[blacki]

I just measured it, by riding my bike until it stopped, tipping in 1.4 litres from a container and filling up 5km later (22.3 litres). My answer is 23.4 litres, from empty until the first surge up the filler tube when the tank is "full" (you can keep trickling in fuel for a while after that, Honda says not to). Bike on the side stand, and taking into account the 0.3 litres burnt in the 5km. Another squirt would take it to 23.5 litres. Honda claim 22.9 litres.
So, 424km (265 miles) for 23.4 litres (6.2 gallons) on that tankful is 18.1km/l or 42.7mpg.
The last bar on the fuel gauge started flashing at 329km, so that was when 5.2 litres was left. The owner's manual says 4 litres.

It looks as if I can hope for 90km or 56 miles of gentle 100km/h (62.5mph) riding when the warning starts, and a total fuel range of just on 400km (250 miles) at a more conservative 17km/l (40mpg).

The 5th bar of 8 turned off after 11 litres, leaving 4 of 8 on (1/2 tank), so when I see that happen I'll assume I can travel as far again as I already have, if I absolutely need to.

Now that I accurately know the tank capacity, I can verify the litres-to-empty at the halfway, last bar, and flash warning points on a couple more tanksfull, to see how consistent they are.
IanB

 

[145236]

Imagine how much more fuel you can put in if you had a center stand.

 

[blacki]

Actually, I do, but for garage use only.
I did consider holding the bike upright with one hand and holding the fuel trigger with the other while I topped it off, but decided this was a bad idea.
IanB

 

[turboyoshi]

I did consider holding the bike upright with one hand and holding the fuel trigger with the other while I topped it off, but decided this was a bad idea.
IanB

Why a bad idea? That's what I do, no problems yet. I do understand the pressure inside the tank could expand in hot temps, but I never just fill up and let the bike sit. I usually fill up on the way to somewhere so I'm burning some fuel before I get home and park for the night.

 

[145236]

True, I only "top off to the max" before a long all day ride. Thinking it gives Me more refueling options out on the road. Get to PPP [ preferred petrol providers ]

 

[shrubbo]

You should be able to get more then 400k's? The best I have ever seen was 405k when the last bar started flashing.

 

[blacki]

Turboyoshi, I thought it was a bad idea holding the bike upright with one hand, because if the bike moved too far for any reason, I'd need to rapidly throw away the fuel nozzle to grab the left grip. Maybe if the bike had a centre stand, or I was sitting on it I would top it off upright. Next time I might do that, to measure how much extra fuel would go in. After that, I can just trickle the extra in while the bike is on the side stand.

Shrubbo, from the numbers I measured on my bike, you did 405km on 18.2 litres, or 22.25km/litre, 52.5mpg. Maybe. My best is 19km/l, 44.8mpg. The last-bar-flashing point may be less than 5.2 litres from empty on your bike.

The fuel gauge is just a float and a sliding contact on a resistor. I think the relationship between true fuel level and the fuel gauge would be variable within and between bikes. The 23.4 litre capacity I measured should be close to the same on all GL1800 Valks. So at least you can assume 400km (250 miles) at anything better than 17.1km/l or 40mpg.
IanB

 

[TLynn]

Just did a search to find that magic number of 250 miles on a tank. Although there are a few variables that will change the number slightly.
I’m new to the Valk and always relied on my trip meter vs lights or indicators. Today I put a small fuel bottle in my bag and got the trip up to 227 miles. I didn’t want to run empty on a CA freeway on Friday rush so I filled up. Took 6.2 gallons. Specs say 6.1. Guess I’m filling more than recommenced. I fill standing and sway the bike side to side to settle out any air.

I’ll keep pushing the limits until I eventually run empty. Then I’ll try again after switching to summer blend.

 

[DillPickle311]

Just did a search to find that magic number of 250 miles on a tank. Although there are a few variables that will change the number slightly.
I’m new to the Valk and always relied on my trip meter vs lights or indicators. Today I put a small fuel bottle in my bag and got the trip up to 227 miles. I didn’t want to run empty on a CA freeway on Friday rush so I filled up. Took 6.2 gallons. Specs say 6.1. Guess I’m filling more than recommenced. I fill standing and sway the bike side to side to settle out any air.

I’ll keep pushing the limits until I eventually run empty. Then I’ll try again after switching to summer blend.

I'm impressed! This is or used to be exactly how I filled the tank.

I bought mine 12/2018 and I'm still giddy with the size of this tank. I'm not so much concerned with pressing as much fuel in the tank. I get it up the neck, add a little more after moving side to side, and I'm done.

I figure if the trip meter is around 180 or so, better gas up.

 

[KurNorock]

I've only gone through 2 tanks so far and got just over 38mpg each time. I wish I could get over 40 but I think with my size (6'3, 260) I don't think I'm going to be getting that magic number any time soon.

Last time I filled up I had 193 miles on the trip odometer and the tank took 5 gallons even, leaving me presumably 1.1 gallons or so left in the tank.

I find that my fuel gauge tends to read full for a good 80 miles, then drops rapidly for the next 80 miles, then hovers at the 1 to 2 bar level for quite a while before the last bar starts flashing with probably 1.5 gallons left in the tank.

 

[OX-34]

In Australia we have some major highways where even this 23 or so litre tank is not adequate to reach the next fuel station - at least after dark.



I became very practiced and aware of the gauge, the flashing bars and the the odometer readings on my travels. I installed a centre stand and trickled in every drop I could to max the distance. Out west I always carried fuel in a 20L jerry can and used it a few times per day.

 

[JackB]

I've only gone through 2 tanks so far and got just over 38mpg each time. I wish I could get over 40 but I think with my size (6'3, 260) I don't think I'm going to be getting that magic number any time soon.

Last time I filled up I had 193 miles on the trip odometer and the tank took 5 gallons even, leaving me presumably 1.1 gallons or so left in the tank.

I find that my fuel gauge tends to read full for a good 80 miles, then drops rapidly for the next 80 miles, then hovers at the 1 to 2 bar level for quite a while before the last bar starts flashing with probably 1.5 gallons left in the tank.

You should get better than 38 mpg. I get 42-44 with my F6B and it seems a little better on the Valk.

 

[KurNorock]

You should get better than 38 mpg. I get 42-44 with my F6B and it seems a little better on the Valk.

That seems to be my luck with motorcycles. My last bike was rated to get 50mpg with most people online getting mid 40s. I got low to mid 30s.

Even if I pay attention and try my best to drive nice and easy and keep the rpms down, I still get the same fuel economy.

Mechanically my bike runs perfectly. It's only got 9000 miles on it. The oil is full and clean, and the engine is smooth and powerful. So if there is an issue causing excessive fuel consumption, I can't imagine what it might be.

I chalk it up to me just being a big guy. I'm tall, I'm heavy, and I have very broad shoulders so I catch a lot of wind. That's my best guess.

 

[DillPickle311]

I'm tall, I'm heavy, and I have very broad shoulders so I catch a lot of wind.

Well! There you go... it's your fault. >

 

[DillPickle311]

OX,

trickled in every drop I could to max the distance

I'd go flipping krazy having to ride down under where it is so stinking flat and hot. And to top it off, you have to ride so far to get anywhere. I guess you got good music...

 

[Odin]

I always get terrible mileage with my bikes. If I am doing a group or chapter ride, I magically get much better gas mileage. Turns out I twist the throttle a bit too much and ride a bit too fast when solo.

 

[DillPickle311]

Man! I get tickled with every ride. That freaking tank is huge!

Through the week if weather is nice, I can ride it several times before juicing it up. Love it!

There are quite a lot of things that make it such a sweet ride. I like the fuel cap design where it has to click like a car when when replacing it. I like that when gassing up if I over fill, it doesn't flow down the tank onto my boys.

 

[KurNorock]

Just got 36.6mpg on my last tank of gas. 😞

Gonna try to ride even easier this tank.

 

[shrubbo]

I know with it on it's side stand I can sit there for a good 2 minutes slowly squeezing more fuel in until I can see it under the bike

 

[Geepers]

OX,



I'd go flipping krazy having to ride down under where it is so stinking flat and hot. And to top it off, you have to ride so far to get anywhere. I guess you got good music...

It's only flat and hot in the middle. Around the edges (where everyone lives) it's mostly like any other place. Ox obviously just chooses to go outback a lot