Tips

“The Tell-Tale Signs Your Motorcycle is Running Low on Fuel: Avoid Being Stranded”

Today, we will reveal the secrets to never getting stranded with an empty tank again. Learn how to recognize the signs that your motorcycle is running low on fuel, so you can always be prepared and keep riding with confidence.

Administrator

21 July, 2024

Running out of gas while driving can be a nightmare, especially when it happens in the middle of a sunny day and you have to walk to the nearest gas station. To avoid this situation, besides keeping an eye on the fuel gauge, there are a few other tricks to know when your motorcycle is about to run out of gas.

1 How to Know When Your Motorcycle is Low on Gas

Pay attention to the way your bike behaves when it’s low on fuel – you’ll notice some jerking and the engine won’t sound as smooth. These are signs that your motorcycle is almost out of gas, so head to the nearest gas station.

Avoid sudden acceleration as it uses up a lot of gas

Do not suddenly accelerate as this will use up a lot of fuel. Also, avoid hard braking and instead, maintain a steady throttle to conserve gas and cover a little more distance.

If your bike won’t start after traveling some distance, don’t panic. There’s still some gas left in the tank. Put the bike on its center stand and tilt it in different directions to let the remaining fuel flow down. Then, pull the choke and try to start the engine. If it starts, carefully drive to the nearest gas station.

Head to the nearest gas station to refuel

On a manual motorcycle, the choke is the straight section with a large circle, located on the left, below the horn button. Pulling the choke helps draw more fuel, making it easier to start the engine. Pull the choke to the left without twisting the throttle, and release it once the engine starts. Then, maintain a steady throttle and head to the nearest gas station.

Additionally, when your bike is low on fuel, the fuel gauge needle will point to the red mark. At this point, you have about 0.7 to 1 liter of fuel left, depending on your bike’s make and model, which should be enough to cover a short distance.

When the fuel gauge needle reaches the red mark, your bike is low on fuel

It’s important to refuel as soon as possible because running your bike on low fuel can lead to inefficient engine performance and rust inside the fuel tank due to air exposure. This rust can then clog the fuel lines or enter the engine, causing damage to various components.

Furthermore, if you’re riding at high speeds and suddenly run out of fuel, it could cause the engine to shut off abruptly, leading to a potential accident. So, always keep an eye on your fuel gauge.

2 Fuel-Saving Tips

Maintain a moderate speed, neither too fast nor too slow

Maintain a moderate speed as riding too fast or too slow can both waste fuel.
For manual bikes, use lower gears when riding slowly and higher gears when riding faster. For scooters, keep a steady throttle and avoid sudden acceleration and deceleration.
Carry only the recommended load for your bike. Overloading the bike will cause the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.

Regularly service your bike to reduce fuel consumption

Regularly service your bike to keep it in optimal condition and reduce fuel consumption.
Avoid underinflated tires as they can increase fuel consumption by up to 10% compared to properly inflated tires.
Try to avoid potholes as sudden changes in speed will cause you to reduce the throttle, leading to higher fuel consumption.

We hope that with these tips, you’ll never have to worry about running out of gas on your motorcycle again. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!

Frequently asked questions

There are a few tell-tale signs to look out for. Firstly, keep an eye on your fuel gauge and take note if it’s getting low. Additionally, pay attention to how your bike feels – if it starts to feel lighter and more agile, it could be a sign that the fuel load is decreasing. Other signs include the engine spluttering, a decrease in power and speed, and the fuel light coming on.

Running out of fuel on a motorcycle can leave you stranded and is a potentially dangerous situation. It can cause inconvenience and delay, and if you’re in a remote area, it could be a safety hazard. It’s always best to be prepared and carry extra fuel, especially on longer rides or in unfamiliar areas.

To avoid running out of fuel, always fill up your tank before a long ride and keep an eye on your fuel gauge. Be mindful of how far you’ve ridden since your last fill-up, and if you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and refuel. Consider carrying a small reserve of fuel with you, and always be aware of potential fuel stops along your route.

When planning a motorcycle trip, research your route thoroughly and identify potential fuel stops in advance. Calculate your bike’s fuel efficiency and range, and plan your refuels accordingly. Carry extra fuel if possible, and consider investing in a larger fuel tank or a fuel-efficient bike for longer journeys.