Fuel Valve Positions???

[jnosal]

I just got my hands on a 99 GS500E and there was no manual with it... Having a little trouble sorting out the positions of the fuel valve. The three positions are 6, 9 and 12 o'clock.

The obvious is the 6 o'clock position being off. Which of the remaining positions are reserve and main?

At this point I am thinking the 12 o'clock position is reserve. This is due to running the tank dry the other day. Don't worry, I was in front of a gas station when it happen, boy I was lucky since the previous station was 8 miles back.

Since that incident, I have been running at the 9 o'clock position. Today I toped off the tank after 200 miles and I was surprised that the tank still held 3.4 gallons and had not needed to change positions.

Any clarification would be appreciated.

jnosal

[1998_GS500]

There is no 'off' position on the GS.  There are three positions...

On (Main)
Prime
Reserve

I can't remember their location right now, but those are the three.

Chris

[jnosal]

What is the Prime position for?

[cernunos]

I have an '89 so I don't know if it's the same as yours or not. But, on the Owl the 6 O-CLOCK (extended portion of lever DOWN) is main, horizontal or 9 O-CLOCK (extended portion of lever @ 9) is reserve and straight up is prime. There again my bike may be different from yours so you may want to try removing the outlet line and see when fuel flows at what position. With engine off, fuel will flow only when the valve is on prime. Hey if you're like me then you love the GS500 and this forum too.

Cernunos

[Kerry]

I have a '99 as well.

ON = 6 o'clock
RES = 9 o'clock
PRI = 12 o'clock

Use the ON position until you get low on fuel and the bike starts "hesitating" and ignores you when you give it more throttle.  Then switch to RES.

Use PRI when you run dry on RES and you still haven't made that gas station.  The "real" reason for PRI is to refill (prime) the carbs when they've been emptied because they were worked on or something.

Don't forget to set it back to ON when you fill up!