Triumphrat

yellowrubiu

Can someone please provide the proper sequence for how the reserve should be turned on when you run out of fuel while on the road?

I've looked on my user manual, gone back to my MSF manual and done some searches on the forum but can't seem to find much.

I was on my way back from a long ride today when I ran out of fuel with 120 miles on the dial and the bike shut off. The plan was to stop at a gas station near my house, which I wasn't far from. I wasn't quite sure whether I should just flip the valve to reserve and hit the starter at that point. Since I was on a quiet back road I just coasted to the shoulder, stopped and flipped the valve, then got going again.

Should this happen again can I flip the valve, apply the clutch and then hit the starter? I think this is right provided I am able to maintain speed but it would be helpful if someone can confirm or correct.

Lesson learned (I think): flip to reserve at around 118~119 miles, maybe 115, and find a gas station ASAP.

88blkbird

I rarely stop if I run out of fuel I make every attempt to switch to reserve while still moving. If you are not use to switching the lever you may want to stop, then switch to reserve and restart. I have also been known to restart my Tiger while moving ( kick start ) but I don't recommend that unless you are crazy like I am.

Dave

I should mention, if you catch it soon enough... just as the engine starts to sputter, you may be able to keep it running by switching to res quickly.

Gob-ny-geay

Once you've ridden for some time, you can pretty accurately predict when the bike will go on reserve. In your case, say 120 miles.
1.) I always reset the trip odometer at every fill up, so I can see how many miles I have left before reserve time.
2.) When you are getting close to the 120 mile mark, you can reach down and flip the petcock 180 to reserve, then head for a filling station.
3.) Usually you can feel the bike hesitate, or stumble a little when it gets near reserve time, then you can reach down and flip the petcock while riding, giving you "X" amount of ride miles before you run out. Your manual should tell you how much the reserve section holds.
4.) Finally, nothing wrong in my book with flipping the petcock, then restarting without stopping. But either 2 or 3 above might be better.

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yellowrubiu

Thank you very much guys, I appreciate your help.

HiDesert

If you're really new to riding, practice using the valve in your driveway until you can do it without any conscious thought. Hands on bars, then drop the left down to flip the valve, then back to the bars. Repeat. When someone walks up and talks to you and you keep unconsciously flipping the valve while talking to them, you've got it, grasshopper.

While you are riding, watch the odometer. Use it to know when to expect to need to switch. When you reach that mileage, wait for it to stumble, then make the switch.

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Tbirdnz

Generally I make the switch on the odo reading a few km before it stumbles particularly on motorways with traffic, there's some situations when you don't need the bike to try to cut-out on you.

I've got a thirsty TB, I know I've less than 40km on reserve.

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miker

There is one other thing to remember grasshopper..... make sure you flip it back to "on" once you have filled the tank. If you do forget, next time you will simply run out of fuel without the back up of "reserve".

Hint - when ever you are out with your mates and they are in a playful mood, always keep an eye on your fuel tap. Many an unwary newbie has had his fuel tap turned to "reserve" and run out of fuel because they didn't know.

Mick

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justbrian

Never had to pull over to switch to reserve on my twin. You can easily hear/feel when she's getting "close".

If it ever did die I don't think I'd even hesitate to pull the clutch and hit the starter button while moving. Done it a thousand times on crappy stick shift cars! I don't believe I'd want to try bump-starting it at speed though.

88blkbird

Starter button???? what's that, my 78 Tiger doesn't have one of those new fangled contraptions.. kick only or rolling start in gear. It is much easier on newer bikes though....

justbrian

Not sure I'd try kickstarting at highway speed either...