So I'm new to riding and have looked online for info on gas range for my 2000 FXST. From the forums, I realize that the gas gauge is just garbage and to go by the odometer or trip meter. Is there a good average or range to go by before I should be concerned about filling up? I'm going off the assumption it's a 3.5 gallon tank with 1.5 gallon reserve. I've been filling up around 80-100 miles which seems low and I'm only filling about 2 gallons when I do that. It seems pretty self-explanatory but I wondered what anyone else with more experience thinks.

 

I gas up at 165 if I can push 180 if I’m not hauling ***. 05 Train

 

On my Dyna. look for fuel between 160 and 200. (The gauge is useless so I use the Trip Odometer only.)

 

I have a 2001 FXSTS. The bike is Stage I, and tuned the carb myself.

I average 40 mpg on that bike. That includes a bunch of 75mph freeway travel here in SoCal.

I don't push the tank to it's limit. I usually refuel around 120-130 miles. I have gone 160 miles, without needing to switch to reserve.

Obviously, YMMV.....

 

My 03 Heritage (5 gal, like yours) I fuel around 140. My gauge is wrong as well.
When it's just above E, and the low fuel light is on, it will take 3.5 gal.
I also rely on the trip-meter.
Mileage is 35-40 depending if it's all back roads or freeway.

 

You have a petcock. It has a reserve position. Run it till it dies. Flip to reserve and ride it to the gas station. Seems pretty simple to me.

 

Take miles ridden divided by gallons added to get your miles per gallon. Now multiply it by the capacity of your tank. (5 gallons). That's how far you can go before walking.
Of course you might get 48 mpg on a 55mph highway and only get 32 mpg doing 80 mph on the freeway fighting a headwind so you must consider that.
Me, I just shoot for fueling every 150 miles.

 

That was my SOP in the olden days.
fuel injection now...no reserve tank, or I'd still be doing it that way

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suggestion to the OP
Start tracking your mileage so you know your bike's MPG for your riding styles

it's easy to do if your trip meter works

Pull up to same pump, in same position in relation to pump and fill to same level every time

after 3-4 tank's full, you'll have a very good indicator of how many miles you can roll without concern
You'll also know if your gas gauge is accurate (mine is) but i still go by my trip meter


..L.T.A.

 

I'm pretty much in this range with my 2002 Fat Boy also. The heads have been reworked and gear drive cams added many years ago but no internals have been touched. Not sure how or if that affected fuel mileage.
I can probably get to the edge of 200 riding sensibly. But the 160 neighborhood is when I really start thinking I'd better gas up.
The fuel gauge gave up many years ago. There's been a repaint with brand new tank since then and the tank has flush mount caps on each side. The gauge was done away with.

 

I think maybe he should go back to school and learn math. Lets see 100 miles and two gallons of gas. Hell he should be able to go another 500 miles.