[paramed]

So I am relatively new to this motorcycle ownership and have noticed something - I don't think my pet-cock is functioning properly on my 650 classic. The other day I had to run out to my sisters to help with her deck construction and took the bike. Nice little trip out and back, like 20 miles or so. When I got home and went to put the bike away and turn off the gas, I hadn't turned it on. I was in such a hurry I forget. Is it normal with the gas off to be able to start the bike, let it warm up take a 20 mile ride without the engine dying or having any performance issues? It seemed to have run fine and was very responsive with the throttle.

 

[61rsss]

I did the same thing the other day with my 1100. I made it less than a mile before it died.

 

[Philo]

I have never turned off the pet-cock unless I'm taking off the tank

 

[61rsss]

I have never turned off the pet-cock unless I'm taking off the tank

I turn it off when I:


-Remove the tank
-am storing it long term (winter)
-Am playing around with a bike I just bought

Other than those, I never touch it. In this case, I am playing around with a new bike.

 

[farmalldanzil]

probably not

RES

OFF

ON

 

[paramed]

Thanks for the info - I'll just turn it on, but I know it was definitely off, like the second picture shows. Is it possible that it is broken internally?

 

[tombstone]

My first thought was also that you probably had it on the RESERVE position rather than off.

Thanks for the pictures farmalldanzil. I never noticed the arrow before now.

There's a simple test you could perform. Turn the petcock to off, place a cup under the fuel line where it connects to the rear of the petcock, disconnect the fuel line by removing the clamp and pulling the fuel line to the rear and watch for fuel. Next test the ON and RES positions.

NOTE: Before you actually remove the fuel line, slide the clamp to the rear and give the fuel line a couple of clockwise and counter clockwise twists to loosen it.

DO THIS IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA AND AWAY FROM ANY FIRE HAZARD. (i.e. don't smoke while you're doing this - LOL)

 

[farmalldanzil]

There is not much in it to brake at all, leak yes. It is a shaft with a hole or two and some seals That's about all.

 

[paramed]

Thanks - will try the test.