Etheno Question

[MSnyder]

I was just wondering.
I know everyone with an RT or R with the strip type fuel sensor, either has had trouble or will have trouble with the fuel sensor strip. Could the Ethanol in our gas be a factor? I know it surely effects rubber. How about the fuel strips?
Anyone know if this could be a factor?

[Vance]

I have heard this question debated before but I believe the failures are due more to inconsistent (read inferior) manufacturing techniques. To illustrate my belief, I had a 2009 GS that I took in to Pandora's with around 25K on it when the fuel strip failed. On that trip up there that day and while they were replacing that strip I test rode a new 2010 GSA and ended up making a deal on it...that day. Riding home late that afternoon on my brand new bike that had only been fueled that one time, the fuel strip failed. Replaced it on the 600 mile service and have had two more fail since. As of today the bike has 60K on it and the last fuel strip was replaced over two years ago. So while the 09 strip had soaked in a lot of ethanol fuel the the 10 had not soaked in any on day one but has soaked in a lot of ethanol fuel in the last couple years with no problems. Thus, I believe it to be a manufacturing issue.

The good thing in all of this is they will be replacing the strips for us for a long time and while inconvenient at least it is not costing us for it!

[Ric]

My 2010 R12R gives high readings such as 300 miles to empty after filling up and traveling 100 miles.
But, once I've covered over 200 miles it begins to read more accurately.
It seems to be accurate after it reads less than 100 miles to empty.
If my memory serves me.....I've at least once reached a reading of 40 miles to empty and that's when the low fuel light came on. I forget the trip reading at that point.

Also, if I pretend to understand how a German understands how to write in English, it seems the manual implies the miles to empty reading will not be good until your near a single gallon remaining in the tank.