Sorry folks, I realise I've fallen into the category of 'buy and bike and then ask 500 questions about it'. My 2012 1200 multi may or may not have an issue with the fuel sender. I filled up for the first time last week when it was showing 1 bar and 20 mile range (only got 13 litres in so started getting suspiscious), it went up to full and 220 mile range so no problem. It then appeared to be working fine until it got to 3/4 tank then went to half for about 10 miles and then straight down to 2 bars. I've only done about 100 miles so i know it must have about half a tank left (even with some enthusiastic riding). Does this sound like a potential issue with the fuel sender, or are they all just unreliable gauges on this age bike?
Same happened with me and it was consistently inconsistent, which effectively meant it didn't work so had it replaced. If it is inconsistent, you can't reply on it, so tend to be forced into using another method (trip meter), or replace.
Thanks, yes I used to just use the trip meter on my early bikes. Bit dissapointing that a bike this expensive has issues like this.
Fuel sender is about to give up the ghost. Probably THE most common problem across the bikes that use that type of sender. A new sender is about £130 but the tank needs to be lifted so, whilst not a difficult job, there is a lot of stuff to remove which takes time. If you want a mechanic to do it, best wait for a service where the tank is removed (every 15,000 miles) and fit a new one then. I’m on my third one (in 50,000 miles) which is not accurate, low fuel light comes on routinely at about 100 miles and it’s still got 7 or 8 litres in the tank. You eventually get to know your bike so it's no biggy, I start looking for a petrol station when the light comes on. Next valve check service, I’ll get them to fit a new one. Andy
2016 enduro think I'm on my third sender, its quite pathetic really. A simple clear plastic tube up the side of the tank might be a modification someone can some up with.. (harking back to yee-olde days)
Thanks Andy. I'll add it to my list to go back to the dealer I bought it from before the 3 month warranty is up.
They might try to blag you and 'fix it', but you'll ride away and it will go again on day 91 for sure, so insist on a replacement.
Same with my 2015 1200 DVT, Riders of Bridgwater replaced it without question in the 3 month warranty period. I think you should then get a standard 12 month warranty on the new part.
how do they do a temporary fix? Presumably just clean up the old one and see if it works? My problem is I got the bike delivered from 170 miles away.
Don't think there's such a thing as a "temporary fix" It's all electronic (I think it's maybe a solder joint issue) and needs replacing.
It works some of the time, so not unheard of dealers giving it a wiggle telling you it's sorted, then it takes a month to cock up and you send it back (170 miles!) - sometimes it may not happen for a few months and they win. Sad, but true - just ask them to replace under warranty and confirm in writing/on work sheet.
Yeh been doing that for years, even in my cars, force of habit now. Just so I know. What sort of mileage should I expect from full tank with mixed riding? About 180-200 miles?
If you are riding mostly 2nd and 3rd gears, twisties, absolutely not. Steady speed, 5th gear, mostly straight line stuff, possibly. French motorway speeds (130kph) in 6th, don't bank on it. Just done 1750 miles down and back to the maritime alps in 9 days and the readout claimed 40mpg but the fuel bill worked out more like 30mpg up and down the mountain colls and 40mpg on the motorways. Andy
Mine sometimes shows full once restarting after a stop but always returns to normal after 10 minutes or so. I always reset trip 2 and keep an eye on it though. Once I get to 160 miles, I'm starting to think about a refill. If the light comes on, I know I'm good for another 40 miles before refill.
Hmm ok thanks. I'll fill up again and reset me trip meter. Disconnecting the battery didn't help as it reset my last trip and i can't remember what mileage I'd done. Got the quadlock installed though
I’d say you can be pretty confident at 180-200 miles on a mixed paced tour. I used to commute into London which was a 50 mile round trip and a lot of slow riding and traffic and I could do three days, at which point the fuel light would be flashing and the range would be at zero and I’d still only be able to get 18 litres in.
I’ve got a 1260. On Sunday it was fine and I got home with about 1/4 tank showing. Turned it on today and it’s showing empty with all the flashing lights. So mine’s given no warning that it was going before now. Is this the same issue? If so do I have to live with the flashing lights until the level sensor is replaced? Thank you.
