Where is the petcock?

[m50Joe]

Seriously....

I am seeing a potential problem if I dont notice the low fuel lamp blinking.

06 model doesnt have a fuel gauge.

[DaveAlvarado]

There isn't one. Keep an eye on that fuel light, and get used to sloshing your tank around before you take off.

Heck, my Ninja doesn't have a low fuel light *or* a fuel gauge. It does have a reserve, but I've just gotten used to using the odometer. I know it will safely go 150 miles without hitting reserve no matter how high strung I run it, so I just reset the odometer every fill-up and keep an eye on that as a fuel gauge.

[Clint]

A safe motorcyclist/pilot/bus driver scans his gauges regularly. Develop the habit.

[OldManOnBike]

Just keep track of your tripmeter. I know I get at least 50 mpg so when I reach 150 miles, I start thinking about getting some gas.

[raycogxxx]

Your bike doesn't have a petcock because it's fuel-injected not carburated.

[4dtvman]

Originally Posted by raycogxxx

Your bike doesn't have a petcock because it's fuel-injected not carburated.

GOOD ONE

[SNAFU]

I'm not trying to give a smart remark, but I think you can not notice the flashing light. It's like a flashing beacon of light signaling to the Mother ship.

[landkrshr]

Lights are in a blind spot, especially with a full face helmet. I installed LEDs in the speedo cover for my turn signals. I just know I can go about 180 miles. You have a trip meter, just reset on every fueling.

[m50Joe]

Originally Posted by SNAFU

I'm not trying to give a smart remark, but I think you can not notice the flashing light. It's like a flashing beacon of light signaling to the Mother ship.

Same as I ride down the road for MILES with my blinker still on. I guess I am the only one?

As for the petcock, and FI I thought the valve just switched the fuel lines (even FI have fuel lines) to feed fromt eh reserve and not the main tank itself.

Yeah I knew about trip meter, and I AM using it. But no reserve, AND no fuel gauge seems like poor design to me. Oh well, adapt and overcome.

(BTW I did search for fuel reserve & petcock before I asked)

[SNAFU]

Originally Posted by m50Joe

Same as I ride down the road for MILES with my blinker still on. I guess I am the only one?

Heh, heh, I did that too, but I developed OCD tapping the turn signal cancel button every so often.

[landkrshr]

I believe SNAFU was saying you can NOT see the light. I agreed with him. I have ridden a long ways with the light on. As for EFI, there is one connection under the tank. The problem with reserve is if you forget to switch it back. Been there done that. Relying on it then leaves you walking. Most motorcycle fuel gauges are less accurate than car gauges. It is always best to watch your miles. Helps to plan trips and stops if you know 150-180 miles. Also a good time for a break after a few hours. Nobody is offending you. Keep at it and enjoy the ride.

[raycogxxx]

Originally Posted by m50Joe

As for the petcock, and FI I thought the valve just switched the fuel lines (even FI have fuel lines) to feed fromt eh reserve and not the main tank itself.

Petcock

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



A petcock is a small valve used to control the flow of liquid or gas. Although petcocks are used in a wide variety of applications, the following passage will describe one of the most common applications of the petcock which is the control of gasoline on a motorcycle engine.

Most motorcycles have a fuel petcock valve mounted on or nearby the petrol tank to control the supply of gasoline. The petcock typically has three positions: on, off, and reserve. The reserve position accesses the bottom portion of the petrol tank. Its functionality is especially useful on older or more basic motorcycles, which may not possess a fuel gauge. Many motorcycles now have an automatic, vacuum operated, petcock, with on and reserve as well as a prime position, which is used if the fuel level is run so low that the engine cannot be started.

When operating a motorcycle the fuel management process often proceeds as follows: when regarding vintage motorcycles, the petcock is set to the off position when the motorcycle is not being operated. This is to eliminate fuel overflow and leakage via the carburetor. Before starting the engine the petcock is turned to the on position in order to provide gasoline to the fuel delivery system.
While operating the engine there will reach a point at which fuel consumption causes the level of gasoline in the petrol tank to fall below that which can be accessed by the petcock in the on position. At that time continued operation of the engine can be maintained. This operation is achieved by accessing the remaining fuel in the petrol tank via rotating the valve in the petcock to the reserve position.

[italian biker]

I wish it did have a valve on it, that way, when I tank the tank off for various reasons, such as spark plug removal, I don't get a stream out of the drop tube. Yes, I drain it as much as possible

[Apertureguy]

That might be an OK add-on...but I would rather have another 2 or 3 gallons fuel.

[m50Joe]

Thanks everyone for your interest, and thanks Ray for the wiki.

Next new owner to come and search will at least have this discussion now to look to.

[digitalbroccoli]

Bad design? There's a 2 stage warning system with the fuel light (blinking, then steady) and not one, but 2 trip meters.

If you run out of gas on the M, it's not because of the design.

[geoffsimpson]

Originally Posted by SNAFU

Heh, heh, I did that too, but I developed OCD tapping the turn signal cancel button every so often.

I do the same thing, problem is, now i do it in my truck as well. Keep turning the cruise control on and off....

true story

[m50Joe]

Originally Posted by digitalbroccoli

Bad design? There's a 2 stage warning system with the fuel light (blinking, then steady) and not one, but 2 trip meters.

If you run out of gas on the M, it's not because of the design.

All bikes need design improvements. I am sure that's why a fuel gauge was INCLUDED the very next year.

I stand by my statement that no fuel gauge AND no reserve (just gimme one or the other) was a design flaw. My 1986 vulcan 750 has both, as well as trip meter too!

The two stage info on the lamp is good to know though. IF I remember to look at it I can at least know how far I've pushed the limit.

[ulfire911]

I don't know why everyone gripes about a fuel light verses a reserve or a gauge. A light is the exact same as a reserve, except you don't have to worry about running out of gas at a stoplight, then fumbling for your reserve while traffic backs up behind you. Ok, the light is a little hard to see with a full face helmet while looking straight ahead, I agree, but I've never found it to be much of a problem. Your head moves more than you give it credit for during a ride because of things like: scanning for traffic, checking mirrors, or just enjoying the surroundings. Usually whenever your head shifts, it's enough movement to catch the fuel light in your peripherals. I mean, honestly, it is a RED flashing light. Doesn't that usually scream for your attention in most situations? It's not like color is usually associated with "all systems go" or anything like that. So, as long as you are trained to your motorcycle, you shouldn't need a reserve petcock or a fuel gauge. The system is more than adequate as it is, even without the dual trip odometers.

[tehsteve]

you said... petcock... heh heh heh heh