if you are out for a ride let's see some pics!

[rz5mark]

I saw what looked like a nice Kaw Z on the #1 west of Kamloops about 3:45 today, anyone from the club?

[hardrockminer]

That was me.  I rode down to the lookout past Tobiano and then back to Chase.  Testing the limit of the gas tank on my new Z1B.  110 miles and still on main tank.

[Galactica]

That was me.  I rode down to the lookout past Tobiano and then back to Chase.  Testing the limit of the gas tank on my new Z1B.  110 miles and still on main tank.

The amount of reserve all depends on the length of the petcock main tube. I cut mine down to where there’s one litre on reserve, that also leaves almost 2 litres remaining on the right side of the frame bump. One litre should safely get you 16kms.

[hardrockminer]

So what does that mean Ross?  Are you saying you have 3 liters remaining when you hit reserve?

[rz5mark]

Figured that might be you. Drop in for a visit next time, I'm 5 minutes east of Tobiano.

[Galactica]

So what does that mean Ross?  Are you saying you have 3 liters remaining when you hit reserve?

Yup. One litre on the left side once I twist the petcock to reserve. Run that dry, then you still have nearly two litres remaining on the right side. Tip the bike over or take the tank off and tip it over to access another 30+ kms of fuel.

The amount of fuel remaining once you have to switch to reserve depends on the length of the petcock tube. I don’t remember the exact length. I used trial and error to cut the tube until using a measuring cup, I had one litre remaining on the left side. Using a measuring cup I determined there is nearly two litres remaining on the right side of the frame bump when the left side is dry.

I use my bikes a fair amount for long trips so I really like to keep track of my range.

[MJ]

Dumb question, but why? Is the amount of fuel left in reserve an unknown quantity otherwise?

[hardrockminer]

Figured that might be you. Drop in for a visit next time, I'm 5 minutes east of Tobiano.

I didn't know that!  Are you near the construction work?

[hardrockminer]

My interest was the distance I can travel on main tank.  I don't like travelling on reserve.  Did it once and ran out...had to push for two miles.

[rz5mark]

I'm on Rodeo Drive, the first bridge reconstruction after Tobiano.

[Galactica]

My interest was the distance I can travel on main tank.  I don't like travelling on reserve.  Did it once and ran out...had to push for two miles.

Yes, that is why I like to know exactly how much fuel I have used, how much I have in reserve, and just as important, how much remains on the wrong side of the frame hump. Especially on a trip when planning fuel stops.

Lots of guys push their bikes not realizing they still have two litres remaining on the right side that they can access with a small amount of effort. Certainly much less effort than pushing the bike.

And sure, if you’re riding around town near lots of gas stations, there is no need to get near, or into, your reserve. But oftentimes on a trip, it is of concern.

[hardrockminer]

I'm on Rodeo Drive, the first bridge reconstruction after Tobiano.

At the risk of repeating a bad joke...is that your first rodeo???

[Galactica]

Dumb question, but why? Is the amount of fuel left in reserve an unknown quantity otherwise?

The length of the petcock fuel tube can vary. For some reason the LTDs had really log tubes which meant less main fuel and more reserve. Until you do a precise measurement, using a measuring cup, you don’t really know how much you have in reserve, and hence how far you can travel until dry. Maybe I’m just weird, I like to know these things.

[rz5mark]

My first Rodeo.

I have put a left grip on the road/trail a few times trying to get the rest of reserve. And I also once pushed a CB900f (heavy!!!) about a k up a slight grade to a gas station...not fun..

[MJ]

Thanks for the tube length answer, never would have occurred to me.
I was riding my brothers Sprint when it died. He of course never looked in his mirrors and rode into the horizon. I looked all over for a petcock tap, no luck, took off the cap, rocked the bike and heard fuel sloshing around, now I thought great, please don’t be spark...but tried cranking it and wow it fired. Rode to the nearest gas station, in the States that’s never far, when he calls to find out where I’d disappeared to lol. I gave him good enough description he found me. The reserve was a big stupid dial thing hiding in plain sight.