Low fuel indicator accuracy

[cantridenuf]

On a recent trip I was testing the limits a little fuel-wise. I had a 205 mile stretch to ride and was a little nervous, but my bike has been getting 45 mpg highway riding pretty consistently so I was fairly confident that I could make it.

At 187 miles my low fuel indicator light came on. I reached a fuel station at 207 miles and put in 4.6 gallons - that's exactly 45 mpg as I had expected.

What that tells me is that my low fuel indicator light came on with around 1.3 gallons left in the tank. According to MaKow it's supposed to come on at .8 gallons. So when my light came on I had about a half of a gallon more fuel left than indicated.

Is this consistent with the rest of you?

My other question is this: With a 5.3 gallon tank, (I own a 2005 1600), how much fuel is actually usable? Is the pickup tube really close to the bottom of the tank?

I'm trying to get a better feel for my range limitations as I'm considering doing some rides in Eastern Oregon that will stretch me to the limit.

Thanks and ride safe!

Bob