Rajan Wilcox
Motorcycles typically have a reserve fuel tank inside the main fuel tank, which provides a safety net when the main tank starts sucking air. This reserve tank usually holds about a gallon of gas, which can get a rider 20-30 miles, depending on the model of the bike. This feature eliminates the need to manually check the fuel level before each ride. While some riders prefer to keep an eye on their fuel levels and fill up frequently, others choose to ride on reserve to get an early indication of potential issues with their bike.
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What You'll Learn
How to switch to the reserve fuel tank
Most motorcycles have a reserve fuel tank inside the main fuel tank. This is because many motorcycles do not have fuel gauges, so the reserve tank acts as a fail-safe mechanism to prevent riders from running out of fuel unexpectedly.
The reserve fuel switch is typically located near the fuel tank. It can be found on the side or underside of the tank, often marked with the word "RES" or an arrow indicating "reserve". Some models may have the switch integrated into the fuel valve itself, requiring turning to a specific position to access the reserve fuel. The switch may also be labelled "On, Off, and Reserve", with "On" being the standard setting during regular use, and "Off" being used when the motorcycle will be unused for a long time.
To switch to the reserve fuel tank, simply turn the fuel switch to the "Reserve" position. It is recommended to switch to reserve when the main fuel tank is approximately a quarter to an eighth full. Keeping an eye on the fuel gauge or understanding your motorcycle's fuel consumption will help in gauging the correct time to switch.
Riders should be aware of a few potential issues when using the reserve fuel tank. Firstly, forgetting to switch back to the main tank after refuelling can result in the motorcycle stalling when the reserve fuel runs out. Secondly, not periodically testing the reserve switch can lead to unexpected issues if it is not working correctly. Finally, some riders believe that always running the bike on reserve can cause dirt and water to enter the carbs, although others dispute this claim.
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How much fuel is in the reserve tank
Most motorcycles have a reserve fuel tank inside the main fuel tank. This is because most bikes do not have fuel gauges, so the reserve tank ensures that riders do not have to keep opening their gas tank to check how much fuel they have left. The reserve switch is usually located below the gas tank/seat area, either on the right or left side. It is called the Fuel Petcock, and it has an "on", "off", and "reserve" setting.
The amount of fuel in the reserve tank varies depending on the motorcycle. For example, the Pulsar 150 motorcycle has a total fuel capacity of 15 litres, with 3.2 litres of reserve fuel, of which 2 litres are usable. This is because the tube that draws fuel out of the tank is not at the lowest point of the tank, so the last few drops of fuel may not be picked up. Other bikes may have different reserve fuel capacities, and it is important to refer to the specific bike's user manual to determine the exact amount.
Some riders choose to run their bikes on the reserve setting all the time, as this can help them monitor their fuel levels and identify any potential issues with their bike. However, others advise against this practice, as it can cause issues with airlocking and reduce the bike's performance. Additionally, running the bike on reserve may cause dirt and water to enter the carbs, which can affect the bike's performance.
It is worth noting that not all motorcycles have a reserve fuel switch. For example, the 2009 and newer Ninja 250s do not have a reserve switch, and some newer FI bikes also do not have this feature.
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How to keep crud to a minimum
Keeping crud to a minimum in your motorcycle's fuel tank is an important part of bike maintenance. Here are some ways to do this:
Firstly, it is important to keep your fuel tank full. This displaces air, which is needed for rust to form. Keeping the tank full also reduces the amount of moisture that can enter the tank, as the fuel sloshes around and knocks condensation off the top of the tank. Riding your bike frequently will also burn off any moisture that has entered the tank.
If you need to store your bike for an extended period, drain the tank and repeat the oiling process. This will prevent rust from forming.
It is also important to keep your fuel cap gasket in good condition. If it is damaged, replace it, as this will help to keep moisture out of the tank.
If you are dealing with a rusted fuel tank, you can rejuvenate it by sealing any holes. Most tanks will have a filler cap and a petcock outlet, but some may have crossover tubes. You can use silicone plugs, rubber or vinyl vacuum caps, or threaded fittings to seal small holes. For larger holes, you may need to use a gasket and a block-off plate.
Finally, to remove any existing crud or varnish from your fuel tank, you can use a product like Sea Foam. First, remove as much old fuel as possible, as varnish will sit at the bottom of the tank. Then, add a can of Sea Foam and a gallon of fresh fuel. Run the engine for 8 minutes, then shut it off and let the bike sit for at least one night, or up to 3 days. After this, add another gallon of fresh gas, run the engine for 5-8 minutes, then take the bike for a short spin to create engine heat and compression.
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How to track fuel without a fuel gauge
Many motorcycles do not come with a fuel gauge, and their riders often prefer to not install one after the fact. This is because adding a fuel gauge to a bike that doesn't have one can be expensive and impractical.
Know your bike's fuel economy
One way to track fuel without a gauge is to know your bike's fuel economy and use the miles travelled on your trip odometer (ODO). Reset the ODO every time you fill up, and you'll know how much fuel you have left based on the miles travelled since the last fill-up. For example, if your Ninja 250 gets full after $10 of fuel for every 150 miles travelled, you can use that information to determine when to fill up again.
Use a digital bar gauge
Some bikes have digital bar gauges instead of fuel gauges. While these may be inaccurate due to the shape of the tank, you can 'learn' how quickly the gauge goes down and use that information to determine your fuel levels.
Keep an eye on your fuel levels and fill up frequently
Riders who prefer to always run their bike on reserve can keep a close eye on their fuel levels and fill up frequently. This also helps to keep the amount of water/crud in the tank to a minimum. However, this method does not give you the cushion of a low fuel warning, so you'll need to be diligent about tracking your fuel levels.
Use a fuel light
If your bike has a fuel light, you can use that as an indicator of when to fill up, although you will still need to keep track of your miles since the light comes on to avoid running out of gas.
Install an aftermarket fuel gauge
While it may be challenging, it is possible to install an aftermarket fuel gauge on your motorcycle. This will likely involve drilling a hole into the tank and installing a float level sender that fits your tank. However, this option may be costly and require significant modifications to your bike.
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How to reset the trip meter
While some motorcycles do have a reserve fuel tank, not all newer models have this feature. Riders are advised to keep an eye on their fuel levels and fill up frequently to avoid running out of fuel. One way to do this is by monitoring the trip meter, which can be reset in a few simple steps:
For most motorcycles, resetting the trip meter is a straightforward process. Here is a general guide on how to reset your trip meter:
- Ensure that the display is switched on.
- Locate the relevant buttons or arrows on the display. Typically, there will be up and down arrows or two bottom buttons and a top button.
- Press and hold the designated buttons or arrows. For some motorcycles, this may involve pressing and holding the bottom two buttons, while for others, it could be the up and down arrows.
- Wait for the LCD screen to display "tc-n", which stands for "trip clear-no".
- Press one of the designated buttons once to change it to "tc-y", which means "trip clear-yes".
- Press and hold the top button until you return to the main screen.
- Navigate to the trip screen using the top button and ensure that the trip meter reads 0.0.
It is important to note that the specific steps to reset the trip meter may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your motorcycle. If the above instructions do not work for your motorcycle, refer to your owner's manual or seek guidance from the manufacturer or a trusted mechanic.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some riders choose to monitor their fuel levels by keeping track of the miles travelled on the trip meter. By resetting the trip meter every time they fill up, riders can estimate how far they can go before needing to refuel. This method can help riders avoid running out of fuel and provide insights into the motorcycle's fuel economy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most motorcycles have a reserve fuel tank inside the main fuel tank. This is because most motorcycles do not have fuel gauges.
Your motorcycle will start to lose power and eventually die. You should then flip the fuel tank petcock to the reserve position.
The reserve tank typically holds about a gallon of gas, which should get you 20-30 miles. However, this may vary depending on the model of the bike.
