Running on Prime mode, throttle problem bandaided

[klimber]

Here is the history

the problem i was having is that when i gunned the throttle the bike staggered and such, if i was easier on the throttle i didn't notice it as much
i checked all the hoses everything appears fine.

today on the ride in i took the long way. on a nice open stretch i gave it all and sure enough, thought the bike was gunna choke up but it hung on , just was very staggery.    was thinkin, gotto try PRIME.  turned around, put it in prime, HOLLY COW it was alive......it screamed and wanted more, i loved my bike more than ever!!!!!   so i turned around an put it back in the standard position, same thing, staggery and i felt like it was asking but not getting.   so i truned aroudn again, BACK IN PRIME and holy shaZam!, there i was grinnin and screamin down the road,,   oh my droogies, it was devine ......once i was back in traffic i turned the petcock back to normal (i don't seem to notice it in 30MPH traffic) and went to work.


several quetions now pop in my head

1.  is it safe to run it in prime when out flyin around
2.  after rejetting, does some work need to be done with the petcock
3.  does this pinpoint a probelm, if so what is it...petcock?

i am guessing that the petcock under the tank is fine, since it does run so well in PRIME

any guidance from anyone?  can it just be left in PRIME all the time?

[KevinC]

Yes, it is safe to run on Prime all the time. If you don't move the switch to Run or Reserve when you park, and a float sticks or crap gets in the float needle seat, you could drain fuel into the airbox and onto the ground. All old bikes worked like this, although it was an Off position, and in 25 years of biking, I've never had a problem.

The switch can be re-built and maybe fixed, or replaced with two simple non-vacuum petcocks. It may be possible to find a vacuum switch off a bigger bike that would mount reasonably easily on the GS, and actually provide sufficient fuel flow. The GS stock one is a never ending source of problems it seems.