Triumphrat

peter_s · 05-22-2007

I am wondering how motorcyclists know when their tank is close to empty? Do you just wait for it to hit the reserve?

I currently have set the trip meter to 0 on a full tank and will wait and see when it hits reserve. Currently I am at 168KM. Is this a good enough method? I am asking because as a new rider, I have a lot on my plate, I find I am at full concentration most of the time I am on the bike and for me to be in the middle of a turn and the engine cuts out, requiring me to reach down and fumble for the fuel switch to turn on reserve would be adding uneccesery stress.

So, topping up at X number kilometers would be my best bet as long as I can figure out what X should be.

I was told by the dealer (a honda dealer, the bonnie was a trade-in) that I should add a "stabilizer" to my fuel, what is that? My HD riding buddies tell me to just use high octane premium fuel, the expensive stuff at the pumps.

Any thoughts?

peter.

KingBear · 05-22-2007

That's pretty much what we all do - zero out the odometer and use it as your gas gauge. You'll hit reserve somewhere between 220 and 250km, depending on your particular bike and riding style. And skip the stabilizer unless you will not be riding for a while or you are storing the bike for the season - I've found my bike runs poorly with the additive. You can find it at any Canadian Tire. Just stick to the mid- to high-octane fuel and you'll be fine.

Welcome, Peter!

Loxpump · 05-22-2007

I burn the high octane stuff myself. 93 octane I think, about $3.57 a gallon around here, too much to burn it in my cages. I also zero out my trip gauge and at 100 miles of so I try to fill her up, but have gone 120 and not had to hit reserve. Also I never use any of the stabilizers even in the winter, I get out and run her all year even if it's 20 degs. Gas can sit a fews weeks or so without going bad. I have never had a problem, even in my truck that routinely sits for weeks without getting started. In the winter I may put in a little Heet in the tank, which is just alcohol that mixes with any moisture in the gas so it gets gets burned up with the fuel.

zaqtronic · 05-23-2007

It's a good idea to get to reserve a few times, so you know how far you can go (make sure you're in an area with service stations though!). As a rule, I try to fill up every 100miles, as this also forces me to take a break. However, I usually get to reserve at about 145miles (was 135 once!). I've gone upto about 165miles including reserve.

Ride safe.

Zaq in NZ

Big_Rick · 05-23-2007

That wouldn't happen to be an '04 T100 would it. I might know the bike. A guy I know just traded his in on a Honda ST1300. Good Bike.
You shouldn't hit reserve on that till around 240 km, your trip meter is your fuel gauge. Try and stick to 89 octane or higher.

Rick

Geoff · 05-23-2007

Dont be afraid to hit reserve, thats what its for. The bike will only cough once then keep going, to tell you its time for reserve. Once you do it a couple of times, you wont fumble it
G

ntr1972 · 05-23-2007

I have found that my Bonne runs the best on the highest octane available, I think it is 97 octane. I always try for BP fuel in Australia, it seems to be the most trusted. Your confidence will grow, don't sweat the small stuff. One thing you coul do until you gain ability is to top up with fuel each time you go out.

BILLYSIM · 05-23-2007

All good advice...just fill up at 90 or 100 miles for awhile till your confidence builds. (DO exercise your petcock regularly, however)

I'll start using a stabilizer in the late fall...I DON'T use STABIL...there are better products out there (Briggs supreme or one of the marine products) ...follow directions...most people use too much.
As far as "heet" goes...if you use it...run it THROUGH to eliminate the moisture...you don't want a bike stored with the water/alcohol mix sitting in the tank and fuel system.
...Billy

rick05rocket · 05-23-2007

I get approximately 40 mpg, and I use the trip odometer as my fuel gauge.

Only hit reserve once, and yes, it's a good idea to exercise it first so you don't fumble trying to get reserve turned on. . .

I use 89 octane fuel and my Bonnie runs great.

ride on

rick

panthercity · 05-23-2007

Avg 44mpg on mid-grade (89 octane R+M) and 48mpg on regular (87 octane R+M).

Tests conducted over four tanks of each.