Katerina Swanson
Motorcycles are known for their sleek and compact design, but one drawback is the limited fuel capacity. To address this issue, motorcycle manufacturers have introduced a reserve fuel tank feature. This reserve fuel tank is located inside the main fuel tank and serves as an emergency backup when the main tank runs out of fuel. The reserve fuel tank is activated by a switch known as the fuel petcock, which has three positions: On, Off, and Reserve. When the motorcycle starts to lose power due to low fuel, riders can flip the switch to the Reserve position, allowing them to continue riding for a limited distance, usually around 20 to 30 miles. This feature provides a safety net for riders, preventing them from being stranded on the side of the road. However, it is recommended to use the reserve fuel sparingly and only in emergencies, as it is intended to get riders to the next gas station.
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What You'll Learn
The reserve fuel tank is inside the main fuel tank
Most motorcycles do not have fuel gauges, so engineers have included a reserve fuel tank inside the main fuel tank. This means that riders do not have to keep opening the gas tank to check how much fuel is left. The reserve tank typically holds about a gallon of gas, which can get you 20-30 miles, depending on the model of the bike.
The reserve fuel tank is accessed by flipping a switch, usually located below the gas tank/seat area, which is called the fuel petcock. The switch has three settings: "On", "Off", and "Reserve". The "On" position is for regular use, and the "Reserve" position is for when the motorcycle starts to lose power. The "Off" position is only necessary when the motorcycle will be unused for a long time, such as during winter storage.
The fuel petcock contains a vacuum-actuated valve that opens when there is a vacuum pressure from the carburettor, which occurs when the engine is running and sucking in air. When the engine stops, the vacuum pressure is lost, and the valve automatically closes. This prevents gas from flooding the engine or leaking out of the carb vent hose due to hydrostatic pressure.
Some riders choose to switch to the reserve tank for 20 minutes or so after each tank fill. This can help clear the fuel system of any sediment that has built up in the gas tank. It is also a good idea to regularly change the fuel filter to take care of any sediment.
It is important to keep track of your fuel usage to avoid running out of gas. Some motorcycles have a low fuel light, while others rely on riders to zero the trip meter at each fill-up to estimate how much fuel is left. Knowing the motorcycle's typical mileage on a full tank can also help riders anticipate when they need to refuel.
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The reserve tank holds about a gallon of gas
The reserve fuel tank on a motorcycle is a handy feature that can get you out of a tricky situation. Most motorcycles do not have fuel gauges, so the reserve tank acts as a backup when you run out of fuel in the main tank. The reserve tank holds about a gallon of gas, which should be enough to get you to a gas station. Depending on the model of your bike, you may be able to travel 20 to 30 miles on reserve fuel. Some bikes can go even further, with one rider reporting that their bike has a range of 100 miles on reserve.
The reserve tank is a separate compartment inside the main fuel tank. When the main tank runs out of fuel, you can switch to the reserve tank by flipping the fuel petcock to the "Reserve" position. This will allow you to keep riding until you can refill your tank. It's important to note that the reserve tank is not meant to be used all the time; it is primarily for emergency situations when you need to get to a gas station.
The fuel petcock is a small switch that regulates the flow of fuel from the tank to the engine. It typically has three positions: "On," "Off," and "Reserve." When the petcock is in the "On" position, fuel flows normally from the main tank to the engine. When you run out of fuel in the main tank, you can switch the petcock to the "Reserve" position to access the fuel in the reserve tank.
The amount of fuel in the reserve tank can vary depending on the motorcycle model. It's a good idea to test how far you can go on reserve fuel by strapping a gas can to your motorcycle or having someone follow you with a gas can. That way, you can get a sense of your bike's range when running on reserve.
Some riders choose to switch to reserve fuel for a short period after each tank fill, but this is not necessary for all motorcycles. It's important to refer to your motorcycle's manual or seek advice from experienced riders familiar with your specific model.
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The fuel petcock switch has 'On', 'Off', and 'Reserve' positions
The fuel petcock switch is an important component of a motorcycle's fuel system, allowing riders to control the flow of fuel between the "On," "Off," and "Reserve" positions. Here's how it works:
When the switch is in the “On" position, fuel is allowed to flow normally from the main fuel tank to the engine, powering the motorcycle. This is the standard setting for regular operation.
The "Off" position, as the name suggests, shuts off the fuel supply to the engine. This position is typically used when the motorcycle will be stored for an extended period, such as during winter, to prevent fuel leakage or evaporation.
The "Reserve" position comes into play when the motorcycle starts to lose power due to a low fuel level in the main tank. Flipping the switch to "Reserve" activates a separate reserve fuel supply, allowing the motorcycle to continue running for a limited distance, usually around 20 to 30 miles, depending on the model. This reserve tank holds about a gallon of gas, providing enough fuel to get you to a gas station.
It's important to note that the reserve fuel supply is not meant for regular use. It serves as an emergency backup to prevent riders from being stranded when they run out of fuel unexpectedly. Regularly riding on reserve can lead to sediment buildup in the fuel system, which can be cleared by changing the fuel filter regularly.
Additionally, some motorcycles may have a "Prime" setting on the fuel petcock switch, which is used occasionally after filling up the tank to ensure proper fuel delivery.
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Sediments in the gas tank are cleared by the fuel filter
Most motorcycles do not have fuel gauges, so to avoid frequently opening the gas tank to check fuel levels, manufacturers include a reserve fuel tank inside the main fuel tank. The reserve tank typically holds about a gallon of gas, providing 20-30 miles of additional travel distance.
When a motorcycle starts to lose power, the rider can flip the fuel tank petcock to the 'Reserve' position, allowing the bike to keep running. The petcock is usually located below the gas tank/seat area, with a switch indicating 'On, Off, and Reserve'. The 'Off' position is intended for when the motorcycle will be unused for a long period, such as during winter storage.
Now, regarding sediments in the gas tank, they can be cleared by a fuel filter. Sediments in the gas tank can be introduced during refuelling or already be present in the tank. These sediments can include dirt, debris, water, and microbial growth. Water, for instance, can result in rust and the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause sludge and clogs in the fuel system. A fuel filter with a water separator can prevent water contamination. It captures and holds contaminants, ensuring clean fuel passes through to the engine.
Fuel filters can become clogged over time if not changed regularly, leading to engine problems such as worse gas mileage, strange sounds, frequent stalls, and sluggish acceleration. A clogged filter can be cleaned without removal using a small brush and, for stubborn bits, Scotch tape.
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The reserve fuel is vacuum-fed
Most motorcycles have a reserve fuel tank inside the main fuel tank, which can be used in case the bike runs out of fuel. This reserve fuel is accessed by flipping a switch, known as the fuel petcock, to the "Reserve" position.
The vacuum-fed system is found on carbureted bikes, where a vacuum is required for the fuel system to function. The "Prime" position on some bikes opens the tank to the carbs, bypassing the need for a vacuum signal.
It is important to note that the reserve tank only carries about a gallon of gas, depending on the model of the bike, so it is recommended to keep a close eye on fuel levels and not rely solely on the reserve. Additionally, some sources advise against always running the bike on reserve due to the potential for crud or impurities in the fuel, which can build up over time. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the fuel system are important to ensure optimal performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Most motorcycles do not have fuel gauges, so engineers have included a reserve fuel tank inside the main fuel tank. This provides a safety net when the main tank starts sucking air.
If your motorcycle does not have a fuel gauge, it likely has a reserve fuel tank. You can also check for a fuel petcock, which will have an "On, Off, and Reserve" switch.
The reserve tank is a separate compartment with its own intake valve. When the main tank runs out of fuel, the intake valve for the reserve tank opens, allowing the engine to continue running.
The reserve tank typically holds about a gallon of gas, which can provide an additional 20-30 miles of riding. However, this can vary depending on the motorcycle model.
You should switch to the reserve tank when your motorcycle starts to lose power due to low fuel. It is recommended to use the reserve tank only when necessary and not as a primary fuel source.
