Rode out a tank of gas

[Firefighter]

Had a beautiful day to ride and since I didn't go to Snook Texas for chicken fried everything with some of you guys, I took a ride around my area. Covered a lot of miles and the weather kept getting better so I decided to do something I always wanted to do. I always wanted to check the fuel endurance  of my 2000 Interstate . I had begun the ride with the tank filled to the brim and I had two one gallon  Reda gas jugs of fuel in the saddle bags.

The weather was windy but I rode all directions and was in town probably 15 miles total and the rest of the ride was country flat roads, no expressway. I rode mostly 60 to 63 mph or 3000 rpm as that is my normal style.

Anyway, I rode 209.1 miles to reserve, then another 40.9 miles till the engine starved for fuel and I had to pull off the road.  So I rode exactly 250 miles total. I poured one gallon of gas into the tank and then rode 14 miles to the gas station where I pumped 6.85 gallons into the tank and it was full to the brim again.

Honda manual says IS tank capacity is 6.9 US gallons and reserve is 1.06 gallons. I was of the understanding that tank capacity would mean total of tank and reserve but it must mean the IS has a capacity of 7.96 gallons, Right?

I usually average about 35 miles per gallon, but if I run much over 3000 RPM or a strong headwind mileage suffers. Texas can be long between gas ups in places and now I have a better understanding of when to stop. Anyone done this (on purpose!!) or any thoughts?

[fudgie]

I believe the 6.9 includes 1.06 of resv.

[Valker]

Honda specs their fuel tank capacity with the bike on the sidestand and filling stops at the bottom of the 'sleeve' going into the tank. When I fill it that way, I can stand it up and get almost another .75 gallon in.

[gordonv]

Honda specs their fuel tank capacity with the bike on the sidestand and filling stops at the bottom of the 'sleeve' going into the tank. When I fill it that way, I can stand it up and get almost another .75 gallon in.

+1

Added 1 gal to an empty tank, rode another 14 miles, ease of calculation, you used up .5 of that gal.

Then you added 6.8 at the station. So close. What does the "full to the brim" mean?

I pumped 6.85 gallons into the tank and it was full to the brim again.

When I'm riding further, I fill it up as high as I can get, knowing I have the 1 gal reserve. I always thought that my IS reserve was 4 liters, so could get 50 miles out of it. I used to get 189 miles to reserve, but am usually also driving at 70 MPH/3200 RPM.

[John Schmidt]

I've tested my I/S tank for capacity, found it will take 7.1 almost to the top of the neck. Normally don't fill it to that level but did it one time to see if it would break 7 gallons. I always stand the bike upright when filling, usually will shake it a bit to lose some trapped air....just wiggle the bars. Around town, I just go up to the bottom of the neck, but on the highway I'll add the extra. Not sure it's worthwhile, just how it do it. With my Tourer running right at 3k rpm, I'll approach 225-230 miles before having to turn to reserve. I seldom behave as such but have done so a few times when using backroads.

[Firefighter]

Full to the brim means to the top of the neck any more and it will spill over. I will fill it that way if I can, no room for air no rust in the tank, gas stays fresher longer. Some pumps will fill slow enough to do that. I think Valker is right about Honda specs the tank capacity on the side stand which is why I get more fuel in the tank when I stand the bike straight up.

[firemedic309]

I have a 97 Tourer.. stock bike except for the batwing. I get right at 130 miles on the tank before going to reserve. This is mostly running under 3k .

[gordonv]

Full to the brim means to the top of the neck any more and it will spill over. I will fill it that way if I can, no room for air no rust in the tank, gas stays fresher longer.

Don't you get the fuel spilling out the vent tube after you park that way? We had a bike in Spearfish do exactly that after filling and then parking in the sun. Expansion.

[Alberta Patriot]

Full to the brim means to the top of the neck any more and it will spill over. I will fill it that way if I can, no room for air no rust in the tank, gas stays fresher longer.

Don't you get the fuel spilling out the vent tube after you park that way? We had a bike in Spearfish do exactly that after filling and then parking in the sun. Expansion.

Fill up AFTER coffee and donuts.
Brimming the I/S is a pain with that tiny air bleed.
BTW..what about those goofy rubber contraptions that stop pumping fuel when lifted in California...how the hell can you fill up there??

[Harryc]

BTW..what about those goofy rubber contraptions that stop pumping fuel when lifted in California...how the hell can you fill up there??

http://www.aerostich.com/e-z-fill-nozzle-key.html

or ...

http://www.aerostich.com/gascard.html

[Blackduck]

1st mod on the Valk was to open that bleed hole up , no slow fill for me.

[Jess from VA]

I always fill my interstates right to the very top.  (If the pump will allow a slow speed.  Some won't, so then I can't.)

But not if I am going to go right over and park it on the side stand.  Especially in hot sunlight. 

I tend to fill up after lunch, not before lunch (or any other stop).

[0leman]

BTW..what about those goofy rubber contraptions that stop pumping fuel when lifted in California...how the hell can you fill up there??

When I lived in CA for a few years bought a McCuff  (www.mccuff.com).  It allows one to fill tank without the hassles of holding the rubber piece up so you can see how much gas is in the tank.  Never had a problem with it and could fill my IS tank full.  Haven't used it since I Left CA (best move ever).

[Grandpot]

I have a phobia (lackus petrophobia) about running out of gas, so I never tested it like you did.  Thanks for the info.

[Bagger John - #3785]

I've owned two Tourers over the years. Both had I/S ICMs installed instead of the Std/Tourer part, and both eventually got the #38 pilot jet - I/S carb springs - adjustable jet needle modification. No other mods to engine, smog plumbing, airbox or exhaust; stock Honda air cleaner elements were/are used.

The first one - a 2000, 49-state model - routinely got mileage in the high 30s to mid 40s, depending on speed it was ridden at.

The second - a '99 CA model with all smog plumbing and OEM cams in place - will go anywhere between 190 and 250 miles before I hit Reserve; again, depending on riding speed and style. It doesn't lack for power, either - and has an I/S trunk plus Memphis Fats fairing attached.

[Alberta Patriot]

BTW..what about those goofy rubber contraptions that stop pumping fuel when lifted in California...how the hell can you fill up there??

http://www.aerostich.com/e-z-fill-nozzle-key.html

or ...

http://www.aerostich.com/gascard.html

Brilliant...thanks...although California is off the list until they get a grip on reality there. ???

[Jess from VA]

The few times I had to deal with one of those nozzles, I just held the rubber sleeve back with the left  hand and pumped with the right.  This tricks the waco tree hugger design into thinking it is pushed deep into the tank.

[The emperor has no clothes]

BTW..what about those goofy rubber contraptions that stop pumping fuel when lifted in California...how the hell can you fill up there??

http://www.aerostich.com/e-z-fill-nozzle-key.html

or ...

http://www.aerostich.com/gascard.html

Brilliant...thanks...although California is off the list until they get a grip on reality there. ???

Short changing yourself of some great riding. Not all the people in California are like you think.

[Firefighter]

I don't fill to the brim then park in the sun, I park in the garage or am on the road riding and yes the gas pump has to cooperate. I opened the bleed hole in the filler neck years ago which really helps vent air and add more gas . I went to the trouble of trying to insert a towel in the tank to catch any drill shavings then found that the metal is so soft that a small awl will enlarge the hole very easily, just insert the awl or what ever you have and move it side to side and around the best you can. If needed then you can go larger with a larger awl. Tried one of those McCuff devices and could not make it work for me, seemed to be the wrong size.

[RudyF6]

Full to the brim means to the top of the neck any more and it will spill over. I will fill it that way if I can, no room for air no rust in the tank, gas stays fresher longer.

Don't you get the fuel spilling out the vent tube after you park that way? We had a bike in Spearfish do exactly that after filling and then parking in the sun. Expansion.

Did that ONE time on my CBX. Filled on the center stand, rode to the door to get a receipt that didn't print at the pump. Only about a minute on the sidestand made a mess I won't forget!! 

[joker]

I don't fill to the brim then park in the sun, I park in the garage or am on the road riding and yes the gas pump has to cooperate. I opened the bleed hole in the filler neck years ago which really helps vent air and add more gas . I went to the trouble of trying to insert a towel in the tank to catch any drill shavings then found that the metal is so soft that a small awl will enlarge the hole very easily, just insert the awl or what ever you have and move it side to side and around the best you can. If needed then you can go larger with a larger awl. Tried one of those McCuff devices and could not make it work for me, seemed to be the wrong size.

Bleed hole drilled out??  Directions or photos or both?

Thanx. 

[Firefighter]

Joker
Someone posted years ago about how you can enlarge the little bleed or vent hole in the filler neck and then it is easier to fill the tank to the top.

Without the hole in the filler neck, if you were pumping gas into the tank and filled to the bottom of the neck you would overflow the tank very quickly. Since Honda left a vent hole in the filler neck, trapped air above the fuel in the tank vents out the filler and gives you a chance to stop the flow without spilling. Many of us take advantage of this and even ream out this hole larger, then if you have a gas nozzle that will flow slowly, stand the bike up straight and you can fill the fuel tank all the way to the top as the air gets out of the way. I do this all the time and get much better distance from a tank of gas.

Very easy to do!

[firemedic309]

could anyone link to the bleed hole enlarging... I cant seem to find it. Thanks

[Firefighter]

http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Burping_Brunhilda/burping_brunhilda.html


Firemedic  If this link opens it may help