Fuel tap query...

[mullen1981]

Hi I'm new to biking and I've just got a 99 bandit 600, it's
Came with no manual so I'm here to ask a question on fuel taps...

Can anyone give me a quick run down on how
to use it? I know reserve is for when it's ran out of fuel and on for when it's running normally I have it on 'on' but I'm wondering if
Anyone can give me a idea what to use it on a day to day basis? I know
It has on reserve and pri but I'm curious how to have it set?


Like I say I'm new so I'm sorry this
Sounds like a daft question.

Thanks in advance

[CaNsA]

Leave it on primary.
If you run out of fuel, turn it to reserve.

Fill up, turn it back to primary.

[mullen1981]

Is pri to the right? On pointing down, reserve pointing up?

[JumpingFrog]

For everyday riding you want to set it to ON. You are correct about using REServe if you run out, although you might need to prime first (see below). Don't be tempted to leave the tap set to reserve, you could end up clogging up your carburettors with dirt from the bottom of the tank.

The tap on the bandit is vacuum operated (IIRC) from manifold pressure; hence on will only allow fuel through if the engine is running. For this reason you have PRIme too which lets fuel flow regardless. You only use this to refill your fuel lines and carburettor float bowls (avoids flattening the battery).
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2000 XJ 600S Diversion

[CaNsA]

Ignore jumping frog, the tap can only be in 1 of 2 positions.

In the pic below the tap is set to primary, if the tap was pointing to res then it would be using reserve.

https://i.imgur.com/fGmHEWZ.jpg

[Biker101]

@CaNsA I think JumpingFrog was right.

Pri is prime, and there are 3 positions, even the OP says this in the first post.

See here for a better pic - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUZUKI-BANDIT-GSF600S-GSF1200-GSF-600-1200-VACUUM-PETCOCK-GAS-TAP-FUEL-COCK-NEW-/370745658789?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item565229cda5

It's also been covered before on this very forum - https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=117923
____________________
Past: 06 Runner SP50 >>> 01 Varadero XL125 >>> 08 Kwak ER-6f >>> 05 CBR600rr
Present: 99 FZS600 Fazer

[CaNsA]

[Biker101]

[mullen1981]

Just been out to double check and I definately have 3 parts to my fuel tap, turned up for reserve, right for pri, down for
ON. So have I got this right...

When I start the bike I turn it to pri, then when I'm ready to go turn it
To on, then leave it to on all the time until I turn it off? And then what do leave it on when it's parked up?

[CaNsA]

[Biker101]

[Benjums]

for biker, leave the tap in the on position. The only time you need to turn it off is if you are going to leave the bike for a month or two.
Res is just I case you misjudge the mileage till the next fill up.
I really wouldn't worry about turning the tap on and pri every time you park up.

[lihp]

[Kickstart]

[P.addy]

ON - for riding with, will work so long as you have lets say more than 1/4 tank.

RES - the final 1/4 tank, get to a petrol station you've got something between 15 miles and 40 miles depending on state of bike and how heavy your throttle hand is.

PRI - for when you are too lazy to fix the vacuum part of the tap or when the carbs are likely to be completely dry, likely if you have run out of fuel after being on RES for a while or you have rebuilt the carbs and removed the lines, they will be empty and need filling without the need for loads of cranking to activate the vacuum part and thus flow fuel. Leads to dead battery

I would never leave it on PRI, just in case what Kickstart says actually happens. It can and will

[Benjums]

/quote]

You know that there is no off position?

It's a vacuum tap, so in good working order, it's automatically off when the engine isn't running.[/quote]

Yea I know there is no off position I realized my mistake after typing and re reading it, I was tired and knew what I ment to say just not quite how to say it.

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

[Wonko The Sane]

on my bike (ZZR) I used to have it as 'on' so that if I run out I have a way of moving a heavy bike

was unpredictable when it would run out on me so I've left it on reserve and just keep an eye on the fuel gauge, when it dips into the red, I need to find fuel shortly and can't make it all the way to / from work
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[Kickstart]

Hi

ZZR600 fuel tap does seem to be a pig to switch to reserve while riding. Most bikes are far easier. Sitting at 70 I could manage the ~190 mile round trip to work fairly easily on a tank full (sitting at 80 made it more touch and go).

All the best

Keith
____________________
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[Grimeric]

Just leave it to the on position. That's with the tap pointing down on the bandit. Switch it to reserve (pointing up) if you start to run low on fuel, you will know if the happens as it will probably judder misfire and cut out. My bandit needs to be switched to reserve with around a quarter of a tank left but I try not to let it get that far. I usually get around 130 miles before I need reserve depending on my riding.