06:47 PM	#6
Sabre-t Join Date: May 2015 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 838	I'm not an aggressive rider but I still find that I get better mileage with cruise control on the highway, especially in hills. But simply slowing down will really increase mileage. Also, slow acceleration and slow stopping, letting the bike slow down without brakes. You still want to activate the brake light if anyone is behind you, but the front control will activate the light with just a slight pull.
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07-15-2018, 08:23 PM	#7
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,930	Running the fuel tank really low increases the chance of ruining the fuel pump. The fuel cools the pump.
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07-17-2018, 08:23 PM	#12
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,930	Math was never my best subject :)
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07-18-2018, 12:09 AM	#13
P2breaker Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Woodbridge, Vriginia Posts: 45	I have a 2016 Vaquero. My Dad my Brother and I were on our way back to Virginia after driving to California last summer. There is a town called Walsenburg in Colorado. That town has one gas station and all the pumps were being used so we decided to hit the next station that came up. Little did we know that there is NO station between Walsenburg Colorado and La Junta Colorado, a distance of 75 miles. By the grace of God, a little tail wind and driving toward a lower elevation I was able to get 250 miles out of that tank. I have never before or since gotten such great mileage out of the Vaquero. Luckily I got it when I needed it most. There is Nothing between that 75 miles but corn. My Dad has a 2016 Indian Chief Vintage and was chugalugging into the station. My bro has a 2014 Triumph Rocket 3 Touring with a six gallon tank, he would have made it if we didn’t. Last edited by P2breaker; 07-21-2018 at 10:04 PM.
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07-21-2018, 06:36 AM	#14
smokier Join Date: May 2015 Location: DBQ Iowa Posts: 1,807	P2Breaker, you were indeed fortunate that could have been ugly. Did a similar thing in southern Utah a few years back. Blew past a gas station, "ehh, only 33 miles on the tank, I'll hit the next one." Went on down the road, beautiful secondary roads. Hardly any cars, just open southern Utah spaces. Dawned on me that I'd been riding a while, looked down, 128 miles on the tank! ('01 Carb'd Classic). Oh no, what was the distance to the next town on that last sign, 65? Slowed from 65 to 60. Got into reserve within the next few miles, road carefully for awhile. Then decided since I was in the middle of nowhere Utah, I'd start conserving gas seriously. Killed the engine and rolled down hills. Started it only to go up the hills. Did that for a few miles. Then started pushing the bike on the flats, and coasting down hills, and only it starting to drive up the hills. Was coasting down a hill when a pickup with a four wheeler in the back passed me. Pointed at the tank while he went by. He pulled over, I explained I had no idea where I was at in relation to the next gas station. He said 30 miles. He had a gallon of "high-test", which he gave me and would not take money for. I have no idea how close to being OUT OF GAS. I do know, I got more miles on that tank than I ever had. The trip meter was at 218 when I did get to the station. I had never even gotten to 190 on that carb'd bike... I learned a couple of lessons from that particular adventure. Mostly, don't pass up a gas station when in unfamiliar country. Ride safe, Smokier Last edited by smokier; 07-21-2018 at 06:39 AM. Reason: (Spell check)
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