Ran out of gas, but only took 2.9 to fill back up?

[Dynasty]

Today I thought I ran out of gas. Bike would turn on for 1 second then die. Tried a few times and it always immediately died. My gas light had turned on the day before, but I only rode 8 miles with the light on.

Long story short I walked 20 blocks, paid $20 for a 1 gallon gas can (rape) and put 1.1 gallons in it. Walked back, dumped the 1.1 gallon in and rode to the station. At first the bike was acting very funny. Chugging. Pulled the clutch in, revved it and it seemed to run fine.

Thing is I got the station and put in 1.8 gallons. So a total of 2.9. It was full to the brim. Doesn't that mean I had at least .75 gallons left?

Bike is running fine now but something doesn't seem right. The bike was on a slight incline when I tried to start it, could that have made a difference?

I run 93 octane and average around 80-90 a tank until the light comes on.

Thanks.

[Stevenc150]

The bike was on a slight incline when I tried to start it, could that have made a difference?

I run 93 octane and average around 80-90 a tank until the light comes on. Fuel pump is towards the rear but a slight incline would keep gas away from the pump. You're mpg is so low you must really be hammering on the bike, or somethings up because I get 125+ miles before my light comes on.

Edit: The '06-later tanks held slightly more gas but 80-90 miles before the low fuel light seems low.

[Dynasty]

I have a 2007.

Thanks for the reply. I live in NYC and am in constant traffic. I am also not easy on her, but I still don't think 80-90 miles is right. I have tuned it and tps reset to try and help but it hasn't made a huge difference yet.

[christianmb]

Are you sitting in traffic a lot? You sound like you are burning up a lot of gas idling. Also, check to make sure teh fuel pump plug is secure and tight. The plugs on these bikes love working loose

[Dynasty]

I am in a decent amount of traffic and tons of stoplights.

Any suggestions on checking fuel pump connection?

Thanks

[Iamarchangel]

Angle makes a difference.

There's a long corner here and when my tank is low, the fuel light will come on through the corner and go off when it's on the straight.

Can't remember if '07 is still the small tank but if it is and you're, umm, testing the efficiency of the police speed checks, that's about what I get.

[DustyXB]

Tanks aren't smaller. 06+ doesn't have the hole through the frame is all.

[Dynasty]

Thanks for the input guys.

I guess my question is, could a slight incline really change it enough so that over .75 gallons don't register? That seems like plenty of fuel left to go a few miles...

[dmp0001]

it does sound strange, I can put about 3 gal in just after the fuel light goes on. you should be able to fit almost 4 gal from dry.

[Lando]

i have an 08 Lightning SCG and have ran her dry twice, and never got to 3 gallons to fill her. I usually get about 120 miles before the fuel light, and about 30 after the light so that is about 50 MPG at best...

[07xb12sgrin]

i have an 07 and mine also goes 125-140 before the light comes on and i have a tuned ecm/k&n/exhaust to boot.hope you figure out what is wrong.

[ct1200]

Are you still running a stock ECM and stock map?
Upgrading might help a bit.

I know I'm about the same as everyone else, 120-130 to the light, and did run it empty once, 36 miles with the light on.
Filled it up with a gas can we had at the house for the lawn mower, too late at night and no 24hr stations around.
And normally its always right about 3gal, either just over or under.

[CowboyKS]

Riding on 1 wheel between stop lights does NOT double your MPG :)

[Dynasty]

I am a 07 xb9sx.

Jardine, k&n, stock ecm but with a tune on ECMspy for my set up.

I really don't beat it that hard!

[crxtasy169]

Filling up with less than 90 octane can make the bike die repeatedly as you mentioned when the tank was on the lower side. My best friend accidently filled up with 87 a couple of weeks ago and exhibited the same exact signs as yours did. As for the fuel light coming on early I'm uncertain, but the angle might have had something to do with it.

[kelly]

im sure im way off with this but have you changed your primary and engine oil lately? if its low and your gears are running too hot itll shut the bike down as a safety feature. heavy traffic and medium to hard riding in this summer we just been through could vaporize some oil. could be as simple as some trash hangin on a jet or a wire trying to arc somewhere who knows. either way let us know how it turns out.

[myronman3]

jeez, i am getting 52 mpg and ran it quite a ways by accident the other day, it took 2.9 gallons and no light on either.