I think you have to make the "empty" tank mistake at least once, of not more, to automatically check if you shut down while riding. When it's happened to me in the past, largely for lack of experience, your brain panics and logic is left behind. It's especially true with a bike that's new to you because you don't know what to expect and default to expecting the worst. In fact, you should always consider the obvious first and always consider "operator error."
Maybe I'm lucky, but in the four years I've been back riding regularly and with two '75 bikes, neither has ever let me down and stranded by the side of the road. But I always carry my cell phone!
