Drifter 1500 from 2001, first type tank with mechanical speedo - when the tank is full, the fuel gauge shows 1/2. I don't know if the "idiot" light works, I did not run almost empty yet. Did somebody encounter such a problem?
From the color of the bike, and the blacked out portions, you have a 2000 model 1500. That makes a difference in that the 2001 moved to a 5 gal tank, chrome forks, electronic speedo etc.
My fault, it is indeed a 2000. All mechanical, of course...
After you run some fuel injector cleaner/carbon buildup remover through a couple of tanks it may clear up the problem with the fuel gage.
There is a fuel level sensor located in the gas tank. You have to remove the gas tank, flip it over and you will see the sensor on the left side.
The low fuel sensor is inside the tank on the fuel pump. If you have a bad level AND the low fuel light doesn't come on... you likely have a bad speedo.
Once you get a handle on your mileage (KM) per gallon (L) you will want to let the bike get down to about 1 gallon left in the tank. The low fuel light should be burning brightly by that time. Don't go so far as to run out of fuel however.
The low fuel light is working. I will check the sender when the outside temperature will rise at some decent levels...
There is a float arm on this too... so it could just be sticky.