Regan Brown
There are many misconceptions about the reserve fuel tank in motorcycles. Many people wonder if filling up their tank replenishes the reserve fuel tank. The reserve fuel is not stored in a separate tank but rather in the same tank as the 'main' fuel, with a vertical shelf separating them. The reserve fuel is located at the bottom of the tank, and the main fuel is picked up from a certain distance above the bottom of the tank. It is recommended to switch to the reserve tank when the engine starts to stutter and buck, indicating low fuel. When filling up the tank, it is advised to set the gas to OFF or ON, depending on the bike model, instead of keeping it on RESERVE to avoid accidentally running out of gas without warning.
Characteristics and values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Filling up the reserve tank | It is recommended to fill up the reserve tank occasionally to prevent the build-up of water and dirt. |
| How to fill the tank | Set the gas to OFF or ON, depending on the bike model. Do not fill with the setting at RESERVE to avoid running out of gas without warning. |
| Reserve tank design | The reserve tank is not a separate tank but a different gas inlet situated lower in the main tank. |
| Tracking fuel usage | Zero the trip odometer each time you fill up to know how long the fuel in the tank will last. |
| Switching to reserve | Switch to reserve when the engine starts to stutter or buck due to low fuel. |
| Refilling after using reserve | After using the reserve, fill up the tank and switch back to the ON position to avoid using all the gas in the tank. |
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What You'll Learn
- The reserve tank is not separate, but situated lower in the main tank
- You should not fill your bike with the setting on 'reserve'
- It is recommended to use the reserve fuel occasionally
- The reserve tank is replenished with new fuel each time you fill up
- You should be comfortable reaching down to switch to reserve while riding
The reserve tank is not separate, but situated lower in the main tank
The reserve tank is not a separate entity from the main tank in a vehicle. Instead, it is situated lower in the main tank, with a fuel pickup at the bottom of the tank. This design allows for the replenishment of the reserve tank when the main tank is filled.
The reserve tank serves as a backup fuel source when the main tank runs low. When the fuel level in the main tank drops below a certain point, you can switch to the reserve tank to continue operating the vehicle until you can refuel. This is indicated by the engine stuttering and bucking as the float bowls receive less fuel.
It is important to note that you should not fill your vehicle's tank with the setting on "RESERVE." Doing so can lead to accidentally running out of fuel without warning since the reserve mechanism won't engage. Instead, it is recommended to fill the tank with the setting on "ON" or "ON/RESERVE," depending on the specific model.
Some people suggest running the vehicle on reserve occasionally to prevent the buildup of water and dirt in the reserve tank. However, others disagree, stating that this practice can lead to dirt and water entering the carburetors. It is advisable to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations or consult a mechanic for specific guidance regarding your vehicle.
While the reserve tank provides a helpful backup fuel source, it is not advisable to rely on it frequently. The amount of fuel in the reserve tank is limited, and running it too low can cause the engine to stall. It is essential to keep track of your fuel usage and refill the tank before it reaches the reserve level to avoid unexpected situations.
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You should not fill your bike with the setting on 'reserve'
Filling up your bike with the setting on reserve is not advisable. The reserve setting is intended as a backup to enable you to get to a gas station when your bike runs out of fuel. When the engine cuts out, you can flip to reserve to access the remaining fuel in your tank. This is drawn through a smaller post on the left of the tank, as opposed to the right post when the fuel setting is 'on'.
While it is possible to ride with the setting on reserve, you will not have the 'cushion' of the main tank, and you will need to fill up sooner. Riding with the setting on reserve also means you lose the benefit of the stutter or stumble that usually indicates you are running low on fuel. This could leave you stranded if you don't know how long your reserve will last.
There is also a risk of flooding the engine with fuel if you fill up with the setting on reserve. This can cause gasoline to spray everywhere when you remove the nozzle. It is recommended that you fill up when you have to switch to reserve and then leave it on reserve until you reach your destination to clear the crap out of the bottom of the tank.
Finally, it is worth noting that some newer bikes do not have a reserve switch, so this is only relevant for certain models.
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It is recommended to use the reserve fuel occasionally
While the reserve setting can be used occasionally, it is not advisable to use it frequently. This is because the fuel pump is lubricated and cooled by petrol, and running on reserve fuel can starve the pump of fuel, causing it to overheat and reducing its lifespan. Additionally, impurities and crud settle at the bottom of the fuel tank, so using the reserve setting frequently can cause the pump to pull dirty fuel, leading to unnecessary wear and potential damage.
In some vehicles, the main and reserve settings draw fuel from the same tank, with the reserve setting allowing access to the remaining fuel in the tank. This means that using the reserve setting can cause the fuel to run out without warning, as the level may drop below the outlet used for the main setting. Therefore, it is advisable to refill the tank before or soon after using the reserve setting to avoid running out of fuel unexpectedly.
However, some vehicles may have separate tanks for the main and reserve fuel settings. In this case, using the reserve setting will draw fuel from a separate inlet located lower in the tank. Even in this case, it is still recommended to refill the reserve tank occasionally to avoid issues with old or stale fuel.
Overall, while it is acceptable to use the reserve fuel setting occasionally, it should not be relied upon as the primary fuel source due to the potential risks to the fuel pump and the possibility of running out of fuel without warning.
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The reserve tank is replenished with new fuel each time you fill up
The reserve tank in a vehicle is a backup fuel supply that ensures the engine doesn't shut down when the main tank is empty. This reserve tank is positioned at the bottom of the main tank, and it is replenished with new fuel each time you fill up the main tank.
The reserve tank is not a separate entity but rather a part of the main fuel tank. It is separated by a vertical shelf that divides the two sections, with the reserve tank being at the very bottom. When you fill up the main tank, the new fuel mixes with the reserve portion, ensuring that the reserve tank always contains fresh fuel.
This design ensures that the vehicle always has access to a small amount of fresh fuel, even if the main tank is not completely full. It is important to note that the reserve tank should not be relied upon as the primary fuel source, and it is recommended to refill the main tank as soon as possible after engaging the reserve.
Some vehicles have a fuel valve with an "on/off/reserve" setting. It is generally advised not to fill the tank with the setting on "reserve" because if you forget to switch it back to "on," you will have no warning when you are low on gas. Instead, the best practice is to fill up the tank with the setting on “on” or “off” and then switch to "reserve" when needed.
Additionally, it is recommended to use the reserve fuel occasionally to prevent the buildup of water and dirt. Over time, you will develop a sense of when the main tank is about to run out of gas, and you can then switch to the reserve tank while looking for a gas station to refill.
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You should be comfortable reaching down to switch to reserve while riding
Reaching down to switch to reserve while riding is a skill that every motorcycle rider should be comfortable with. It is a handy skill to have when you are in a challenging situation, such as running out of fuel while riding.
Motorcycles have a three-way fuel valve, with "On," "Off," and "Res" positions. The "On" and "Off" positions control the flow of fuel from the main tank to the engine. When you run out of fuel in the main tank, you can switch to the "Res" position, allowing fuel from the reserve tank to flow into the engine. This will enable you to ride for a few more miles until you can refill your tank at a gas station.
It is important to note that the location of the reserve fuel switch varies among motorcycle models, and some switches may be more accessible than others. In some cases, you may need to reach down to access the switch while riding. Therefore, it is crucial to be comfortable with this action. Practice reaching for the switch and familiarise yourself with the process so that you can execute it smoothly and safely when needed.
Additionally, it is recommended to switch to reserve before you ride if you are unsure about the fuel level. This proactive approach ensures that you don't run into issues while riding and can safely reach a gas station to refill your tank. Remember to also pay attention to the warning signs, such as engine stumbling, which indicate the need to switch to the reserve tank.
By being comfortable with reaching down to switch to reserve and adopting proactive fuel management practices, you can enhance your riding experience and avoid inconvenient situations on the road.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the reserve tank is replenished when you fill up your main tank. The reserve tank is not a separate tank but is combined with the main tank, with a vertical shelf that separates them.
One technique is to hold the vapor collector back and get the nozzle far enough into the tank, then slowly squeeze the handle while checking how much fuel is in the tank.
You will feel the engine start to stutter and buck as the float bowls get low, this is when you should switch to the reserve tank. You should then start looking for a place to refill.
