I have a 19.5 liter gas tank...?

[beemrdon]

I love my K1100 but I just wish it had more range.
I have a 19.5 liter gas tank, which is about 5.2 gallons (owners manual, page 14).
The most I have ever been able to fill is 3.7 gallons (today). At the station before filling up, I shined a flashlight down into the tank and it was empty with  less than 1/8" left, looking straight down.
I have the flapper in place but manage to fill it almost to the top by twisting the filler neck to the left when filling it up.
So what am I missing here? Is the tank really 5.2 gallons? Doesn't seem so.    :dunno
I'd like to hear other riders experiences.
What is the most gas you have ever gotten into your tank in a filling?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I have three bricks in daily use and run a lot of gas through them since I ride about 5-600 miles a week. I have removed the flapper from all of them and I have filled them with as much as 5 gallons :eek: when the fuel pump has been whining.  Running that low is nerve wracking, and I try to avoid that as much as possible.

Normally, when I am using the bikes for commuting I fill up at around 200-210 miles which is no more than 20 miles after the low fuel light comes on.  At that point the tank takes about 4.5-4.6 gallons(US).

[Laitch]

Normally, when I am using the bikes for commuting I fill up at around 200-210 miles which is no more than 20 miles after the low fuel light comes on.  At that point the tank takes about 4.5-4.6 gallons(US).

That's the mileage when I fill my tank, too. I've kept the flapper. 15 miles past that, I'd be walking. I've never had to though.  :yes

[beemrdon]

Interesting...

[K1300S]

flapper out on mine too.  not only does it allow you to add a little bit more on fillup,  you can better see how much is left when you open the cap.

and fill up when it is on the center stand....

[Laitch]

you can better see how much is left when you open the cap

I'd rather look for interesting wildlife and listen for the pump cutoff. I know how much fuel is in there already—not enough. :giggles

[billday]

On this topic -- bear in mind that your K-bike's fuel pump is both cooled and lubricated by its gasoline bath. So, running with little fuel in the tank does stress your fuel pump.

[beemrdon]

I'm going to repeat this...My tank was empty except for a slight amount on the bottom (looking straight down and yet I could only get 3.7 gallons in it. My light comes on at the add 3.2 gallons, so where is the extra capacity? I have been wondering on this for the past 3 years now. That's why I am posting this. I want an answer. 3.7 is a long way from 5.2!!!
If I must, I will run it out of gas until it stalls out and then refill it. Don't want to do it but my tank is pretty clean and I have a new fuel filter.

[Martin]

Empty your tank and then refill using a known quantity measure. It helps to empty your tank occasionally anyway.
Regards Martin.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I'm going to repeat this...My tank was empty except for a slight amount on the bottom (looking straight down and yet I could only get 3.7 gallons in it.

You haven't mentioned it, but have you removed the flapper?  With the flapper installed, when you look straight down you see the hump in the bottom of the tank where it goes over the top frame tube.  If you are seeing a slight amount on top of that hump there will still be a large amount of fuel in the low spots on the sides of the tank. 

Is it possible that this is what you are seeing.  If you remove that flapper, you can easily see the fuel pump and the fuel in those low spots.  I am pretty sure those low spots can hold the 1 1/2 gallons of capacity you you're "missing".

[beemrdon]

No Gryph, it's still in there. I will take it out, at least temporarily to try to gain more data as to what's what.

[Chaos]

beemrdon, remember Easy Rider?  Your bike ever used to run drugs?   :riding: :riding: :riding: :riding: :falldown:

[The Dude]

beemrdon, remember Easy Rider?  Your bike ever used to run drugs?   :riding: :riding: :riding: :riding: :falldown:

Ha,I was thinking more like Bondo filler.Ive got a dent worth a couple of cubic centimetres.1 1/2 gallons would be a big dent though.
As Martin suggests,drain the swamp and refill her.

[K1300S]

No Gryph, it's still in there. I will take it out, at least temporarily to try to gain more data as to what's what.

if it is still in, you CANNOT see how much fuel is in there.  take the cap off, unbolt the flapper valve and toss it.  put cap back on.  THEN you can see how much fuel there is.

[beemrdon]

Hey guys, I took the flapper off (flapendectomy?), then I got a gallon of gas and put it in a side case. From there I  rode the bike until the fuel pump screeched like hell. I opened the tank and saw only a very small amount of fuel on the right side rear "pocket". The flat part was dry. So I poured the 1 gallon of gas in and rode about 1/2 of a mile to fill it up with almost 4 more gallons of gas.
Bottom line is I have a 5.2 gallon gas tank after all.
...........Also, I have about 45 - 50 miles of fuel left after the fuel light comes on....YMMV of course.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

That's excellent!  Even more excellent is that you were able to ride on January 30th. 

40-50 miles on the red light is about right since on my bikes it means there is about 1 gallon left.  My rule of thumb is that I need gas within 25 miles of when the light comes on.  Beyond that the fuel pump starts sounding like there is a swarm of angry bees in there.

[beemrdon]

Gryph,
I am now in the Las Vegas area and today was 67 and sunny. Unlike the Boston area.

So anyway,  I've added at least 40 miles to my range with the flap gone but I'd like to add more............

Out here, gas stations can be few and far in between when traveling out of town, which is the direction I most want to travel.

I'd like to carry aux. fuel somewhere but not in my side case as it stinks it up inside. I have seen gas containers made from alu that look like a thermos attached to the rear of "adv" bike's side cases. I'm curious, has anyone used these?

[bmwpyro]

I'm not sure you want to go this way... not sure it will fit...

http://store.bobsbmw.com/product/custom-long-distance-high-capacity-touring-gas-tank-for-bmw-k75--k100

[Martin]

Try Ebay motorcycle fuel canister. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-750ML-Gas-Oil-Fuel-Bottle-Motorcycle-Emergency-Petrol-Gasoline-Canister  or try camping shop suppliers they have canisters for liquid fuel for camping stoves.
Regards Martin.

[Motorhobo]

I'm not sure you want to go this way... not sure it will fit...

http://store.bobsbmw.com/product/custom-long-distance-high-capacity-touring-gas-tank-for-bmw-k75--k100

Expect to also install RT bars and sit upright or you'll crack a rib at the first bump with that bad boy.

Looks like a milk crate covered with rhino liner.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Found this collapsible bladder through a link on an off road site.

Go down to the Paris Dakar.   20l capacity

http://www.turtlepac.com/products/collapsible-jerry-can-fuel-tanks/

No idea how much it costs, but they are used on airplanes with avgas, so I would think they are pretty tough.

Here is the thread were I found it.  Some interesting discussion.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/equipment-reviews/collapsible-gas-can-5231

[mw074]

Ray Randolph 8 1/2 gallon tank made for low bars.

[Motorhobo]

Do they have an 'American fit'? Where are we fat-ass Yanks going to store our portly bellies?

[mw074]

There is plenty of room when matched with a Russell seat.

[bmwpyro]

Expect to also install RT bars and sit upright or you'll crack a rib at the first bump with that bad boy.

Looks like a milk crate covered with rhino liner.

LOL. probably from a converted advrider...

Ray Randolph 8 1/2 gallon tank made for low bars.

much better tank indeed, and it has a fuel gauge. wonder if its an OEM sender... if original, then its full for the first 5 gallons...