Posted by David K on June 07, 2003 at 15:16:48:
In Reply to: ON or OFF when the bike is sitting....sorry posted by NATE on June 07, 2003 at 08:35:04:
'Well, I meant to say.. when the bike is sitting ... off.. not running ."
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Well, in that case turn the IGNITION off, when the bike is sitting...., because otherwise the engine would remain running, while sitting.
Getting back to the point made---there is no OFF position on the petcock! There is a PRIME, that is used only for filling the float bowl if it were to be dry. In this case turn the petcock to ON as soon as the engine starts (and leave it there). The engine vacuum holds the petcock open only while the engine is running and closes it when the engine is shut off. It will start again by the gas remaining in the float bowl. RESERVE is used only as an emergency to travel another 15 miles after the engine stalls for lack of gas!
RESERVE, ON AND PRIME are market on the petcock, just read what it says. There should be an operator's manual that is supplied with the motorcycle, that explains this procedure and other things pertinent to driving.