fuel cutoff switch?

[crash]

hello all

i just got a 2001 gs500 today ( :mrgreen: ), but unfortunately the previous owner lost the manual.  so while i wait for my clymer book to come in the mail, can someone please tell me what the positions of the fuel cutoff switch correspond to?

the labels on mine say

Code Select Expand

fuel
      RES

      ()   PRI

      ON


i was under the impression that the usual config is main, off, reserve, and that the main and reserve settings line up.  however the previous owner always kept it on PRI, so i'm a bit confused. =/

[Kerry]

On pre-2001 bikes the positions (when observed from the left side of the bike) are:

Code Select Expand


     PRI

 RES  |  FUEL
      V
     ON


I keep the fuel switch on my '96 and '99 bikes at the ON (down) position.  If the bike starts acting up when I get low on gas, I reach down and turn the lever to the RES (forward) position.  I don't use the PRI position unless the bike starts acting up while I'm on RES - at which point I add Pray to my SIPDE sequence!  After I refill the tank I try make sure the lever is pointing to the ON (down) position again.

The other main use for PRI is to refill the carbs after they've been drained for maintenance, before you try to start the bike.

Usually, the only reasons to leave the switch on PRI all the time are:
1) If you have a vacuum problem between the fuel switch and the carbs, or
2) You experience "fuel starvation" consistently at high speeds (and you go at high speeds most of the time).

The fuel switch positions are different for the '01+ bikes, but the same concepts should apply.

[JohnNS]

You may also want to pick up an owners manual as well. Mine didn't come with one either, but they can be purchased quite cheaply from your local dealer. Definately worth having.



John

[MattyC]

I just ordered an owner's manual for a 2001 from a local dealer for $18.75.