I've gone 230 miles on 1 tank and haven't hit the reserve yet on my 04!!!

 

No, the '08 does not have to be manually put on "Reserve." Mine also only goes to about 7/8ths full on the gauge after I've just filled it full. It also goes way below "E" before running dry. I regularly run mine down to the needle well past that, and it runs on fine. The most I've put in yet was 4.6'ish gallons. I had over 250 miles and the needle was, what appeared to be, about bottomed out on the gauge. I forgot the exact numbers, but I know I've gotten right at 56 mpg on the last 4 tanks riding it "normally" around town. "Normally" is running it up to 6-8K at moderate throttle to run w/traffic and enjoy the ride. I have about 1200 miles on it now. If the info helps anyone...

 

Yes, I have noticed the fuel gauge issue on my 08. Mine would only fill up to about 7/8 full when it was full to the very top. When on empty or a little below, (200+ miles) putting in 3.6 to 3.8 galloons. Took it in to the dealer to have it checked out and they have a new fuel gauge on order. Said the old one didn't meet the specs of the service manual. Have to take it back in 2 weeks to have it replaced, under warranty of course. I have about 1400 miles on mine, bought it back in February.

 

If I just purchased mine last week of April, should I need a new guage as well or do you think they meet specs from yours you bought in February?

Bryan

 

If yours is indicating correctly when you fill it up (bike level, all the way to the top) then it is probably ok. Since mine would never read full, I had the dealer check it out. I have noticed I can go 200-210 miles before I need to fillup again, with some left in the tank.