Regan Brown
The Harley-Davidson Sportster is a popular motorcycle model with a range of different iterations, including the 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster. One common question among Sportster owners is whether the bike has a reserve fuel line or tank. While some older motorcycles had a separate 'reserve' position on the petcock valve, Sportsters do not have a separate fuel supply for the reserve. Instead, the petcock valve has two different siphon tubes, and when the fuel level drops below the upper siphon tube, the rider switches to the reserve position, which has a lower siphon tube in the tank.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The reserve in the tank is not a separate compartment
There is no need to drain out old gas from the reserve. The fuel in the reserve does not automatically get syphoned into the tank when you refill, so it is a good idea to switch to reserve every once in a while to clear any trash that might get into it.
The fuel light on Sportsters is not reliable. It is recommended to use your odometer to determine when to refill. With a 4.5-gallon tank, you should be looking for a gas station at around 140 miles.
If you are looking to add extra fuel capacity to your Sportster, there are a few solutions. You can perform a tank swap, with the most common tank sizes being 2.2 and 3.3 gallons. If you want even more fuel capacity, you can install an aftermarket Fat Bob-style tank that holds up to 5 gallons. If your bike is a carbureted model, you just need to get a tank with the fuel valve (petcock) on the same side.
Assembling a 10-Inch Fuel Filter: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The petcock has two places to take fuel from the tank
The petcock is the old-school version of a fuel gauge. It is a small shut-off valve used to control the flow of liquid or gas. Most older motorcycles have a three-position fuel petcock valve (known as a "petrol tap" in the UK) mounted on or nearby the fuel tank to control the supply of gasoline: on, off, and reserve. The reserve position accesses the bottom portion of the fuel tank.
The 2007 Sportster 1200C has a 4.5-gallon fuel tank. According to the owner's manual, the low fuel light comes on when 1.5 gallons are left in the tank. However, some users have reported that the bike starts starving for fuel and cutting out before this point, which may be due to the fuel pick-up being in the rear of the tank.
It is recommended to use the trip odometer to determine when to switch to the reserve fuel tank, as the fuel gauges on Harley-Davidson motorcycles are not always reliable. By resetting the trip odometer to 0 when the tank is full and riding until the bike runs out of gas, you can determine the distance at which you need to switch to the reserve.
Additionally, it is important to note that the reserve fuel in the tank is not a separate compartment. The petcock has two different levels, and when the fuel level drops below the upper opening, you can switch to the reserve, which simply lowers the straw to access the remaining fuel in the tank.
Removing Holden Fuel Lines: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The fuel line inside the tank may have pin holes
To repair the pin holes, you can try the following methods:
- Clean and solder the holes, then treat with acetone and a tank sealer.
- Use a silver solder or lead loading to fill the holes.
- Apply a gas tank repair product like JB Weld, then take the tank to a radiator shop for further cleaning and sealing.
- Remove the liner with acetone, then coat the tank yourself or have it done professionally.
- Purchase a new tank, which can be an affordable option depending on the cost.
It is important to note that some of these methods may require specialized knowledge or equipment, so it may be necessary to consult a professional for assistance. Additionally, it is worth considering the underlying cause of the pin holes to prevent them from occurring again. For example, paint or coating failure could be the reason for the issue.
To prevent issues with the fuel line and reserve fuel, it is recommended to pay attention to the odometer rather than relying solely on the fuel light. For a 2007 Sportster 1200C, it is suggested to look for a gas station around 140 miles. Additionally, ensuring that there is enough fuel in the tank and maintaining proper fuel delivery can help avoid problems.
Removing Fuel Lines: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The low fuel light comes on when 1.5 gallons are left in the tank
The low fuel light on a Sportster motorcycle comes on when there is about 1/3 of a tank left, which is approximately 1.5 gallons. This is based on a 3.3-gallon tank capacity and an estimated 45-50 miles per gallon fuel efficiency. While the low fuel light serves as a helpful indicator, it is not always entirely accurate. It is recommended that you refuel as soon as possible after the light comes on to avoid running out of fuel and causing potential damage to the fuel pump.
The low fuel light is an important feature designed to provide a warning to the rider that the fuel tank is reaching a low level. By understanding the approximate amount of fuel left when the light comes on, riders can make informed decisions about when to refuel. This helps prevent riders from being stranded due to an empty fuel tank, which could be dangerous, especially on highways or in remote areas.
The 3.3-gallon tank capacity is a standard feature on Sportster motorcycles. With an estimated fuel efficiency of 45-50 miles per gallon, riders can expect to travel approximately 150-165 miles before the low fuel light comes on. However, individual results may vary depending on riding conditions, terrain, and riding style.
It is important to note that the low fuel light is not an exact science. The amount of fuel left when the light comes on can vary slightly between different Sportster models and individual motorcycles. Additionally, external factors such as weather conditions and fuel composition can affect the accuracy of the low fuel light. Therefore, it is always advisable to refuel promptly after the light comes on to avoid any potential issues.
While modern motorcycles like the Sportster are equipped with advanced technology, including low fuel warning lights, it is still essential to develop good riding habits. Regularly monitoring the fuel level and planning fuel stops accordingly can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable riding experience. Additionally, keeping the fuel tank sufficiently filled can help prevent issues with the fuel pump and fuel lines, especially in cold weather conditions.
Removing Plastic Fuel Line Connectors: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The reserve position has a lower siphon level in the tank
The reserve position in a fuel tank is a setting that allows the rider to access a small volume of fuel, which is always a small quantity of the total supply. This is particularly useful when the rider needs to reach the nearest gas station. In most cases, the main and reserve settings draw fuel from the same tank, but there are two outlets through which the fuel may exit. The petcock, or fuel selector, has two places to take fuel from the tank, with one being higher than the other. When the petcock is in the “on” position, it takes fuel from the upper opening, and when the fuel level drops below this level, it acts as if the vehicle has run out of gas. However, when the selector is on “reserve”, the lower outlet is used, which allows all or most of the fuel to be drawn from the tank.
The reserve position in a fuel tank is important for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a backup fuel supply, allowing riders to access additional fuel when needed, especially when they are far from a gas station. Secondly, it helps to ensure that the main fuel supply is not completely depleted, as the reserve setting allows riders to deplete both the main and reserve fuel supplies. This can be crucial in situations where riders need to travel longer distances before refuelling. Additionally, the reserve position can help to clear any trash or blockages that may have accumulated in the fuel system over time.
It is important to note that the fuel in the reserve position is not stored in a separate compartment within the tank. Instead, it simply involves lowering the siphon level in the tank to access fuel that was previously out of reach. This means that the same fuel is always being used, regardless of whether the vehicle is in the main or reserve position.
Some people have expressed concerns about the reliability of fuel gauges and low fuel level warning lights in vehicles, including Harley-Davidson Sportster models. These concerns highlight the importance of keeping an eye on the odometer and being mindful of the vehicle's fuel range to avoid being stranded on the road.
In conclusion, the reserve position in a fuel tank is a valuable feature that provides riders with access to additional fuel when needed. By understanding how the reserve position works and its impact on the siphon level in the tank, riders can make better-informed decisions about when to refuel and how to manage their fuel supply effectively.
Heet and Fuel Lines: Will it Thaw?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sportsters have a reserve fuel line.
The low fuel light comes on when there is 1.5 gallons of fuel left in the tank. You can ride about 40 miles before filling up.
It is not necessary to "drain out the old gas" or run the bike to empty to purge out old gas in reserve. It is better to leave the tank topped off to prevent condensation buildup in the tank.
You can add extra fuel capacity to your Sportster by getting a tank with a higher capacity, such as the Fat Bob-style tank that holds up to 5 gallons.
