Fuel Capacity

[rhodyrider401]

Everything I read says my 2002 Nomad 1500FI has a 5 gallon tank; is that true?
If so, my gas light is coming on (and my gauge is on E) when I still have about 1.5 gallons, or about 60 miles since I've been getting almost 40mpg. Is something wrong, or is that just the way these bikes are set-up?

Now that I have been tracking, I know that I get about 40 mpg's, and that when my light comes on it take 3.5 gallons to fill-up, so I can just watch the odometer to know when I need gas (or figure about 40 miles after the light comes on to be safe), but am curious if there is something wrong, and/of if there is a fix.
Thanks for any and all info.

[jims]

I have had a number of bikes with a warning light for low fuel and they all worked the same way - shows empty and you've got a gallon + to play with. When you ignore the gauge all day consider it a gift. I got in the habit of watching the miles since my Sportster back in the 60s with a peanut tank, 90 miles and you were out! I have an '07 and I believe it is a 5.3gal. tank and I get about 44 mpg, generally start looking for fuel at 150 miles on the trip meter.

[rhodyrider401]

I never figured-out how many mile I had left when the light came on, on the old Volusia, but 1.5 gallons seems like alot! Maybe I am just comparing it to bikes from way back that had no light, and just had a reserve tank (that was usually only good for a very short distance).
I guess they make the gas light (and gauge) the same way the make the speedometers!! I guess it's better than vice-versa (for both).

[MAS Tequila]

Don't run it too far after the light comes on.

The fuel pump is in the tank and is cooled by the fuel.

If you run it too low it could cause the pump to run hot and fail prematurely.

On my 03 the light usually comes on between 120 and 150 miles.

MT

[rhodyrider401]

Makes sense. My next question was going be about potential damage from running the bike dry. I think you already answered it.

99% of the time, gassing-up every ~160 miles (4 gallons) will not be a problem....so hopefully those super-rare times when I might need all 5 gallons won't strain the pump too much.

[Loafer]

I have a '01 FI and mine does the same thing, I'm used to it now.

[ringadingh]

I usually pump in about 18 litres which is almost 5 US gallons, I'll usually ride about 30 miles after my fuel light comes on.

[rhodyrider401]

Thanks for the input.
I've filled up a number of times now within a few miles of the light coming on, and have put in 3.5 US gallons each time

[waterman]

It's better to have too much than not enough. In some regions 60 miles may not get you to the next fuel station. I do believe the design was to give plenty of warning so as not to run it dry and potentially damage the fuel pump.

[rhodyrider401]

Originally Posted by waterman

It's better to have too much than not enough. In some regions 60 miles may not get you to the next fuel station. I do believe the design was to give plenty of warning so as not to run it dry and potentially damage the fuel pump.

Agreed.