Gas Gauge Issues

[SpydOR]

I just got my SM5 on Friday (I've already put 120 miles on it!) and I am having an issue with the gas gauge. My low fuel light came on and the gauge was showing only one bar, so I decided to fill it up. It only took four gallons. I ran the tank down until no bars were showing and filled it up again. It only took 4.5 gallons this time. Anyone know why this is happening? I thought the Spyder was supposed to have near a 7 gallon tank. Anyone else have this problem? Is it possibly because we use a lot of ethanol in our gas here in the Pacific NW and maybe that's causing issues? Any help would be appreciated.

[Big Arm]

You got more than a gas gauge problem.
You better take this back to the dealer if your only getting 14 miles to the gallon.

[BRPjunkie]

All of us had to learn how to fill the tank. When the nozzle kicks off, the tank is not full. You need to pull the nozzle out and continue to fill until about another gallon goes in. You need to watch closely and get it up near the neck, but not overfill or you will get a gas smell. An annoying feature of the Spyder, but you can get 5-1/2 to 6 gallons in when it shows it is empty. The 7 gallon capacity was an error and it is only 6.6 gallons and not all of that can be filled. 150 miles between refuelings is about the safe limit.

[Dudley]

You got more than a gas gauge problem.
You better take this back to the dealer if your only getting 14 miles to the gallon.

How did your math come to 14 mpg?

[Big Arm]

He went 120 miles and used 8.5 gallons ????

[Dudley]

I just got my SM5 on Friday (I've already put 120 miles on it!) and I am having an issue with the gas gauge. My low fuel light came on and the gauge was showing only one bar, so I decided to fill it up. It only took four gallons. I ran the tank down until no bars were showing and filled it up again. It only took 4.5 gallons this time. Anyone know why this is happening? I thought the Spyder was supposed to have near a 7 gallon tank. Anyone else have this problem? Is it possibly because we use a lot of ethanol in our gas here in the Pacific NW and maybe that's causing issues? Any help would be appreciated.

There have been several posts concerning gas gage issues. Bottom
line...a gage is a guide to inform you that you are getting low on fuel. It is not meant to be a space-age device to let one know how many drops of fuel you have left. The Spyder gas tank will probably hold over 7 gallons if it were not built with a bit of space above the gas cap opening that will not allow you to fill past the cap. What you have experienced is the norm. I get about 160 miles before the last bar is left and the gas light comes on. I will then fill up in the neighborhood of 4 gallons are so. I don't know how long you can go after the last bar. I reset my Trip A mileage when I fill up and use that for a better idea of where I stand in remaining gas. Seems like you are getting good gas mileage for being new. Welcome to the Spyder community and I wish you many happy smiling miles.

[Dudley]

He went 120 miles and used 8.5 gallons ????

But did he leave the dealership with a full tank? If it was like mine, I had enough to go buy some. The dealership was prevented from having gasoline storage and the nearest station was a bit far. I saw what you saw after I re-read the post.

[Big Arm]

I think I really mis-read his post........looks like he got approx 120 miles,
on the 4 gallons......which is fairly good mileage for a new bike.
I apologize

[Dudley]

I think I really mis-read his post........looks like he got approx 120 miles,
on the 4 gallons......which is fairly good mileage for a new bike.
I apologize

It's still not clear. Could go either way! As long as you or I or he don't run dry and have to PUSH!

[SpydOR]

It's still not clear. Could go either way! As long as you or I or he don't run dry and have to PUSH!

I received the bike with about 5 miles on it. I rode it about 5 miles before the light came on. I put in four gallons. I rode it until 101 miles was showing on the odometer and then put in 4.5 gallons. So, by my math, I am getting 20.22 mpg. I am pushing it hard, because the dealership I bought it at told me I had to push it hard. I am assuming (hoping) that my gas mileage improves once I have broken the engine in and don't have to push it so hard. Does 20mpg seem right during the break-in phase? Does the fact that I have a 390lb load on the bike drag down the mpg that much?

[Dudley]

I received the bike with about 5 miles on it. I rode it about 5 miles before the light came on. I put in four gallons. I rode it until 101 miles was showing on the odometer and then put in 4.5 gallons. So, by my math, I am getting 20.22 mpg. I am pushing it hard, because the dealership I bought it at told me I had to push it hard. I am assuming (hoping) that my gas mileage improves once I have broken the engine in and don't have to push it so hard. Does 20mpg seem right during the break-in phase? Does the fact that I have a 390lb load on the bike drag down the mpg that much?

I have a suggestion, but the decision is yours. I cannot understand why the dealership told you to drive it hard. The manual is pretty explicit on how to break it in, and "pushing it hard" is not BRP's way. I would confront the dealer with the Owner's Manual and have them tell me why I was told to break it in any different than the manual. From what I hear, the on-board computer keeps a record of how the bike is ridden and if there is ever a concern about an engine problem...well you get the picture.

[SpydOR]

I have a suggestion, but the decision is yours. I cannot understand why the dealership told you to drive it hard. The manual is pretty explicit on how to break it in, and "pushing it hard" is not BRP's way. I would confront the dealer with the Owner's Manual and have them tell me why I was told to break it in any different than the manual. From what I hear, the on-board computer keeps a record of how the bike is ridden and if there is ever a concern about an engine problem...well you get the picture.

The dealership told me thusly: Don't let it idle, keep it high-tached (4000-6000rpm range), keep rolling on and rolling off the throttle, don't take it on the freeway as that would require constant RPMs, etc. Their technician told me that he would hook it up to BUDS at the first service and would yell at me if I did not follow his directions. I am running it the way he told me to. I am keeping it in the 4000-6000rpm range. I am guessing that is why my gas mileage is low (as well as the 390lb load....me).

[bone crusher]

He went 120 miles and used 8.5 gallons ????

No silly...he ran it down again...

[bone crusher]

I received the bike with about 5 miles on it. I rode it about 5 miles before the light came on. I put in four gallons. I rode it until 101 miles was showing on the odometer and then put in 4.5 gallons. So, by my math, I am getting 20.22 mpg. I am pushing it hard, because the dealership I bought it at told me I had to push it hard. I am assuming (hoping) that my gas mileage improves once I have broken the engine in and don't have to push it so hard. Does 20mpg seem right during the break-in phase? Does the fact that I have a 390lb load on the bike drag down the mpg that much?

I wouldn't worry about the break-in...everyone here has their own opinion on that...when I got my bike, I had to ride it 80 miles to get home...well, guess what???...I had to ride it on the highway...at constant RPMs...I actually rode part of the way in 4th gear just to keep the RPMs up...

I used to get barely 26 mpg...now I'm up to about 30...and this is pretty normal for this bike...I don't ride it lightly, mind you.

The bike will take over 500 miles until you really see a difference in the mileage department.

As far as what your dealer says...ride the way you want to ride...for Pete's sake, the engine is supposed to be well-built...it should be able to take anything you throw at it.

My old BMW convertible has 90,000+ miles on it...I think it is still breaking in...racing engines don't have to be babied...I don't think the Spyder engine needs too much TLC...have fun and ride it...

As someone commented on above, when the gas clicks off, you have another gallon to go, at least...you'll learn what really is full when you play with it a little more...remember, the final last 1/2 bar should be lit up if you really have your tank filled...

[Dudley]

I wouldn't worry about the break-in...everyone here has their own opinion on that...when I got my bike, I had to ride it 80 miles to get home...well, guess what???...I had to ride it on the highway...at constant RPMs...I actually rode part of the way in 4th gear just to keep the RPMs up...

I used to get barely 26 mpg...now I'm up to about 30...and this is pretty normal for this bike...I don't ride it lightly, mind you.

The bike will take over 500 miles until you really see a difference in the mileage department.

As far as what your dealer says...ride the way you want to ride...for Pete's sake, the engine is supposed to be well-built...it should be able to take anything you throw at it.

My old BMW convertible has 90,000+ miles on it...I think it is still breaking in...racing engines don't have to be babied...I don't think the Spyder engine needs too much TLC...have fun and ride it...

As someone commented on above, when the gas clicks off, you have another gallon to go, at least...you'll learn what really is full when you play with it a little more...remember, the final last 1/2 bar should be lit up if you really have your tank filled...

Mine is not an opinion. I read the manual and went by it. That's all I am saying. If anyone decides to do it their way and have engine issues, then when the computer is checked...

[Dudley]

The dealership told me thusly: Don't let it idle, keep it high-tached (4000-6000rpm range), keep rolling on and rolling off the throttle, don't take it on the freeway as that would require constant RPMs, etc. Their technician told me that he would hook it up to BUDS at the first service and would yell at me if I did not follow his directions. I am running it the way he told me to. I am keeping it in the 4000-6000rpm range. I am guessing that is why my gas mileage is low (as well as the 390lb load....me).

I missed the word "yell" the first time I read this. Is this guy for real? First time a tech yells at me will be the last time he sees me at that dealership. You are a customer, not a stepchild.

[mike3069]

The dealership told me thusly: Don't let it idle, keep it high-tached (4000-6000rpm range), keep rolling on and rolling off the throttle, don't take it on the freeway as that would require constant RPMs, etc.

This sounds pretty close to what the manual states.

[mike3069]

I just got my SM5 on Friday (I've already put 120 miles on it!) and I am having an issue with the gas gauge. My low fuel light came on and the gauge was showing only one bar, so I decided to fill it up. It only took four gallons. I ran the tank down until no bars were showing and filled it up again. It only took 4.5 gallons this time. Anyone know why this is happening?

4.5 gals is what mine takes at the light coming on, UNLESS I "Top it up" several times to get that air space filled up w/ gas!

It will usually take at least another 1/2 gal.

Sounds to me like your gauge is the same as mine.

P.S.- When ALL the bars are gone mine will still only take about 5.5 gals after "topping up". The most I ever put in was 6.1 gals.

Bottom line is when light goes on you have at least 1+ gals left. Start looking for gas.

[SpydOR]

4.5 gals is what mine takes at the light coming on, UNLESS I "Top it up" several times to get that air space filled up w/ gas!

It will usually take at least another 1/2 gal.

Sounds to me like your gauge is the same as mine.

P.S.- When ALL the bars are gone mine will still only take about 5.5 gals after "topping up". The most I ever put in was 6.1 gals.

Bottom line is when light goes on you have at least 1+ gals left. Start looking for gas.

Wherein the problem lies. I live in Oregon (hence the screen name SpydOR). We are not allowed by law to pump our own gas, with the exception of motorcycles and other non-automobile vehicles. Even though I am the one actually operating the nozzle, I am not allowed to operate the actual pump. When I go to fill it up, as soon as the pump initially cuts off, the attendant will swoop in and switch the pump off, not allowing me to try to top-off the tank. This is annoying, as I would like to at least round off the amount of money spent to the nearest $0.25 (When I filled up the other day, I paid something like $9.83 for 4.5 gallons of gas). The guy cut the pump off just as I was squeezing the nozzle to try to top it off. Annoying? Yes. Petty? Yes. Then again, the Oregon legislature is annoying and petty.

[smokster]

Wherein the problem lies. I live in Oregon (hence the screen name SpydOR). We are not allowed by law to pump our own gas, with the exception of motorcycles and other non-automobile vehicles. Even though I am the one actually operating the nozzle, I am not allowed to operate the actual pump. When I go to fill it up, as soon as the pump initially cuts off, the attendant will swoop in and switch the pump off, not allowing me to try to top-off the tank. This is annoying, as I would like to at least round off the amount of money spent to the nearest $0.25 (When I filled up the other day, I paid something like $9.83 for 4.5 gallons of gas). The guy cut the pump off just as I was squeezing the nozzle to try to top it off. Annoying? Yes. Petty? Yes. Then again, the Oregon legislature is annoying and petty.

That is sooo wierd. What are they afraid of?

[SpydOR]

I missed the word "yell" the first time I read this. Is this guy for real? First time a tech yells at me will be the last time he sees me at that dealership. You are a customer, not a stepchild.

I think his "yell" was meant to be more figurative than literal. He just wants to make sure that I properly break-in the engine to ensure I get the full life out of it. The Spyder guy at the dealership is great and is a Spyder junkie. That's the only BRP machine he works on for them now. The dealership is a Platinum-Rated dealership and I have nothing but good things to say about them. I think his main point was to make sure I don't baby the bike and cause it issues in the log run.

But, you are correct...if I were ever treated like I am stupid by a dealership, that would be the last time I ever did business with them. I may not understand the ins and outs of the mechanicals of the Spyder, but I have designed (from the ground up) computer systems and control systems more complex than they could ever imagine putting on the bike.

[bone crusher]

Mine is not an opinion. I read the manual and went by it. That's all I am saying. If anyone decides to do it their way and have engine issues, then when the computer is checked...

Dudley,

I'm aware of that...it's just funny how many different opinions you get from all across the board...no doubt BRP should know how to best run their bikes...unfortunately, they've lost some credibility on the build side...I think all of us should be fine no matter how we ride the bike...the Rotax engine is considered to be a beast...just talk with anyone who owns other products with a Rotax..they crush them and they still run well...

[SpydOR]

That is sooo wierd. What are they afraid of?

The reason why they implemented the law (so they say) is to provide jobs. The state minimum wage is $8.40. Pumping gas is an easy $8.40/hr and you don't have to be drug-screened. Also, the gas stations are freaky about people touching the pumps because of the tight control of the state auditors who will hand out HUGE fines if they see non-authorized personnel (read: non-gas station employees) illegally operating gas pumps.

Then again, when it is raining 250 days out of the year, it is kinda nice to not have to get out of the car to pump gas...

[SpydOR]

This sounds pretty close to what the manual states.

Yeah. I reread the manual section on break-in before I collapsed from exhaustion (umm...went to sleep) last night and that pretty much seems to be what it is implying.

[SpydOR]

I wouldn't worry about the break-in...everyone here has their own opinion on that...when I got my bike, I had to ride it 80 miles to get home...well, guess what???...I had to ride it on the highway...at constant RPMs...I actually rode part of the way in 4th gear just to keep the RPMs up...

I used to get barely 26 mpg...now I'm up to about 30...and this is pretty normal for this bike...I don't ride it lightly, mind you.

The bike will take over 500 miles until you really see a difference in the mileage department.

As far as what your dealer says...ride the way you want to ride...for Pete's sake, the engine is supposed to be well-built...it should be able to take anything you throw at it.

My old BMW convertible has 90,000+ miles on it...I think it is still breaking in...racing engines don't have to be babied...I don't think the Spyder engine needs too much TLC...have fun and ride it...

As someone commented on above, when the gas clicks off, you have another gallon to go, at least...you'll learn what really is full when you play with it a little more...remember, the final last 1/2 bar should be lit up if you really have your tank filled...

I appreciate your opinions, Bone Crusher.