Topic: Anything wrong with always running to the reserve

[ger87410]

I'd really hate to do any damage to the beautiful bike I'm riding that's older then me, so I pose this next question.

Before I start making a habit of it: what are the chances of me damaging something by normally running the bike till she hits the reserve?

[BobbyR]

The downside would be and flakes of rust or dirt that has settled to the bottom of the tank over they years getting sucked into the carbs.

[heffay]

always running to reserve...

you'll be more "in tune" with your bike.
you'll never dread having to clean crusties from your carbs if it worked just fine the last time.

your bike will begin to die, often very quickly if you like to go fast.
if you own multiple bikes... remembering which way the petcock moves can be nearly impossible.

[Klark Kent]

running it dry would be bad, but it might be good to keep the reserve channel flowing.  I never use mine and the other day when i needed it I found that it does not work- luckily there was a guy with a couple enduros in a warehouse space (in the middle of baltimore) who gave me a little premix (apparently this is ok) to get me to a gas hole.  So now i need to take apart the petcock.  disuse is the only thing i can think of that owuld lead to reserve not functioning so I would advise you to keep it on the res from time to time- but don't run her dry.

[333]

The more you don't use the reserve, the more crap will build up and when you need reserve, all you will get is crap.  So, clean the tank and use the reserve regularly.

[TwoTired]

It matters which bike you have.  Some have an in tank filter, that works the same in either position.  Won't hurt a thing to run on reserve.  Earlier model petcocks have a screen and sediment bowl in the petcock itself.  If your tank is cruddy, the sediment bowl can fill and chunks might make it past a faulty screen.  But, if the tank is clean and you keep the sediment bowl clear no issues with reserve always.  Well... except for the pushing-the-bike issue. 

Cheers,

[seaweb11]

Do you not have a trip meter on the speedo?

Just remember what it is at when you run out, and then fill it before the meter shows that milage the next time
works for me.

Yes on the "bad for rust and goo"

[andmoon]

On my 74 550 there is some gas remaining after the reserve goes empty.  Some fuel remains on the right side of the tank...the reserve reserve. 

[Leemata]

I hit reserve nearly every time with my '78 750F.  I've never had a problem. 

Terry

[hymodyne]

hitting the reserve tells me its time to fill her up again. 

after being dry all winter the tank has some flakes and other schmutz in it that I know has settled to where the reserve fuel comes out of the tank. I'm catching it in in line filters that I replace after each full tank until the schmutz is gone.
hopefully after three or four tanks, I'll be able to depend on that gallon or so of fuel that now sits unused in an emeergency.

hym

[c_kyle]

I go to reserve sometimes.  The only thing I don't like about it is when the bike dies in the middle of traffic.

[Gordon]

I go to reserve sometimes.  The only thing I don't like about it is when the bike dies in the middle of traffic.

+1

I try not to run it to reserve simply for peace of mind.  I ride mostly in town and on busy streets.  I'd hate to gun it to pull into a space in traffic only to run out of juice at that exact moment.   And on the highway, with my luck I'd hit reserve just as I was passing an 18 wheeler.

[nteek754]

Hey all I use my reserve most every time I am out, or should I put it this way I dont think about fueling up till Im on reserve (thats what they are there for). Now if  I am headed for a good trip yes I will top it off. Im running the old settlement bowl style on my 73K when she starts to sputter I flip it and depending on traffic might hit the choke for a second and  whalaaa back to cruisin for another 25 miles or so. have fun Craig in Maine

[MJL]

I hit reserve fairly often, but I am usually in town and never more than a mile or two from a gas station. I don't know about you 750 guys, but on my 650 it looses power and stumbles a bit before it completely dies. To help keep the rust abnd crud out of the tank I fill it completely full before storing it for winter.

[hymodyne]

running it dry would be bad, but it might be good to keep the reserve channel flowing.  I never use mine and the other day when i needed it I found that it does not work- luckily there was a guy with a couple enduros in a warehouse space (in the middle of baltimore) who gave me a little premix (apparently this is ok) to get me to a gas hole.  So now i need to take apart the petcock.  disuse is the only thing i can think of that owuld lead to reserve not functioning so I would advise you to keep it on the res from time to time- but don't run her dry.

I'm in Salisbury. Where in relation to Baltimore are you located?

hym

[TwoTired]

One more point about reserve.
 There is no crossover tube for the tank on many models.  And, the petcock is mounted on one side.  Since the bottom of the tank is not flat, reserve setting does not automatically access all the fuel in the tank.

Cheers,