Slow inaccurate gas guage

DirtyBoy · April 20th, 2009, 07:11 PM

On the past few fill-ups I have noticed that although I fill the tank all the way to the top, the gauge reads that it 1/16th low. Also the guage takes a long time to show a reading. If it's just idleing it will show that thats its empty until I start riding it for a little bit. Any ideas? TIA

chess · April 20th, 2009, 07:35 PM

I just filled up for the first time today. It showed nearly empty, but it only took 3 gallons to fill it.

After a bit of reading on here and elsewhere, it looks like the gas gauge is crap, but it's at least conservative (ie, it won't let you run out of gas).

I plan to just use the trip odometer and fill up at about 200 miles...maybe 250 when I trust the mileage a bit more. I figure it's a more accurate measure anyway.

Wade · April 20th, 2009, 10:01 PM

Gas guages are all crap on bikes i have just lernt that 5L gets me 180+ km so i just fill up then to make sure i never run out lasts me about 1.5 weeks. Just reset the tripometre every time you fill up.

DirtyBoy · April 20th, 2009, 10:45 PM

I always reset the trip meter whenever I refuel, so I won't have any issues running out of gas. Anyone know what needs to be replaced? Although not necessary I would like th gauge to work as it should.

Wade · April 21st, 2009, 12:30 AM

Im not sure its possible to get an accurate Gas guage on bikes..

TrueFaith · April 21st, 2009, 07:15 AM

The ironic thing is that Kawasaki added the gas gauge to the Ninja in response to American customer's requests. And what we got was no better than what the Ninja came with before. A gas gauge that doesn't work is no better than not having one at all.

Mo1981 · April 21st, 2009, 07:29 AM

I personally would rather have the temp gauge. The only thing that's accurate about my gas gauge is that the gas cap vent always starts whistling right at half a tank, lol...
Posted via Mobile Device

capt_bugaloo · April 21st, 2009, 08:39 AM

Take a look at any motorcycle that's more than a few years old. They don't have fuel gauges.

Motorcycles used to have a fuel petcock with three settings: off, main, and reserve. (Some had a prime in case the carbs were dry.) Two sections of hose or pipe fed into the bottom of the tank to siphon gas to the carbs. If the gasoline level fell below the higher main pipe, you turned the switch to reserve and could use the bottom inch or so of the fuel in the tank.

You tracked your fuel level by setting the tripmeter to zero every time you fueled up. "Oh, it's been 150 miles since the last fuel stop; guess I better buy more..."

If you ran out of fuel in the middle of nowhere, you could flip to reserve and ride another 30 or 40 miles. Now, if your gauge breaks and you aren't careful, if you run out of fuel you're screwed.

IMHO the old method was a lot better!

Wade · April 21st, 2009, 11:24 PM

Im kinda new to riding (like 10 months total) and i was taught the "old school" way and not to bother using the guage and ive never had problems but i fill up every 180km's which is 5L worth on my bike. Even tho it has a 13 Litre tank i feel better safe than sorry.

xTKx · April 22nd, 2009, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mo1981

I personally would rather have the temp gauge. The only thing that's accurate about my gas gauge is that the gas cap vent always starts whistling right at half a tank, lol...
Posted via Mobile Device

LOL, same here!

The first time I filled up I was like what in the world is that?! That's when I quickly discovered what that goofy noise was!

TrueFaith · April 22nd, 2009, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

Take a look at any motorcycle that's more than a few years old. They don't have fuel gauges.

Motorcycles used to have a fuel petcock with three settings: off, main, and reserve. (Some had a prime in case the carbs were dry.) Two sections of hose or pipe fed into the bottom of the tank to siphon gas to the carbs. If the gasoline level fell below the higher main pipe, you turned the switch to reserve and could use the bottom inch or so of the fuel in the tank.

You tracked your fuel level by setting the tripmeter to zero every time you fueled up. "Oh, it's been 150 miles since the last fuel stop; guess I better buy more..."

If you ran out of fuel in the middle of nowhere, you could flip to reserve and ride another 30 or 40 miles. Now, if your gauge breaks and you aren't careful, if you run out of fuel you're screwed.

IMHO the old method was a lot better!

I would much prefer the old method with a reserve setting on the petcock to an inaccurate and useless gas gauge. The lack of a decent petcock also makes draining the carbs for storage more of a PITA than it should be.

kkim · April 22nd, 2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFaith

The lack of a decent petcock also makes draining the carbs for storage more of a PITA than it should be.

how's that?

1hardryder4life · April 22nd, 2009, 09:32 AM

I use the trip meter anyway, filling up at about 200 miles or a bit over that. Id rather have the fuel meter replaced by a temp gauge and a clock. Oh well.

M-Oorb · April 22nd, 2009, 09:48 AM

Hmmm I think someone should do a DIY on swapping our crappy gas gauge for the temp gauge from a FI bike

Posted via Mobile Device

kkim · April 22nd, 2009, 09:53 AM

can't... the temp gauge runs from the computer on the FI bikes, or so I was told when I asked. Added a Daytona water temp gauge instead. Now I have a water temp gauge, a clock and a useless fuel gauge. Truth be told, mine is not that inaccurate, but I always use the trip meter anyway.

M-Oorb · April 22nd, 2009, 09:57 AM

Oh man that's unfortunate. Let's start a petition and get kawi to change it back
Posted via Mobile Device

kkim · April 22nd, 2009, 10:05 AM

now, I was looking to see if the water temp gauge from the pregens might work, but never got around ordering one off ebay to play with and installed the Daytona instead, so for me it's a non issue.

M-Oorb · April 22nd, 2009, 10:17 AM

Are you possibly hinting that someone should try this? Hmmm
Posted via Mobile Device

kkim · April 22nd, 2009, 10:24 AM

I have no idea of the physical sizing and the mounting, but it is a mechanical gauge and the motors and cooling systems are pretty much carry overs. I have a feeling it might work. Only way would be to have a cheap gauge to play with to find out.

There are drawbacks.

You lose the fuel gauge and the new gens have no reserve. One miscalculation and you're stranded on the side of the road. I was looking at putting in a fuel petcock from the pregens (again i don't know if it will fit) but the other drawback there is that our side panels don't have a cutout so we can reach the reserve lever if we run out of gas w/o taking off the side panel.

If it's not one thing it's another.

I came to the conclusion it was just easier to add a water temp gauge and keep the fuel gauge.

TrueFaith · April 22nd, 2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

how's that?

No "off" position. If it had one I'd just run the carbs dry before storing it, like I've always done on my bikes. I have to drain the bowls manually on my '08 and it's just extra work.

1hardryder4life · April 22nd, 2009, 12:16 PM

Cant you just remove the fuel line flowing from the tank (or "petcock") to the carb, plug it, then run them dry?

kkim · April 22nd, 2009, 12:35 PM

all it takes is pulling the 2 hoses off the petcock and running the bike. no fuel will flow at that point.

1hardryder4life · April 22nd, 2009, 12:50 PM

thats whats iz thinking

TrueFaith · April 22nd, 2009, 01:16 PM

It's still more work than just flipping a switch and letting it die. I guess I'm just inherently lazy, but if it ain't broke...

Rocketman · April 22nd, 2009, 03:52 PM

Kelly do you have a dash shot of your bike for this thread...? I wouldnt mind looking at your setup if you dont mind...

kkim · April 22nd, 2009, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFaith

It's still more work than just flipping a switch and letting it die. I guess I'm just inherently lazy, but if it ain't broke...

...and manually draining the float bowls is less work? Seems to me, I'm the more lazy one here.

truth is, your way is a better way to completely empty the bowls. if let to run down till it dies with my method, there would still a bit of gas that would be left at the very bottom of the float bowl which could spoil and rot during hibernation.

Still, I use my method to store emergency gasoline generators and have not had a problem starting them up after a year of storage.

kkim · April 22nd, 2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocketman

Kelly do you have a dash shot of your bike for this thread...? I wouldnt mind looking at your setup if you dont mind...

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9827

TrueFaith · April 23rd, 2009, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

...and manually draining the float bowls is less work? Seems to me, I'm the more lazy one here.

Turning a screw is harder work than just flipping a switch. Just going to the toolbox to look for the screwdriver usually tires me out.

250Rocket · April 23rd, 2009, 08:09 AM

*Knock on wood* I'm getting really accurate readings.

To date, on my last fill up i brought it to Full and i've done 53km to have it indicate 7/8 full.

Conversion: that's ~30 miles for 1/2 a gallon. Can't wait to see what i get once break in is done. So no problems on my '09. As far as slow, when i turn it on it take about a minute for the needle to reach full.

DirtyBoy · April 24th, 2009, 07:53 PM

So I take it no one knows how to fix the gauge or what to check for?

April 20th, 2009, 07:11 PM	#1
DirtyBoy ninjette.org member Name: Leo Location: Phoenix, Az Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 66	Slow inaccurate gas guage On the past few fill-ups I have noticed that although I fill the tank all the way to the top, the gauge reads that it 1/16th low. Also the guage takes a long time to show a reading. If it's just idleing it will show that thats its empty until I start riding it for a little bit. Any ideas? TIA __________________________________________________ 49T sprkt/ EK gold chain/ Galfer pads and SS lines/120 frt 150 rr Pilot Powers/ GSX-R can/Desnorkled/ Raised needles/ Slider spools/ Cowl/ LED rear signals/ Fender eliminator/ Tinted lights / Emu seat

April 20th, 2009, 10:45 PM	#4
DirtyBoy ninjette.org member Name: Leo Location: Phoenix, Az Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 66	I always reset the trip meter whenever I refuel, so I won't have any issues running out of gas. Anyone know what needs to be replaced? Although not necessary I would like th gauge to work as it should. __________________________________________________ 49T sprkt/ EK gold chain/ Galfer pads and SS lines/120 frt 150 rr Pilot Powers/ GSX-R can/Desnorkled/ Raised needles/ Slider spools/ Cowl/ LED rear signals/ Fender eliminator/ Tinted lights / Emu seat

April 21st, 2009, 08:39 AM	#8
capt_bugaloo motorcycle rider Name: Bruce Location: Victoria, BC Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) Posts: A lot.	Take a look at any motorcycle that's more than a few years old. They don't have fuel gauges. Motorcycles used to have a fuel petcock with three settings: off, main, and reserve. (Some had a prime in case the carbs were dry.) Two sections of hose or pipe fed into the bottom of the tank to siphon gas to the carbs. If the gasoline level fell below the higher main pipe, you turned the switch to reserve and could use the bottom inch or so of the fuel in the tank. You tracked your fuel level by setting the tripmeter to zero every time you fueled up. "Oh, it's been 150 miles since the last fuel stop; guess I better buy more..." If you ran out of fuel in the middle of nowhere, you could flip to reserve and ride another 30 or 40 miles. Now, if your gauge breaks and you aren't careful, if you run out of fuel you're screwed. IMHO the old method was a lot better! __________________________________________________ '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver)

April 23rd, 2009, 08:09 AM	#29
250Rocket ninjette.org member Name: Rob Location: Montreal, Canada Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 171	Knock on wood I'm getting really accurate readings. To date, on my last fill up i brought it to Full and i've done 53km to have it indicate 7/8 full. Conversion: that's ~30 miles for 1/2 a gallon. Can't wait to see what i get once break in is done. So no problems on my '09. As far as slow, when i turn it on it take about a minute for the needle to reach full. Last futzed with by 250Rocket; April 23rd, 2009 at 10:44 AM.

April 24th, 2009, 07:53 PM	#30
DirtyBoy ninjette.org member Name: Leo Location: Phoenix, Az Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 66	So I take it no one knows how to fix the gauge or what to check for? __________________________________________________ 49T sprkt/ EK gold chain/ Galfer pads and SS lines/120 frt 150 rr Pilot Powers/ GSX-R can/Desnorkled/ Raised needles/ Slider spools/ Cowl/ LED rear signals/ Fender eliminator/ Tinted lights / Emu seat

April 20th, 2009, 07:35 PM	#2
chess Ninjette Afficionado! Name: chess Location: Wichita Falls Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): Red...the sexiest color. Posts: 66	I just filled up for the first time today. It showed nearly empty, but it only took 3 gallons to fill it. After a bit of reading on here and elsewhere, it looks like the gas gauge is crap, but it's at least conservative (ie, it won't let you run out of gas). I plan to just use the trip odometer and fill up at about 200 miles...maybe 250 when I trust the mileage a bit more. I figure it's a more accurate measure anyway.

April 20th, 2009, 10:01 PM	#3
Wade ninjette.org member Name: Wade Location: Sydney, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 52	Gas guages are all crap on bikes i have just lernt that 5L gets me 180+ km so i just fill up then to make sure i never run out lasts me about 1.5 weeks. Just reset the tripometre every time you fill up.

April 21st, 2009, 12:30 AM	#5
Wade ninjette.org member Name: Wade Location: Sydney, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 52	Im not sure its possible to get an accurate Gas guage on bikes..

April 21st, 2009, 07:15 AM	#6
TrueFaith ninjette.org sage Name: Wayne Location: Brookfield, MA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Honda CBR250R Posts: 585	The ironic thing is that Kawasaki added the gas gauge to the Ninja in response to American customer's requests. And what we got was no better than what the Ninja came with before. A gas gauge that doesn't work is no better than not having one at all.

April 21st, 2009, 07:29 AM	#7
Mo1981 ninjette.org member Name: Matt Location: Keller, TX Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ebony Ninja 250R Posts: 137	I personally would rather have the temp gauge. The only thing that's accurate about my gas gauge is that the gas cap vent always starts whistling right at half a tank, lol... Posted via Mobile Device

April 21st, 2009, 11:24 PM	#9
Wade ninjette.org member Name: Wade Location: Sydney, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 52	Im kinda new to riding (like 10 months total) and i was taught the "old school" way and not to bother using the guage and ive never had problems but i fill up every 180km's which is 5L worth on my bike. Even tho it has a 13 Litre tank i feel better safe than sorry.

April 22nd, 2009, 09:32 AM	#13
1hardryder4life ninjette.org member Name: TBoz Location: New York Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): Nothing Posts: 93	I use the trip meter anyway, filling up at about 200 miles or a bit over that. Id rather have the fuel meter replaced by a temp gauge and a clock. Oh well.

April 22nd, 2009, 09:48 AM	#14
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	Hmmm I think someone should do a DIY on swapping our crappy gas gauge for the temp gauge from a FI bike Posted via Mobile Device

April 22nd, 2009, 09:53 AM	#15
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	can't... the temp gauge runs from the computer on the FI bikes, or so I was told when I asked. Added a Daytona water temp gauge instead. Now I have a water temp gauge, a clock and a useless fuel gauge. Truth be told, mine is not that inaccurate, but I always use the trip meter anyway.

April 22nd, 2009, 09:57 AM	#16
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	Oh man that's unfortunate. Let's start a petition and get kawi to change it back Posted via Mobile Device

April 22nd, 2009, 10:05 AM	#17
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	now, I was looking to see if the water temp gauge from the pregens might work, but never got around ordering one off ebay to play with and installed the Daytona instead, so for me it's a non issue.

April 22nd, 2009, 10:17 AM	#18
M-Oorb ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: South East Florida/Rutgers University Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r (Fastest Color) Posts: 914	Are you possibly hinting that someone should try this? Hmmm Posted via Mobile Device

April 22nd, 2009, 10:24 AM	#19
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	I have no idea of the physical sizing and the mounting, but it is a mechanical gauge and the motors and cooling systems are pretty much carry overs. I have a feeling it might work. Only way would be to have a cheap gauge to play with to find out. There are drawbacks. You lose the fuel gauge and the new gens have no reserve. One miscalculation and you're stranded on the side of the road. I was looking at putting in a fuel petcock from the pregens (again i don't know if it will fit) but the other drawback there is that our side panels don't have a cutout so we can reach the reserve lever if we run out of gas w/o taking off the side panel. If it's not one thing it's another. I came to the conclusion it was just easier to add a water temp gauge and keep the fuel gauge.

April 22nd, 2009, 12:16 PM	#21
1hardryder4life ninjette.org member Name: TBoz Location: New York Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): Nothing Posts: 93	Cant you just remove the fuel line flowing from the tank (or "petcock") to the carb, plug it, then run them dry?

April 22nd, 2009, 12:35 PM	#22
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	all it takes is pulling the 2 hoses off the petcock and running the bike. no fuel will flow at that point.

April 22nd, 2009, 12:50 PM	#23
1hardryder4life ninjette.org member Name: TBoz Location: New York Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): Nothing Posts: 93	thats whats iz thinking

April 22nd, 2009, 01:16 PM	#24
TrueFaith ninjette.org sage Name: Wayne Location: Brookfield, MA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Honda CBR250R Posts: 585	It's still more work than just flipping a switch and letting it die. I guess I'm just inherently lazy, but if it ain't broke...

April 22nd, 2009, 03:52 PM	#25
Rocketman ninjette.org member Name: James Location: Ontario Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250r special edition Posts: 84	Kelly do you have a dash shot of your bike for this thread...? I wouldnt mind looking at your setup if you dont mind...

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