So, I've been on vacation for the past two weeks, and the worst thing about vacation is that I didn't have the bike with me. I got back late yesterday, and I was on the bike early today. Yummy.
There I was, zooming down the highway at 65 mph when the engine starts to miss. I always wondered what I was going to do the first time I needed gas at 65 mph, and today I got to find out. I eased it off to the shoulder, and just as I did, the bike shut down completely. No problem, I thought, I know this one. I turned the valve to reserve and hit the starter.
Mmmm, chuga, chuga, chuga...nothing. Wouldn't start. I look up the road and down the road and think to myself, great, something's broken. This sucks. Then I remember something I read right here in the GS00 Message Forum. It was something about turning the valve to Pri or something like that, so I look down and turn the thing to that, whatever THAT is. Hit the starter and just like that she pops to life. Happy am I. I slap it into gear and head to the nearest gas station.
So, whoever mentioned that in the past few months, thank you. Today I remembered and it made my life much, much better.
Smooth Dave
Why didn't you just reach down and switch the valve to RES when your engine first started to miss? I'm not being sarcastic or anything, is that a bad thing to do while you're riding cause I do all the time?
If it happened to be me you were referring to- Your welcome! Glad to help a fellow biker in need. They look better being ridden than pushed...
Yup...that trick (switch to PRI) always work when the carb bowl is emptied. good to know that.
Quote from: SmoothDaveHappy am I. I slap it into gear and head to the nearest gas station.
...where you spun the petcock back to the ON position after you filled up.
Right? ;)
Quote from: proudlomWhy didn't you just reach down and switch the valve to RES when your engine first started to miss? I'm not being sarcastic or anything, is that a bad thing to do while you're riding cause I do all the time?
Not a bad thing at all. That's the way I have always done it.
But I haven't hit RES for a while now, and in the meantime I have learned a good refinement of the technique from others on the board. Next time I run low on gas and the bike starts "stuttering" I'm going to swing it all the way from ON to PRI for several seconds, and then back to RES until I run out again.
This should get fuel to the carbs faster (especially useful if you're in traffic!) while still giving you a final "only 2 or 3 miles to go now" warning if you forget to fill up right away.
I read the tips on trying to reach down while riding, but I don't feel comfortable enough on the bike to try it yet.
Yes, Kerry, I did remember to switch it back at the gas station. And once again, I have you guys to thank for that too. :cheers:
Smooth Dave
yesterday was the first time i ever switched it to res while riding, while it was necesary. i'd practiced a lot, cause i knew some day i'd need it.
i did run one once to :lol: