Tank range & capacity R1200RT

[Petethepup]

Now have 2k on 2006 RT. Book says gas tank holds 7.1 gallons, but after riding 40+ miles on reserve, the most I could get in it was 6 gallons, with a lot of shaking. So, yesterday it went on reserve at 251 miles indicated. I carried exactly 0.5 gallons & rode to dry. Ran out at 345.2 miles. Added the 0.5 gallons & rode 1/2 mile to gas station & with a lot of shaking, added 7.089 gallons. That means total capacity of 7.5-7.6 gallons and a reserve range of 90+ miles - for a safe range of 75 miles and a total safe range of 280-320 miles, depending on the pace.

 

I will check to see if the range light can be adjusted. I doubt it's an easy fix, and now that I know the range, it doesn't bother me.

 

Are we BMW folks anal, or what?

[rogera]

How did you know you where on reserve?

On my 05 when the display say about 50 miles left my warning light comes on. But when I fill it up the most I can put in is about 4.8 gals. On side stand not center stand.

[GregB]

Be careful with that - I found that my fuel level indicators changed after a firmware upgrade. I took it to the dealer when the low fuel light had just come on and after service fuel gauge was higher. They swear that they had added no fuel and I redid the "run to empty with spare gas" routine. The fuel light now comes on with 50 miles showing to empty and takes 6 gal if I work at it with the bike on center stand.

Even at 50mpg I would be walking before 90 miles after the light comes on.....

[marcopolo]

I will check to see if the range light can be adjusted. I doubt it's an easy fix, and now that I know the range, it doesn't bother me.

 

Yes, it can be adjusted. I'm told it entails emptying the tank, allowing the sensor strip to dry, adding in a measured amount of fuel (presumably the amount you want to be the reserve), then having the dealer's diagnostic computer "tell" the bike that that's the reserve fuel level.

 

I'm considering having this done (dealer said it is warranty work), as my light starts flashing way too early (if it were a small light, I probably wouldn't mind, but I find a flashing yellow traingle distracting). That said, I also need a software update to fix the well-documented horn shut-ff issue, so I found the comments avove about the firmware update interesting. Hmmm.

[Firefight911]

I will check to see if the range light can be adjusted. I doubt it's an easy fix, and now that I know the range, it doesn't bother me.

 

Yes, it can be adjusted. I'm told it entails emptying the tank, allowing the sensor strip to dry, adding in a measured amount of fuel (presumably the amount you want to be the reserve), then having the dealer's diagnostic computer "tell" the bike that that's the reserve fuel level.

 

I'm considering having this done (dealer said it is warranty work), as my light starts flashing way too early (if it were a small light, I probably wouldn't mind, but I find a flashing yellow traingle distracting). That said, I also need a software update to fix the well-documented horn shut-ff issue, so I found the comments avove about the firmware update interesting. Hmmm.

 

You are correct. I had my ST done after the fuel strip failed. All warranty work.

 

When my fuel light comes on now, I know it means it and I get gas at the first available station.

[marcopolo]

You are correct. I had my ST done after the fuel strip failed. All warranty work.

 

Phil, do you recall how long this took? I'm asking because my dealer is two hours away, and I'd ride there and wait for the bike.

[Firefight911]

You are correct. I had my ST done after the fuel strip failed. All warranty work.

 

Phil, do you recall how long this took? I'm asking because my dealer is two hours away, and I'd ride there and wait for the bike.

 

You'll need to drop off the bike for this one. Preferable with a low fuel quantity in the tank.

 

Due to the nature of the work and the need to calibrate from a "dry" fuel strip, it can take quite a bit of time.

 

Probably best to drop off the night before service and pick up the day after service.

[kopov260]

I will check to see if the range light can be adjusted. I doubt it's an easy fix, and now that I know the range, it doesn't bother me.

 

Yes, it can be adjusted. I'm told it entails emptying the tank, allowing the sensor strip to dry, adding in a measured amount of fuel (presumably the amount you want to be the reserve), then having the dealer's diagnostic computer "tell" the bike that that's the reserve fuel level.

 

I'm considering having this done (dealer said it is warranty work), as my light starts flashing way too early (if it were a small light, I probably wouldn't mind, but I find a flashing yellow traingle distracting). That said, I also need a software update to fix the well-documented horn shut-ff issue, so I found the comments avove about the firmware update interesting. Hmmm.

 

You are correct. I had my ST done after the fuel strip failed. All warranty work.

 

When my fuel light comes on now, I know it means it and I get gas at the first available station.

 

What's fuel strip? I just filled up the tank with remaining 51 miles with the yellow triangle on. I went for 201 miles and was able to get inside only 4.2 gallons.

[marcopolo]

The fuel strip's precise name in the BMW parts fiche is "fuel level sensor". No doubt this strip senses the level of gas in the tank. All for $136.

[ADulay]

Just did another fuel test on the R12RT and after running it down to zero on the count down indicator and with the fuel level showing zero, I rode another 10 miles or so and then filled it up.

 

Forced in 6.2 gallons.

 

I'm tending to believe that once it hits zero, you've got a gallon left for "reserve".

 

Anyone know what the arrow is that comes up after you hit zero that points to the fuel gauge?? Is that telling you to look at it, realize it's at zero, and to go get some gas???

 

AD

 

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Sounds like I need to grab a reserve bottle and make a test run myself. I've never been able to force in more than 5.5 gallons, so I'm obviously not exercising all my range.

[Firefight911]

Anyone know what the arrow is that comes up after you hit zero that points to the fuel gauge?? Is that telling you to look at it, realize it's at zero, and to go get some gas???

 

Yes, that is the "idiot arrow" as I like to call it.

[AdventurePoser]

Yep, that is the procedure...had my dealer do it. Now my gas gauge is accurate. Doesn't really matter though as I usually go by range, not a fuel gauge.

 

Steve

[marcopolo]

Yep, that is the procedure...had my dealer do it. Now my gas gauge is accurate. Doesn't really matter though as I usually go by range, not a fuel gauge.

 

Steve

 

Steve, did you have to leave the bike overnight, or were they able to do it the same day you brought it in?

[Rotor]

Yes, the tank will hold at least 7.1 gallons. I found out by running it dry. However, the dealer never has been able to get the fuel reading correct. Tried several times and its still incorrect. Software upgrades and drying the fuel strip didn't work. I normally try to fill up around 260 and feel like I could get 280 if necessary. Wish it was correct so I could count on it. I've seen the inside of the tank and the fuel strip. It doesn't touch the absolute bottom of the tank. Thus, leaving some fuel that does not register on the gauge.

[h2000fb]

Yes, the tank will hold at least 7.1 gallons. I found out by running it dry. However, the dealer never has been able to get the fuel reading correct. Tried several times and its still incorrect. Software upgrades and drying the fuel strip didn't work.....

 

Dealer could not calibrate mine either.... so, I run mine to "0" miles left. Don't see a need to worry about it until it at least gets close to "0." This consistantly means I can put in approx 5.5 gallons. Also means I have approx 72 mile reserve if I ride nicely or 45 running the wee out of it. Just see how much gas you put in at "0". Subtract from 7.1 gals and multiply by 45 to get estimated gas range on good side. This has worked WELL for several of us. Just an idea!

[BamaRider]

Dang Pete, thats some of the best info I ever gathered from the site.

 

I'm glad somebody is willing to take the arrows for the rest of us.

[ScottT]

The tank does indeed hold 7.1 gallons if it is filled to the bottom of the rubber insert in the filler neck. I have removed mine and drilled a small vent hole about a 3/4 of an inch from the top of the filled neck. I have run my tank nearly dry. It took 8.1 gallons to fill it back up to the vent hole.

[Mike05]

I too have removed the rubber gasket and it does make a difference as to how much fuel I can add. However, I did nor drill a vent hole? Do I need to do that?

[Paul Mihalka]

Be careful with the idea of drilling a extra vent hole in the filler neck. If you completely top up you gas tank and the gas heats up and expands, you will fill up the charcoal vapor canister with raw gas. That is a big no-no.

[Heywood]

I suspect it'll hold in the neighborhood of 8 gallons. I've put 7.6 gals in mine several different times......and no, I didn't have to push it to the gas station. That gives you a range of well over 300 miles.

[gasser]

This is the advantage of being an old Harley guy before I bought my R12RT. I always run my tank dry and figure out how many miles I can go on the tank, and with that number in mind I never let myself stretch beyond the range to the next station. If I know I can get 350 from a tank and I've done that three or four times, that's more reliable than the computer, which tends to vary.

[UA342]

Be careful with the idea of drilling a extra vent hole in the filler neck. If you completely top up you gas tank and the gas heats up and expands, you will fill up the charcoal vapor canister with raw gas. That is a big no-no.

 

Ok ...I need to know.

 

I was trying to top off my 12RT last summer and the gas filler didn't shut off and pressurized the tank. I was a little more than concerned when I tried to remove the filler from the tank and fuel spurted out. I was able to slowly remove the filler and allow the excess fuel to flow over the tank towards the front. No. the engine didn't catch on fire. I rinsed off the bike and rode away. This was quite a few miles away. The bike ran and runs fine.

 

What damage was possible?

[Paul Mihalka]

Ok ...I need to know.

 

I was trying to top off my 12RT last summer and the gas filler didn't shut off and pressurized the tank. I was a little more than concerned when I tried to remove the filler from the tank and fuel spurted out. I was able to slowly remove the filler and allow the excess fuel to flow over the tank towards the front. No. the engine didn't catch on fire. I rinsed off the bike and rode away. This was quite a few miles away. The bike ran and runs fine.

 

What damage was possible?

If you overfill it but start riding right away and keep riding for a while, gas consumption volume is more than expansion from heating up, so there should be no problem. 20 miles riding is about .5 gal. of gas, that should be enough vapor space.

[UA342]

It was more than overfilled. The pump actually pressurized the tank. I'm not what the actually pressure was but it was a least a few pounds of positive pressure. Maybe I was just seeing the results of the compressed air in the top of the tank. Never the less....it's been a while and everything seems to be fine.

[ScottT]

Ok ...I need to know.

 

I was trying to top off my 12RT last summer and the gas filler didn't shut off and pressurized the tank. I was a little more than concerned when I tried to remove the filler from the tank and fuel spurted out. I was able to slowly remove the filler and allow the excess fuel to flow over the tank towards the front. No. the engine didn't catch on fire. I rinsed off the bike and rode away. This was quite a few miles away. The bike ran and runs fine.

 

What damage was possible?

I have this happen to me bofore too... Before I removed the rubber thingy in the filler neck and before I drilled the vent hole (makes filling faster). I put the small vent hole in the front on the neck. That being said I generally do not "overfill" unless I know I'm going to ride at least ten or fifteen miles before I stop. I have filled up all the way before trip and put the bike in the garage overnight without any overflow issues since my mods to the filler neck. The two times the tank overflowed it was box stock. THAT being said I do not recommend to anyone here you do anything to your tank as doing so may result in something bad happening.

[AdventurePoser]

This is the advantage of being an old Harley guy before I bought my R12RT. I always run my tank dry and figure out how many miles I can go on the tank, and with that number in mind I never let myself stretch beyond the range to the next station. If I know I can get 350 from a tank and I've done that three or four times, that's more reliable than the computer, which tends to vary.

 

I second that! At nearly 50 mpg the range is awesome!

 

Steve in So Cal

[velomoto]

Dealer could not calibrate mine either.... so, I run mine to "0" miles left. Don't see a need to worry about it until it at least gets close to "0." This consistantly means I can put in approx 5.5 gallons. Also means I have approx 72 mile reserve if I ride nicely or 45 running the wee out of it. Just see how much gas you put in at "0". Subtract from 7.1 gals and multiply by 45 to get estimated gas range on good side. This has worked WELL for several of us. Just an idea!

 

Tom, this is pretty much exactly what I did (ok, I had 6 miles left until "empty") and like your bike I could only fit about 5.5 gallons of fuel. Guess it's nice to know that when the bike sez "empty" I'll still have about 70 miles of margin, but to be honest I always seem to be in need of a stop long before empty.

 

Call me paranoid, but I've had too many "firmware upgrades" on other products to want the shop to load new f/w just to improve the accuracy. For me, I'm fine just knowing what "empty" means and that I won't be left on the side of the road with am empty tank.

[Buckster]

I agree with Scott. I have made the same modifications. Yesterday I ran out of gas. I leaned the bike way over to the left and was able to restart and ride a couple of miles to the gas station. I was able to put in 7.7 gals to the bottom of the filler neck (without the rubber thingie). I feel I would have been able to get in 8 gals if I had filled it up to the drilled vent hole. I don't fill it up to the vent hole unless I know that I'm going to be riding immediately and going for a while.

Plus 48 - 50 mpg, Sure like this bike....

Buckster

[1analguy]

My RT was new about a month ago. They delivered it with a full tank, which I rode down to zero bars on the fuel indicator. Panic, right? Pulled into gas station, filled to brim (rubber sleeve still in filler). Got 4.3 gallons in it...WTF?! Where's the 7.1? Also, filled to brim, only showing 3/4 tank on indicator. At 600 mile service they do a by-the-book gauge recalibration. I get it back with about 2 gallons in it. The guy says "run it out so you'll know where you're at". I run it out. The yellow reserve triangle lit up with about 1.5 gallons left (I asked for 1-gallon lite-up, but he said the reserve light is not adjustable separately during recalibration). When the last bar on the indicator went out, there was about 1/2 gallon left. I was on my way home from work when I rolled up to an otherwise-empty 4-way stop. Engine idling in neutral, put my feet down. Three seconds later, the engine just quits idling. Great! It's finally empty (I have a gallon in the top case)! Gas station across the intersection...I walk her over to the pumps, pop out the rubber sleeve, and fill it to the brim. It takes 7.48 gallons. And the fuel level indicator now shows full when it's full. The important thing that I now know is: when the last bar disappears from the indicator, there's a little less than 1/2 gallon left!

[GordonZ]

It sure is discouraging that things vary so much: bike to bike. Since I tended to believe the computer and always filled up before reaching zero on the computer, I was concerned about total fuel capacity since I couldn't come close to the advertised 7.1 gallon capacity. So for me to determine exactly how much fuel I have left in MY bike when the computer indicates zero miles left, I had no choice but to conduct two tests on my R1200RT.

 

Test #1: filling up when "zero" miles were indicated on computer which took 6.30 gallons.

 

Test #2: Run the bike to empty at which point I could add 7.501 gallons.

 

By the way, I consistently fill my bike while on the center stand, with the rubber thingy removed, no added vent hole in the neck and then filling to the bottom of the neck.

 

So for my bike, I now know that I have approximately 1.201 gallons left in the tank when the computer indicates zero mile left.

 

As a kind of double check, I compared my mileage for those last 61 miles (distance from zero miles indicated on the computer until running dry) with the 1.201 gallons used and came up with a MPG of almost 51 MPG which is basically what I expected to get when running at a leisurely pace of 45 to 60 mph on the test run. So I now feel pretty confident that I will know when I should fill up to avoid running out of gas.

[RedMac]

So what the heck is the rubber thingie for?? Do you guys pull it out and leave it out? I did notice that after the fuel is up to the rubber thingie, I can add more. It's hard to tell when this darn thing is actually FULL...

[1analguy]

I'm betting that the rubber sleeve is there either to retard splash-back when filling, or to increase the "expansion" volume in the tank. As someone pointed out though, even with the sleeve removed the filler neck provides expansion room all by itself...

 

Oh, and yes...you just stick your finger down below the bottom edge of the sleeve and pull the sleeve up and out. I comes out really easy and can be popped back in anytime you want.

[markgoodrich]

By coinkidink yesterday I was on the phone with the local dealer (Lone Star BMW, Austin) and mentioned the gas tank issue, saying I can never get more than about 5.5 gallons in the tank. "You were sucking fumes, then. There's a misprint in the manual, the tank is 5.2 gallons, not 7.2." This from the service manager. Who said he gets this question regularly. Verrrrry Interrrestink.

 

I would greatly appreciate a TSB reference, if there is one. Or maybe I should be asking for a dealer service reference?

[SageRider]

By coinkidink yesterday I was on the phone with the local dealer (Lone Star BMW, Austin) and mentioned the gas tank issue, saying I can never get more than about 5.5 gallons in the tank. "You were sucking fumes, then. There's a misprint in the manual, the tank is 5.2 gallons, not 7.2." This from the service manager. Who said he gets this question regularly. Verrrrry Interrrestink.

 

I would greatly appreciate a TSB reference, if there is one. Or maybe I should be asking for a dealer service reference?

Your dealer's service manager is full of some very brown matter.

I have placed 7 gallons in my tank, and this was 45 miles after the computer said "---" miles left. I did not run dry.

If I run to "---" miles left, I can typically put about 6 gallons into the tank.

This is with the rubber nozzle insert still in place.

[RedMac]

every piece of documentation I've EVERY seen on the bike states 7.1 gallons (BMW web site, I just checked) manuals, etc.. I can't believe ALL the printed docs would be wrong...

[ScottT]

I find it a little hard to believe this dealer said such a thing. They have a pretty good reputation and I've stopped in there once myself. They sure didn't didn't seem to be the idiots you are describing. Of course even the best dealers sometimes hire folks who are not very knowledgeble when it comes to BMWs. Perhaps you should let the dealership management know they have an employee giving out bad info.

 

As for absolute fuel capacity. I have gotten 8.1 gallons into mine after nearly running it dry... Rubber thingy out and small vent hole drilled in the filler neck. It will take 7.1 gallons if I only fill to the rubber thingy. Also, I don't fill it up to 8.1 gallons unless I am going to be riding at least 10 to 15 miles afterwards. Filling it up that far does not leave room for expansion. Having that extra gallon of capacity is awesome on long trips though. I did a little trip from McKinney TX to Eureka Springs AR last week... I am able to make it up there without having to stop for fuel. That's about 350 miles.

[markgoodrich]

I find it a little hard to believe this dealer said such a thing. They have a pretty good reputation and I've stopped in there once myself. They sure didn't didn't seem to be the idiots you are describing. Of course even the best dealers sometimes hire folks who are not very knowledgeble when it comes to BMWs. Perhaps you should let the dealership management know they have an employee giving out bad info.

 

As for absolute fuel capacity. I have gotten 8.1 gallons into mine after nearly running it dry... Rubber thingy out and small vent hole drilled in the filler neck. It will take 7.1 gallons if I only fill to the rubber thingy. Also, I don't fill it up to 8.1 gallons unless I am going to be riding at least 10 to 15 miles afterwards. Filling it up that far does not leave room for expansion. Having that extra gallon of capacity is awesome on long trips though. I did a little trip from McKinney TX to Eureka Springs AR last week... I am able to make it up there without having to stop for fuel. That's about 350 miles.

 

Well, I only reported what the guy, the service manager, said, didn't call him an idiot or anything else. I was quite surprised at his comment, but I certainly didn't make anything up. I'm still hoping for a TSB reference for the tank, so I can show it to him when I take the bike in next.

[Rotor]

Yes, I’m anal about these things; especially about the fuel reading. I complained to the dealer several times about the inaccurate readings and went through all the procedures – software up-grades and fuel strip drying. Nothing worked. I was never able to get more than about 5.5 gallons in the tank when the gauge read empty. I eventually road it to empty to see and was able to put over 7 gallons in it. So I know the usable amount in the tank is what they claim.

 

I became so frustrated that I took it apart to find out for myself what was going on in the tank. I removed the fuel cap (which the fuel strip is mounted to) and the fuel pump. What I found is (in my opinion) a design flaw. The bottom of the fuel strip fits in a slot in the lower portion of the tank. But, the fuel pump pick-up is considerably lower than the bottom of the fuel strip in the tank. Actually, there’s fuel below the fuel pump pick-up in the tank that’s never usable (this they may have done purposefully to keep from sucking up any water that may have accumulated in the bottom of the tank).

 

So, if the bottom of the fuel strip is higher than the fuel pick-up, there’s no way it will ever read the accurate fuel level or provide correct fuel available. To correct this problem, the fuel strip would need to be relocated in the tank so the bottom of the strip is at or near the bottom of the fuel pick-up. This at least, is true with my 2005 RT, and I suspect the design hasn’t changed. I would love to get a fuel tank I could cut the side out of and fabricate a new mount for the fuel strip. I considered trying to design a new mount on my bike but there just isn’t enough room to see or work using only the fuel cap hole and the fuel pump hole. A new fuel strip mount would need to be designed with the fuel cap and fuel pump in place. Anyone have one they want to donate?

[maxfrankel]

Does anyone seriously believe BMW incorrectly reports the fuel tank capacity for the RT? For what purpose? And to understate what the tank hold seems adverse to their marketing interests. If BMW recommends not filling the tank beyond the bottom of the filler neck, I would guess that is the defining point of a full tank. Sure you can squeeze another few ounces in, spill a few more in the overflow, and a few more on the paint. Defining reserve as that point where the miles left indicator shows zero clearly leaves more than a gallon in the tank. Sometimes it 1.2 gal, sometimes 1.4. It varies a little with each tank because the fuel level sending unit bounces around producing less than perfect tank to tank consistency. At least that's my take on all this....

[LuckyLeif]

It’s amusing how much attention this board devotes to this subject, given that almost every automobile (all but 2 being German) I’ve owned has a similar issue of pessimistic fuel indicators. The only car I’ve had with an accurate fuel gauge has been a Boxster – when its gauge reads empty, there is no fuel in the tank. In the case of my RT, when the estimated range is near 0 miles I can usually add 5.5 gallons to the tank. Since I believe the OM, I will have 1.6 gallons of “actual reserve” fuel, which even under poor mileage conditions of 40mpg will give me 60 miles (or one hour) of additional riding to locate a fuel station. In practice I like to stretch my legs, drain my bladder and nosh every 3 hours, so I seldom run the tank more than 200 miles before refueling, therefore in my riding this is not an issue. With the smaller tank and reduced range of my previous 12GS the pessimism of the fuel indicator was a little bit more of an annoyance, but tolerable nonetheless.

[1analguy]

...the fuel pump pick-up is considerably lower than the bottom of the fuel strip in the tank.

 

I believe this is true, as after the full "strip dry-out/recalibration" by the dealer, they left me with around 2 gallons in the tank. As I ran it completely out, I discovered that there was just less than 0.5 gallon (usable) left when the last pixel disappeared from the bar graph. When it finally died, it took 7.48 gallons to the bottom of the metal filler neck (rubber sleeve removed).

[markgoodrich]

I find it a little hard to believe this dealer said such a thing. They have a pretty good reputation and I've stopped in there once myself. They sure didn't didn't seem to be the idiots you are describing. Of course even the best dealers sometimes hire folks who are not very knowledgeble when it comes to BMWs. Perhaps you should let the dealership management know they have an employee giving out bad info.

 

As for absolute fuel capacity. I have gotten 8.1 gallons into mine after nearly running it dry... Rubber thingy out and small vent hole drilled in the filler neck. It will take 7.1 gallons if I only fill to the rubber thingy. Also, I don't fill it up to 8.1 gallons unless I am going to be riding at least 10 to 15 miles afterwards. Filling it up that far does not leave room for expansion. Having that extra gallon of capacity is awesome on long trips though. I did a little trip from McKinney TX to Eureka Springs AR last week... I am able to make it up there without having to stop for fuel. That's about 350 miles.

 

Well, I only reported what the guy, the service manager, said, didn't call him an idiot or anything else. I was quite surprised at his comment, but I certainly didn't make anything up. I'm still hoping for a TSB reference for the tank, so I can show it to him when I take the bike in next.

 

This original post of mine generated a few comments defending the honor of Lone Star BMW. At the time I posted it, I had just made an appointment for today, June 15th, for the 6k service...yes, they were that backed up. I called earlier this week and confirmed the appointment as well as confirming that the job would be done in less than half a day. Upon arrival this morning, I was informed it might "late this afternoon," by the same exact service manager who told me last month that the tank is small. This morning, when I mentioned the tank thing again, being careful to first tell him I'd confirmed that the tank is as described in the manual, he remembered that "some" RTs have a "tape" and they've done "seven or eight" of them, but fully "three quarters" didn't work...actively trying to discourage me from having the warranty issue taken care of...which I wasn't going to do anyway, because I wanted the bike back for this weekend.

 

It's now "late this afternoon," and I was just informed, when I called to check, that they have done exactly nothing to service my bike. I'm the exact opposite of a gruntled customer right now. The charitable view is that the service manager was misinformed about the tank, although he certainly spoke with authority when he told me in May that the manual has a misprint. Having to wait close to a month for a simple service was a bit of an annoyance, but again, being charitable, I was promised the bike would be in and out in short order when I did bring it in, as I would have an appointment. I'm out of charity at the moment.

 

I reiterate my request for a specific TSB to reference regarding the fuel thing, and now I'm asking for a reference for a good BMW service operation within a day's drive of Austin, Texas. Shoot, I could have gotten up this morning at the same time I set the alarm to go out to Lone Star, and been in Albuquerque by now, let the dealer there do the service tomorrow, and then spent the rest of the day exploring mountain roads, then home on Sunday.

[Dave_in_TX]

I find it a little hard to believe this dealer said such a thing. They have a pretty good reputation and I've stopped in there once myself. They sure didn't didn't seem to be the idiots you are describing. Of course even the best dealers sometimes hire folks who are not very knowledgeble when it comes to BMWs. Perhaps you should let the dealership management know they have an employee giving out bad info.

 

As for absolute fuel capacity. I have gotten 8.1 gallons into mine after nearly running it dry... Rubber thingy out and small vent hole drilled in the filler neck. It will take 7.1 gallons if I only fill to the rubber thingy. Also, I don't fill it up to 8.1 gallons unless I am going to be riding at least 10 to 15 miles afterwards. Filling it up that far does not leave room for expansion. Having that extra gallon of capacity is awesome on long trips though. I did a little trip from McKinney TX to Eureka Springs AR last week... I am able to make it up there without having to stop for fuel. That's about 350 miles.

 

Well, I only reported what the guy, the service manager, said, didn't call him an idiot or anything else. I was quite surprised at his comment, but I certainly didn't make anything up. I'm still hoping for a TSB reference for the tank, so I can show it to him when I take the bike in next.

 

This original post of mine generated a few comments defending the honor of Lone Star BMW. At the time I posted it, I had just made an appointment for today, June 15th, for the 6k service...yes, they were that backed up. I called earlier this week and confirmed the appointment as well as confirming that the job would be done in less than half a day. Upon arrival this morning, I was informed it might "late this afternoon," by the same exact service manager who told me last month that the tank is small. This morning, when I mentioned the tank thing again, being careful to first tell him I'd confirmed that the tank is as described in the manual, he remembered that "some" RTs have a "tape" and they've done "seven or eight" of them, but fully "three quarters" didn't work...actively trying to discourage me from having the warranty issue taken care of...which I wasn't going to do anyway, because I wanted the bike back for this weekend.

 

It's now "late this afternoon," and I was just informed, when I called to check, that they have done exactly nothing to service my bike. I'm the exact opposite of a gruntled customer right now. The charitable view is that the service manager was misinformed about the tank, although he certainly spoke with authority when he told me in May that the manual has a misprint. Having to wait close to a month for a simple service was a bit of an annoyance, but again, being charitable, I was promised the bike would be in and out in short order when I did bring it in, as I would have an appointment. I'm out of charity at the moment.

 

I reiterate my request for a specific TSB to reference regarding the fuel thing, and now I'm asking for a reference for a good BMW service operation within a day's drive of Austin, Texas. Shoot, I could have gotten up this morning at the same time I set the alarm to go out to Lone Star, and been in Albuquerque by now, let the dealer there do the service tomorrow, and then spent the rest of the day exploring mountain roads, then home on Sunday.

 

I'm not disputing your experience with Lone Star but it's certainly different than what my experience has been. I've only been a BMW owner for about four months but I've been buying gear and accessories from them for many years. So far i've had it in four times - twice for tires, one for the 600 mile service and again for the 6K service. They have always managed to get me out when they said they would. As for Albuquerque, I know that may have been "tongue-in-cheek" but I have friends in Albuquerque who have told me the dealer there has a lousy reputation. Personally, even if you have an appointment, I think getting your bike back the same day you brought it in, is good service even if it is back late in the day. I've been riding bikes for almost 40 years and I've yet to find a dealer who can do their scheduling any better than that.

[markgoodrich]

Dave, I don't disagree with your statement about their reputation, I've also been shopping there for years, and I know their stellar reputation, but these two instances, the first being 'there's a misprint in the manual' and the scheduling thing, were, in my opinion, WAY out of line. I called yesterday to confirm the appointment, and made a point of asking if they could get it out today, and was assured they could, and then this morning was assured AGAIN, yet they never even got to it, nor did they call me.

 

Let me add that after my heat-of-the-moment post, I called Peter, one of the owners, to bark at him about the deal, and he gave me a long list of reasons why they didn't get to me, and to his credit made it clear they weren't good enough, since I'd had an appointment...but frankly I wasn't very mollified. I'm not one of those guys who starts yelling "LIARS" or "CHEATERS" whenever something goes wrong, but durnit all that needed to happen was a candid reply yesterday when I asked if they could get it out today..."Mark, I hate to say this, but we're swamped, overbooked, understaffed, can you bring it in next week, we'll put you up first, and make it up to you."

[Bheckel169]

Bottom line. Don't let the fuel go below the 1/4 tank level. How difficult is this? Where on Earth are you going to put yourself in a situation where you run out of gas, unless you,

1. Don't plan

2. Don't pay attention

3. Don't care

Bruce

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Bottom line. Don't let the fuel go below the 1/4 tank level. How difficult is this? Where on Earth are you going to put yourself in a situation where you run out of gas, unless you,

1. Don't plan

2. Don't pay attention

3. Don't care

Bruce

 

There are riding styles where that just simply isn't an option. I haven't run out of gas yet, and the three of four times I thought I was close weren't as bad as I thought when I finally did find fuel and fill up. But still, accurately knowing how much fuel you have on board can be very important.

[Dave_in_TX]

Dave, I don't disagree with your statement about their reputation, I've also been shopping there for years, and I know their stellar reputation, but these two instances, the first being 'there's a misprint in the manual' and the scheduling thing, were, in my opinion, WAY out of line. I called yesterday to confirm the appointment, and made a point of asking if they could get it out today, and was assured they could, and then this morning was assured AGAIN, yet they never even got to it, nor did they call me.

 

Let me add that after my heat-of-the-moment post, I called Peter, one of the owners, to bark at him about the deal, and he gave me a long list of reasons why they didn't get to me, and to his credit made it clear they weren't good enough, since I'd had an appointment...but frankly I wasn't very mollified. I'm not one of those guys who starts yelling "LIARS" or "CHEATERS" whenever something goes wrong, but durnit all that needed to happen was a candid reply yesterday when I asked if they could get it out today..."Mark, I hate to say this, but we're swamped, overbooked, understaffed, can you bring it in next week, we'll put you up first, and make it up to you."

 

So they didn't get it out on the day they promised? Your post wasn't too clear about that. I certainly would have questioned them as to why they didn't at least call you to let you know that something had come up that prevented getting it finished.