low fuel light problem

[Bensonhurst]

I just bought a used 94 R1100rs and I love it. I've owned BMW's in the past, but they were all vintage bikes including a 1968 R69S that I bought NEW (I wish I had kept that one); anyway.
This bike is nice but I'm used to petcocks that give you a reserve and this newer High tech bike has fuel injection, NO pet cocks and a low fuel light that comes on almost immediatly after filling up or never goes out.
Anybody have any idea what's wrong, AND; after filling up with 6 galons how many miles can I safely go without running out of fuel.

Thanks

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[PacWestGS]

First off let me say Welcome to the club :wave

Now, dat sucks 'bout your fuel light, somewhere in there someone messed up the sensors location with regard to the indicator.

As far as milage goes: Safely 200, probably closer to 240. I ride a GS and run 200 on 4.3-7 gallons of fuel.

HTH

[screwtop]

I concurr w/ Doc. I had an 94 RS and on trips, (highway) my light would come on at about 190 miles, and that's when I'd start looking for a gas station. In my circle of riding friends, the unwritten rule is "go 200 miles, get gas" (repeat until destination). Always clear that trip meter when you fill up.

Welcome to the forum.

[lorazepam]

It is possible that there is high resistance due to corrosion on the connector to the tank. If you clean this connection, it may help in making the light more accurate. This is the first of many joyful removals of your fuel tank.

Welcome to the club and BMW motorcycles. The RS is a fine ride to have.

If I take it easy on the interstate I can get 240 miles out of a tank. normally I look for fuel around 200 miles or so. The trip meter is indeed your friend, and your best gauge for fill ups.

[breyfogle]

I think you will find that there is too high a resistance in the low-fuel indicator circuit. The easy thing to check is for corrosion in the external electrical connector located under the tank and forward of the battery. The not so easy thing to check is the fuel level sender inside the tank.

FWIW, a 200 mile range is very safe, 240 miles is probably OK under most conditions and 275 is probably possible under ideal coinditions.

[Bensonhurst]

Just got back from a ride. Put 111 miles and filled the tank, it took 3 galons.
I re-set the tripometer, and next time I'll go 150 miles and fill up, until I feel safe going further.
Thanks for all the help.


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