Fuel Evaporation?

[Raknid]

I have a question for the group. It sounds like a crazy question but this is the second time I have experienced this. My wife last rode her RT two weeks ago. Fuel was at lower end of the tank but not to the point that the warning light came on. We went to start it yesterday and go for a short spin and the fuel warning was on - only 109 miles on trip odometer. We had this happen when the bike sat for several weeks in January. At that time we around 115-120 miles on the tank. There are no signs of fuel leaking in the garage. Is it possible that there is evaporation to this extent over that short a time period? It does not seem feasible to me. I have had many motorcycles and never encountered this. Thanks.

[NancysToy]

Temperature makes a difference. When you come back from a ride, the fuel tank is hot with engine heat, and the gas is expanded. The gauge will read higher. After cooling all night, or especially if stored in winter weather, the gas volume is smaller, so the gauge may read considerably lower than it did when you parked, and the fuel light may show, even though it didn't even flicker when you parked your Spyder. After you run down the road a few miles, the opposite happens, and the fuel gauge actually rises visibly.

[bzbaeren]

Good answer I had forgotten that this can be that noticable and dramatic thanks.

[ARtraveler]

Sounds like what Scotty said. Had it happen the last time I rode the 2011. Went on long ryde. The mileage was at 145. Light usually goes on at about 150. No fuel light when I parked it. Light came on when I started it up the next morning.

[Raknid]

thank you, all...we will keep an eye on it.

[shelbydave]

Another thing I try to do is to park it with at least 2/3 full tank. I've seen the same thing, and it could be what Scotty is describing, but leaving it with more gas in the tank, gives more thermal mass to heat up during the cool down period.