1999 1500 SE Fuel gauge problem

[deputy]

New to fourm and my first post. I recently purchased a 99 GL1500SE and it runs like a charm. The only problem I have is the fuel gauge is far from accurate. It shows empty but I still have over a 1/2 tank of fuel. Does anyone have a solution? Will the low fuel light come on even if the gauge is wrong?
Thanks

[tek8550]

Sorry, I don't have a solution for the fuel guage as I have the same problem on my 88 1500. To answer your second question. Yes the low fuel warning light will still function properly. You will have approx. 1 gal. left in the tank. Mabey someone else can answer question #1 for us.

[Morgul]

This may be a common problem because it's the same with my 97 wing. The owner's manual says that the tank capacity is about 7 gallons, yet when the gauge read empty, I filled it up with about 3.5. I don't like running the gauge below empty because I'm reluctant to trust an idiot light on a 13-year-old, 3-owner bike with an unknown maintenance history. Any help would be appreciated.

[kahunah]

Common on the 1500. You can carefully bend the float arm down, but that will keep it up at full longer. I did this to my 89. Even though my low fuel light works I just feel better knowing empty is accurate.

[deputy]

Thanks kahunah,
I'm going to give that a try considering I haven't been able to find anything other solution. I guess it will be trial and error to get it as close to accurate as possible.

[kahunah]

I adjusted the float when the low fuel light came on. I set it so the needle was right on the red line. Now, a few miles after it hits the high side of the red line the light comes on. As it falls below the red line it is using up the reserve. I have taken it as low as needing 6 gallons to fill up. (Don't recommend doing that, these things don't push that easy!)