I was riding today and my bike started chuggin - like it was really low on fuel.  I looked at the odometer and it was at 107 miles.  The bike died at a stop light, so I put it on reserve, but the bike wouldn't startup again.

What could be causing this?  There is a little gas in the tank.  I couldn't start it though, I even tried it with the choke on ('cept I think that wasn't a good idea).

Could I have flooded the engine?  Any comments would be appreciated!  

Does it crank and not start, or does it not crank?  If it does, does it crank as strongly as usual?

it cranks, but doesn't start

You need to check for spark if it's getting fuel.

I filled the tank with gas, but it still doesn't start! I had to take my bike home in my brothers pickup tonight.  

The engine cranks but doesn't start.  Whats the problem???

I can't tell whether you tried it on PRIme.  All that cranking might have emptied the float bowls enough that you just need to re-PRIme the system.

If the plugs are dry then set the switch to PRI for 30 seconds or so, then back to ON, then try to start.

I think kerry is right, you proberbly emptied the carbs so will need to set the tap to prime to fill them up, then switch to reserve.

I would have said REServe instead of ON too, but he says he filled the tank.  :dunno:

I took your advice and spent the last five minutes trying to start it.  Still, no success

I guess I'll check the plugs tomorrow.  And if that doesn't work, I'll hafta take it in to be serviced.

check for spark, before you take it in.

Every time that I've had to switch to reserve I've been too slow, air has entered the fuel line, bike dies, and I have to switch to prime in order to get it started again.

Luckily I haven't been on the interstate or a busy road, or I would likely be roadkill.

Lately I just fill it up around 120 miles to avoid the hassle.

Would it help to flip it to prime when it starts to die (rather than reserve), and then go to reserve at the next stoplight?

-- Mike

yep mike, it could help,  but the best thing whould be to recognize the symptoms of fuel starvation and practice on the bike (on the centerstand) changing it to res with gloves and a lid on, with out looking. so you can just reach down and do it when you first feel the bike start to hiccup.

The best thing to do is pull over and then sort out the tap, how much time are you saving by messing with the tap while riding?

it's not that hard.

I agree...  It's not hard at all after you practice it...

I don't think it's about saving time...  I think it's about avoiding being killed on the side of the freeway.

I think you can tell if gas is getting to the carb float bowl by draining each into a small cup and measuring the amount.

I get just under 2 fl. oz. (a little over 50 cc.) from each side.