I recently purchased a 2014 XL1200C with a 4.5 gal tank. The odometer is suppose to display "R" and the miles to go after the fuel lamp illuminates. I have ridden 50 miles after the fuel lamp lights but when it starts to sputter I fill up. It only takes 4 gals. Does the tank only hold 4 gals or is the odometer display "R" with range to go not working?

 

Well...if it’s starts to sputter, and it’s resolved by putting in 4 gallons, that sounds like your effective capacity is 4 gallons.

 

The fuel pump inside the tank takes some space. And then, there is always some fuel left. So if you were able to pump in 4 gals, I'd say you were dangerously close to running on fumes. I have a 4.5 gal tank too and at the most I've added 3.7 gals after riding some 155 miles on a tankful.

 

I once put 15.5 liters. 4.5 gallon is 17 liters. Means I put 4.25 gallon.

 

I'd venture to say that cacomly prolly routinely pumps in a lot more.

 

In over 50 years of riding bikes I don't recall owning one that can actually be run until it is bone dry! In other words we can expect there to be some fuel retained, even after the engine dies. When the engine sputters it will quite likely continue for a short while before stopping, however the wise thing to do is indeed fill up!

You are doing the right thing, which is to regard the light coming on to be the warning that you are now using your reserve. I don't see anything as being wrong! Living in Florida your temps are usually pretty warm. If you refill at dawn after a cold night the fuel will be colder and you will squeeze in a little extra.

 

Basically echoing what everyone else said but not tank can be run bone dry. Carb bikes can hold a little more fuel than FI ones due to the pump but not much more. I think the most I’ve run my tank down was to about .3 of a gallon left (so I put 4.2 in when I filled up).

You’re best bet is to reset your trip when you fill up and start learning what’s mileage you get. This has the added bonus of being a prewarning if your bike isn’t performing well.

 

The most I put in was 4.2 gallons, and yes, the motor was sputtering.