Reserve petcock preference Port or Stern?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I have my reserve on the right because no amount of throttle wringing will keep the engine running if it isn't getting fuel - with the result that the bike slows rapidly due to engine braking. With reserve on the right you can pull in the clutch and coast so only slowing a little and you don't get a lorry driving into the back of you. If the engine has actually stopped I find easing the clutch out bumps it back into life and away I go.
 
I'm a reserve on the left guy. The second it starts to stumble I make the switch with my left hand and it hardly misses a beat. I think it's the stock position on a MK 3 anyway. It's the way I bought the bike.

With the roadster tank I find that if I even THINK it might need gas it's time to fill up.
 
Les,
Thanks, I must have searched "petcocks" 4 or 5 times and all I came up with were two position valves.

Matt,
Thanks also, I will email you at your shop for more info.

Pete
 
I prefer reserve on the left for safety... roll it on while staying throttle/brake capable.
 
concours said:
I prefer reserve on the left for safety... roll it on while staying throttle/brake capable.
Ah, good point. A hand off the right grip while fumbling for the reserve gives up two important control duties. Just had another thought, purely hypothetical and not based on any facts. Fuel is pulled up through the jet because of the vacuum induced over it when the throttle is cracked. So, if the throttle is cracked even though the float bowls are empty, would not that same vacuum tend to hasten the transfer of fuel down the gas line and into the empty bowls? Although that vacuum signal would probably be negligible, and most of it lost through the tickler.
I must say, I find this silly thread most enjoyable in a light hearted way. I think because It actually puts me on my bike as I think about under the different conditions one can run out of gas. This, as I look out upon frozen pine trees heavy with sleet that is still falling.
 
L.A.B. said:
Or, fit taps that have both main and reserve positions.

This is my choice of solution. And on my orginal painted tank, has reserve on the left side. Serial no. 307175.
 
Kvinnhering said:
L.A.B. said:
Or, fit taps that have both main and reserve positions.

This is my choice of solution. And on my orginal painted tank, has reserve on the left side. Serial no. 307175.

I like this approach too. and got me thinking...

ONE petcock with reserve function, other side of tank plugged.
I have Amal dual carb setup.
Would work with double banjo on fuel side with connection to single banjo on other carb.
IF there is enough flow to feed both at full throttle.

What I would like to find (so far no luck) is Off/Main/Reserve petcocks with a straight down connection rather than the 90 degree ones found on eBay above.
 
tomspro said:
Kvinnhering said:
L.A.B. said:
Or, fit taps that have both main and reserve positions.



= "ONE petcock with reserve function, other side of tank plugged."
But you would loose the ability to access any of the gas trapped by the tank's division on the plugged side. My Honda CB350 had just one petcock with ON/RESERVE/OFF functions but there was a crossover line connecting both sides of the tank so fuel level would drop equally between both sides 'till really empty.
 
Biscuit said:
concours said:
I prefer reserve on the left for safety... roll it on while staying throttle/brake capable.
Ah, good point. A hand off the right grip while fumbling for the reserve gives up two important control duties. Just had another thought, purely hypothetical and not based on any facts. Fuel is pulled up through the jet because of the vacuum induced over it when the throttle is cracked. So, if the throttle is cracked even though the float bowls are empty, would not that same vacuum tend to hasten the transfer of fuel down the gas line and into the empty bowls? Although that vacuum signal would probably be negligible, and most of it lost through the tickler.
I must say, I find this silly thread most enjoyable in a light hearted way. I think because It actually puts me on my bike as I think about under the different conditions one can run out of gas. This, as I look out upon frozen pine trees heavy with sleet that is still falling.
Nope. Float bowl is vented to atmosphere, gravity feed only. :idea:
 
Well have have combined main/ reserve taps on both sides...

Guess that means I have to let go of my handle bars altogether to turn both taps onto reserve...!?
 
[
.[/quote]
Nope. Float bowl is vented to atmosphere, gravity feed only. :idea:[/quote]
I kinda, sorta came to that conclusion as I was typing but thought I'd put it out there anyway. :wink:
 
Fast Eddie said:
Well have have combined main/ reserve taps on both sides...

Guess that means I have to let go of my handle bars altogether to turn both taps onto reserve...!?
Oh no sir, not at all. I imagine if your taps were configured like this you would still have the option of using just one at a time.
One could have MAIN #1 and MAIN #2, and RES #1 and RES #2. It would be up to you to as to which would be which as far as left or right is concerned....Or in your case Fast Eddie, near side or off side. Personally I think I'd keep the off side off until I needed to turn it on. :? I think. :lol:
 
Three position petcock from CNW. Just ordered a pair from Matt. Doesn't matter what side reserve is on, plus you can run with both petcocks open.

Thanks for the input FastEddie

Pete

Reserve petcock preference Port or Stern?
 
Deets55 said:
Three position petcock from CNW. Just ordered a pair from Matt. Doesn't matter what side reserve is on, plus you can run with both petcocks open.

Thanks for the input FastEddie

Pete

Reserve petcock preference Port or Stern?

Yep, that's what I've got Pete, neat, simple, flow well, combined main reserve. A surprisingly effective all round solution... especially given all the debate that goes into taps, and some of the utter crap that's out there...

These should be a legally compulsory fitment !!
 
Deets55 said:
Three position petcock from CNW. Just ordered a pair from Matt. Doesn't matter what side reserve is on, plus you can run with both petcocks open.

Thanks for the input FastEddie

Pete

Reserve petcock preference Port or Stern?

seems a bit odd to have the spigot horozontal - at least for connection Amal carbs.
Got pics of them hooked up?
How much dinero?
 
I have used that type, they work ok but can be a bugger to seal in the tank. Because there's no flange there just a nut the petrol seeps down the thread. Plenty of ptfe tape around the threaded part does the trick though!
 
Tom,
Just ordered them, after I get them in I'll post a picture. I took a piece of hose and tested the routing before I ordered them, looks like it will work fine. Check your PM

Dave,
I have some of those metal washers w/ rubber inserts. I believe some people call them dowty washers on my BAP's and they seal great. I always use Permatex thread sealer on threads. Since I have been doing that I have been leak free.

Pete
 
Biscuit said:
"ONE petcock with reserve function, other side of tank plugged."
But you would loose the ability to access any of the gas trapped by the tank's division on the plugged side. My Honda CB350 had just one petcock with ON/RESERVE/OFF functions but there was a crossover line connecting both sides of the tank so fuel level would drop equally between both sides 'till really empty.

Biscuit - I do not understand. If gas gets 'trapped' on one side, how does the original reserve via petcock system work?
My understanding is that the Norton tank is one connected container with no physical division.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top