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What size is my tank?? (2004 TBS)

717 views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  Slinky 
#1 ·
2004 TBS

I always thought I had 15 liters, including 4 liter reserve.
USA... works out as 3.9 gallons, including 1 gallon reserve.

This morning I hit reserve about 4 miles from a gas station, but it took 3.5 gallons to fill up when I was expecting 3 (ish).

So....... Is my tank larger than I thought? Or is my reserve less than I thought?
 
#2 ·
4 litres is right for the reserve.
Had my tank off on the bench then ran it empty through the tap until it went onto reserve then drained the rest off until it was more or less empty, the reserve was 4 litres give or take a little.
Don't forget when your riding the fuel is constantly on the move so although you had dropped below the level of the main tap with movement your going to continue to get fuel down to the carbs. It might well be that when you opened the reserve tap you was already well into your reserve capacity.
It certainly opened my eyes when I did my test, 4 litres doesn't look a lot when you consider the alternative is to get off and start pushing!
 
#3 · (Edited)
..or the gas station was crooked and you got ripped off :dunno

But seriously, sometimes I seem to be able to get more fuel in, sometimes less. It depends on how long I'm willing to play cat & mouse with topping it off till it overspills. I know I've done a good job when I leave a trail of fuel behind me.
 
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#4 ·
Thanks for the info guys... and good point on being into the reserve a ways before ever needing to switch the tap.

That means I can expect about 20 (or a few more) miles on reserve if driven at reasonable speeds.

I'll try not to leave the trail of fuel behind after topping off though... :)
 
#5 ·
i have found that I get pretty wildly different mileage depending on what that tank has done.

At my most conservative, if you call 70mph steady on a California freeway conservative in 6th gear, I get over 50mpg. My tank holds nearly 4.3 gallons total. So yes, I can get over 200 miles, although I am getting nervous anywhere past 180.

The tank DOES hold 4.3 gallons. The "reserve" is about a gallon and a skootch (4 liters). I fill it to the lid and ride.
 
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