BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I ran the bike dry on a trip early in the year. Long story, I let my riding bud with too sharp a pencil put in just enough (not) regular to get to the next premium pump (first and last time). Talking to a heavy duty mechanic bud, his thoughts were that I will likely suffer premature fuel pump failure from the pump running dry. Do any of you have comments/experience with this issue?

Doug

What is the life expectancy of a fuel pump? Worry less, ride more, if it breaks, fix it.

Kevin

I ran my R1200R out of fuel when it was new due to a bad fuel gauge sending strip (couldn't have been my fault, right?) When I brought it to the dealership for the next service, they fixed the fuel indication system under warranty. I asked a similar question, did I need to replace the fuel filter in case I sucked up some debris from the bottom of the tank? They were adamant that running it out of gas infrequently was not a problem.

BTW, "fuel starvation" means there's fuel in the vehicle, but it couldn't reach the engine. What you and I did is called "fuel exhaustion."

Cheers, Tom

I wouldn't loose any sleep over this for sure.How many people do you think run their Chevs, ford's and so forth out of gas.There would be a line at every auto parts store if running out cause early pump failure.Ive'd replaced a good number of automotive electric pumps as a fleet mechanic and most where due to a 100,000 miles of wear or more.Dirt can cause early failure and I have seen many doomed by ice[water in your fuel in winter].Go for a worry free ride.

I think you have definitely and irrevocably damaged your motorcycle. It should be condemned at once. As a one time favor for an old friend, I will dispose of it for you at no charge. Just send it along with the title to my attention.

Bill