I had the same issue with the fuel.  Ran out before I checked on here and was given good advise.  Went to sigmasport.com and got a sport bike computer (a whole $20 bucks including shipping).  It works great.  It has everything you need-trip distance, max speed per ride, odometer, clock.  I haven't run out of gas since we put it on last year.  Mounts on the handle bars and is digital.  Works great

every 100 miles im lookin for a gas pump...
no gauge ,no computer,just the stock od..
some day i'll strape a small gas can on the rack and see just how far reserve gets me...my guess lil over 20 miles
when in fist got my o6 i was gettin 60 mpg or a lil better
now with dyno jet kit ,k&n drop in, snorkel remove,
sporster muff w/ disk drilled out 3/8" after 2500 miles and four oil changes 50 mpg is the norm of course my riding style is more agressive than that first tank of gas and 99% of my riding is city runs.

You can do a chopper style gas gauge.

Not mine,I just got the pic from the gallery.
Drilling,and/or welding isn't that hard,just keep flushing out with water until all traces of vapors are gone.Then fill up with water,and drill or just about full to weld.
When I did my filter on my VW carb went to Lowes,and picked up a rubber drain adapter,and hose clamps.

if you look a ittle closer, you will see that the bike in denims post, has the carb turned 90 degrees not just the filter (which would require a new intake) and i have the same type of fuel gauge on my chopper, works great, since i dont have reserve.