Reserve Tank

[Anonymous]

Can anyone tell me how much gas is available when Reserve is turned on.

[robinjo]

Well it could be usefull to know what model you have first.

[Anonymous]

On most bikes, you can figure on apprx. 20 %. A 5 gal. tank will have apprx. 1 gal. on reserve.

[Anonymous]

Reserve Tank

Keep forgetting to post the model...Its a 79 GS 550L..I am running out on the main tank at around 60 miles although most of the mileage is local city, stop and go. I am pretty sure the carbs are set to rich. It takes about 3 gallons to fill the tank after the reserve is needed... Thanks for your response

[jimcor]

My 1980 550L doesn't have a reserve position on the petcock, '80 was a strange year. but you can figure at just under a half a gallon of fuel. I wouldn't push it much more than 15 miles. Holy mackerel...just looked at your post again venoy, if you're only getting 60 miles to a tank of fuel it's more than 'running rich'!

[Anonymous]

are you sure someone aint stealing your gas or that your not filling your crankcase full of fuel

[Anonymous]

Reserve - Fuel Usage

Nope no one's stealing it and Yep its using 3 gallons bout every 60 miles. I know the carbs are rich and I've had it back to the shop twice. It stumbles at the lower rpm's but runs great after about 2000 rpm. The plugs are black sooty when I pull them out. I made an aluminum cover for the air box (didn't come with one even though seller promised to send one) so I made an aluminum one with many holes. I have a foam type air cleaner in the box and I have now removed the cover and it doesnt seem to help the stumble. I am taking it back as I paid good money for the carbs and to have them cleaned and calibrated...Thanks for the info. I knew the mileage wasnt right as my Chrysler Van gets that much mileage. I will plan for 1/2 gallon in the reserve. Again thanks for the responses....Venoy..... a 21 year old fart in a 69 year old body.

[earlfor]

Re: Reserve - Fuel Usage

My 79 750E is tuned on the rich side. It gets 45 mpg. My 85 1150E is normal (neither rich nor lean) and it averages 40-43 mpg. That milage is for both bikes running in the 65-75 mph range.

Earl

[quote="venoy" I knew the mileage wasnt right as my Chrysler Van gets that much mileage. I will plan for 1/2 gallon in the reserve. Again thanks for the responses....Venoy..... a 21 year old fart in a 69 year old body.[/quote]

[Hoomgar]

The GS engine is weird like this. Your bike is a 550 so I would be even more concerned but my 1000 ran just great all summer but the darn thing would only get about 18 to 20 mph. We are hoping for better after the rebuild.

[mtngoat]

Re:Mileage..

Mark:
It sounds like you bike too is in sore need of a tuneup, carb balancing or something. My '79 1000 get 40-48mpg depending how hard I twist the throttle. My worst mileage is in the Rocky Mountains where I dropped to 36 mpg going over 12000 ft passes.
Herb