Tank capacity

[Eagle6]

Filled up to brim for first time since I got the bike today. 20 miles showing on countdown and it took just over 21 litres. Just checked handbook and it says 18 litres usable capacity which I presumed was including the reserve. Is that not correct?

[deilenberger]

Filled up to brim for first time since I got the bike today. 20 miles showing on countdown and it took just over 21 litres. Just checked handbook and it says 18 litres usable capacity which I presumed was including the reserve. Is that not correct?

21 liters = 5.5 gallons. 18 liters = 4.75 gallons (US gallons, not UK gallons.)

The most I ever put in my '07 was about 5.6 gallons (~22L?.)

My current fuel strip on the '12 errs on the side of caution - it turns the light on at about 140-160 miles, and I know a reasonable number would be closer to 200 miles (assuming I wanted to use the max out of the tanks.) The fuel strip it replaced was much better calibrated (but erratic in operation) - light would turn on at around 180-190 miles, and take about 4.5-4.6 gallons.

The difference between the 18L and 21L - if you went right to the brim, that's higher then BMW thinks you should fill it, and the rest of the difference is the reserve, which you were at least half way though. I'd assume yours is pretty well calibrated. You probably had 1-2 liters left.

[Eagle6]

I used that tankful today on a ride with friends. A mix of fast main roads (80-90mph), 60-70mph back roads and some tight and twisty real back roads (50-60mph).

Light came on as I got into our village at 231 miles, so very pleased. Showing 59 mpg (UK).