Bike Pushing.

[ninja_sleeper]

Yesterday I ran out of gas a block away from the gas station. Got to pushin. Had to go up hill a little bit, and the whole time I was thinking of alex.s and how he pushed the sh** out of his bike a hell of a lot further than I did. I was pretty winded by the time I got to the gas pump. Thanks for the inspiration Alex!

[Cuongism]

A block away? Just a suggestion for next time (hopefully there isn't a next time), you can always buy a Gatorade to drink and then fill that up with gas.

Or you can do what I do, show off some leg to cars driving by

[alex.s]

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by Cuongism

Or you can do what I do, show off some leg to cars driving by

I'd stop for both of you showing off leg

[AeroXtasy]

This was after switching on reserve, right?

[Alex]

There's no reserve on the new-gen bikes.

[AeroXtasy]

Originally Posted by Alex

There's no reserve on the new-gen bikes.

Thank god your telling me now, or I'd be in the same position the creator of this thread was in sometime! Lol.

I seriously didn't know that. Just seen people talking about reserve and assumed new-gen's were included.

[ninja_sleeper]

Originally Posted by AeroXtasy

This was after switching on reserve, right?

I left the reserve on

Originally Posted by Alex

There's no reserve on the new-gen bikes.

I believe there is, it's behind the panel on the left side, kinda where the idle is. You have to take off the panel to access it. It says PRI and ON. Unless that's not the reserve...

[Alex]

Originally Posted by AeroXtasy

Thank god your telling me now, or I'd be in the same position the creator of this thread was in sometime! Lol.

I seriously didn't know that. Just seen people talking about reserve and assumed new-gen's were included.

Read your owners manual. And go buy some gear.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by ninja_sleeper

I believe there is, it's behind the panel on the left side, kinda where the idle you. You have to take it off to access it. It says PRI and ON. Unless that's not the reserve...

That's the petcock, but there isn't a reserve setting on the new-gens. On the pre-gens, there are 3 options (Prime/On/Reserve). The new ones are just Prime/On, with no reserve.

In return, we get a gas gauge to monitor the fuel, which the pre-gens don't.

[alex.s]

prime != reserve

the ninja has off, prime, and on. same as my crazy aftermarket fzr petcock.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Alex

In return, we get a gas gauge to monitor the fuel, which the pre-gens don't.

does that mean euro-jettes get a reserve tank?

[ninja_sleeper]

Originally Posted by Alex

That's the petcock, but there isn't a reserve setting on the new-gens. On the pre-gens, there are 3 options (Prime/On/Reserve). The new ones are just Prime/On, with no reserve.

In return, we get a gas gauge to monitor the fuel, which the pre-gens don't.

What is the petcock?

[AeroXtasy]

Originally Posted by Alex

Read your owners manual. And go buy some gear.

I bought used, no manual. I'll download one now though.
As for the gear, I'll get on it soon. I won't ride it now past the next couple streets without any real gear besides my helmet.

Originally Posted by Alex

That's the petcock, but there isn't a reserve setting on the new-gens.

Can you just set it to go ahead and use all of the fuel in the tank (like a reserve) by turning the petcock off?

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by ninja_sleeper

What is the pet cock?

it's what you do in bed.

oh wait!

it's the thing on the bottom of your gas tank.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by AeroXtasy

I bought used, no manual. I'll download one now though.
As for the gear, I'll get on it soon. I won't ride it now past the next couple streets without any real gear besides my helmet.



Can you just set it to go ahead and use all of the fuel in the tank (like a reserve) by turning the petcock off?

turning the petcock off means you don't get any fuel. turning it on means you will use all of the fuel in the tank.

[Azhyen]

Props to you Carrie! ~ 340lbs. is still moving 340lbs! Because of my hard riding on the freeway, I try not to go more than 180mi. between fill-ups, but somtimes you'll find yourself in a bind.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by alex.s

does that mean euro-jettes get a reserve tank?

Nope - they just have a low fuel light.

Originally Posted by ninja_sleeper

What is the petcock?

It's that device at the bottom of the tank with those options (prime/on). It controls the fuel flow coming from the tank. Prime allows it to flow no matter what. On only allows it to flow when the engine is running (if it's working correctly).

Originally Posted by AeroXtasy

Can you just set it to go ahead and use all of the fuel in the tank (like a reserve) by turning the petcock off?

There is no off setting. It's only Prime/On. Pic below...

[alex.s]

no off?! i could have sworn every time i took my tank off i had to set it to off first...

[ninja_sleeper]

Originally Posted by Alex

Prime allows it to flow no matter what. On only allows it to flow when the engine is running (if it's working correctly).

Alex, why is there that option? Is there a benefit to keeping it on or off?

Originally Posted by Azhyen

Props to you Carrie! ~ 340lbs. is still moving 340lbs! Because of my hard riding on the freeway, I try not to go more than 180mi. between fill-ups, but somtimes you'll find yourself in a bind.

Thanks. I did it for the stories.

Originally Posted by alex.s

it's what you do in bed.

oh wait!

it's the thing on the bottom of your gas tank.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by ninja_sleeper

Alex, why is there that option? Is there a benefit to keeping it on or off?

There is no off. I feel I'm repeating myself a bit. Just On/Prime. It should stay at On at all times. The only reason to move it to Prime is if the engine is off, and you need to fuel to flow despite having no engine vacuum, primarily when you are trying to fully drain the tank.

[Momaru]

The prime/on option is there for trouble-shooting. The 'on' position is controlled by a vacuum valve. When the engine is operating correctly, it creates suction against the fuel line, which opens that valve and allows gas to flow.

"Prime" allows the gas to just drain down the tubes by gravity (I honestly don't know if it bypasses the vacuum valve or just forces it open). The catch is that if you leave "prime" set, you can flood out the carbs, filling them with too much fuel. It's useful for refilling the bowls after you've had them drained for carb work or storage. Or trying to intentionally drain the tank for one reason or another

To confirm, the new gens (or at least the '08) do not have an "off" or a "reserve" option. And our fuel gauge is unreliable at best. I'd rather have a reserve

On a related note, anyone know of a small spare gas container? Looking for ~1L. The 1 gallon tanks are just silly large.

+1 props to you Carrie, for pushin. I've walked my bike to the gas station before (and out of a couple ditches after some unintentional off-roading), it's a workout.

[ninja_sleeper]

Originally Posted by Momaru

On a related note, anyone know of a small spare gas container? Looking for ~1L. The 1 gallon tanks are just silly large.

+1 props to you Carrie, for pushin. I've walked my bike to the gas station before (and out of a couple ditches after some unintentional off-roading), it's a workout.

Cool thanks. Why get a gym membership when you can just push your ninja around in circles?

Yea small gas tank would be nice. Also a small battery charger, too. One that can fit in a back pack. I sometimes leave my key on too long.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Momaru

On a related note, anyone know of a small spare gas container? Looking for ~1L.

Mountain Research makes some nice ones. I don't know where I'd store it on the ninjette, though. They'd fit easily in a backpack, but carrying extra fuel in a backpack full-time seems like it would be overly uncomfortable/tiring. Links here:

http://www.nextag.com/fuel-bottle/stores-html

[Havok]

so is there an off position on the new gens

[setasai]

Originally Posted by Alex

Mountain Research makes some nice ones. I don't know where I'd store it on the ninjette, though. They'd fit easily in a backpack, but carrying extra fuel in a backpack full-time seems like it would be overly uncomfortable/tiring. Links here:

http://www.nextag.com/fuel-bottle/stores-html

I've considered lugging around fuel bottles but it's not that often that you need it. I mean how often are you going to push your tank till it gets to 100% empty. It's not that hard to stop anywhere between 150-200miles. There has to be a gas station somewhere within 50miles worth of riding.

For those emergencies, I pay AAA just for this. I think with the cheapest membership you need to pay for the fuel but what's $4 for another 50mile range?

[Momaru]

Originally Posted by ninja_sleeper

Cool thanks. Why get a gym membership when you can just push your ninja around in circles?

Yea small gas tank would be nice. Also a small battery charger, too. One that can fit in a back pack. I sometimes leave my key on too long.

The battery Tender Jr fits the bill for the charger. It's on sale @ CheapCycleParts atm, around $26. You'll need to install a plug (included) directly onto the battery to charge it, but it's a permanent plug that you can use for other things when you're not topping off the battery (like heated clothing, phone charger, etc). Also comes with alligator clips to charge other batteries. Get the 12V model.

[setasai]

Originally Posted by Havok

so is there an off position on the new gens

Really? No there is no off position.

[Momaru]

Originally Posted by setasai

I've considered lugging around fuel bottles but it's not that often that you need it. I mean how often are you going to push your tank till it gets to 100% empty. It's not that hard to stop anywhere between 150-200miles. There has to be a gas station somewhere within 50miles worth of riding.

For those emergencies, I pay AAA just for this. I think with the cheapest membership you need to pay for the fuel but what's $4 for another 50mile range?

On the way back from the Dragon's Tail rally, I was at 198mi and my gas gauge said I had better than 1/4 tank left. I was coming up to an exit, but decided to carry on since I had plenty o' gas left, so sayeth the gauge.

I hadn't even finished looking @ the gas gauge before I began to lose power and not in a subtle way. Initially thought the rear tire had gone flat on me, so I pulled the clutch and just rolled to a stop on the on-ramp. Took a look; back tire was fine, but popped the gas tank lid. There was a lil more in the tank, but I had to shake her side-to-side to get it in the fuel lines with the petcock on "prime," to fill the carb bowls.

All that said, I think I agree about that spare fuel container, perhaps not worth carrying. The 11oz would be easy to carry, but even at 65mpg, that's just a little over 5mi of extra gas, if you can get it to feed. On the other end, the 33oz gives ~15 extra miles (again assuming 65mpg), but that's a big bottle to carry around everywhere. Maybe if one has permanent saddlebags, but I'm not such a person.

[ninja_sleeper]

Originally Posted by setasai

I've considered lugging around fuel bottles but it's not that often that you need it. I mean how often are you going to push your tank till it gets to 100% empty. It's not that hard to stop anywhere between 150-200miles. There has to be a gas station somewhere within 50miles worth of riding.

For those emergencies, I pay AAA just for this. I think with the cheapest membership you need to pay for the fuel but what's $4 for another 50mile range?

It was kind of a strange coincidence. I didn't have any cash on me and lost my bank card, had to be at work at 8am before the bank opened. Made it to the bank after work.... but the gas station.

I like the idea of buying a Gatorade, drinking it then putting gas in it. I wonder if they would let you do that.

[Momaru]

Originally Posted by ninja_sleeper

It was kind of a strange coincidence. I didn't have any cash on me and lost my bank card, had to be at work at 8am before the bank opened. Made it to the bank after work.... but the gas station.

I like the idea of buying a Gatorade, drinking it then putting gas in it. I wonder if they would let you do that.

There's usually signs on gas pumps telling you not to put gasoline in anything but an 'approved' container. I honestly don't know how a gatorade bottle would hold up to that kind of chemical. That said, I happen to have some spare gasoline (from emptying my carb bowls) and a gatorade bottle lying about. I'll go see what happens.

If you do decide to go that route, make VERY sure you rinse that out before you use it. The large amounts of sugar in Gatorade (and most other drinks) will do bad things to your fuel system. Ever heard of pouring sugar in someone's gas tank? Very expensive prank to pull.

I'd lean towards using an aluminum water bottle myself.

[bluepoof]

My husband may have used a bottled water bottle to bring fuel to me while I was stranded on the side of the road once. The container may have held the gasoline just fine for the mile or so back to me from the gas station.

This is all hypothetical, of course, it being illegal to transport gasoline in a non-approved container.

FWIW, I've also stored bad/old gas in empty gatorade containers for months at a time before getting to the hazardous waste drop off. It's fine.

[Momaru]

Originally Posted by bluepoof

My husband may have used a bottled water bottle to bring fuel to me while I was stranded on the side of the road once. The container may have held the gasoline just fine for the mile or so back to me from the gas station.

This is all hypothetical, of course, it being illegal to transport gasoline in a non-approved container.

FWIW, I've also stored bad/old gas in empty gatorade containers for months at a time before getting to the hazardous waste drop off. It's fine.

Hehe, good to know. I just decided to try it, kinda expecting the gasoline to eat through the bottle quickly. Guess I might be waiting a while, huh?

I keep my spare/bad gas in a small steel paint can

[Alex]

Gasoline isn't that corrosive, and many vehicle tanks are made out of different types of plastic nowadays anyway. I think you'll be waiting a *very* long time.

[alex.s]

just don't use that stryrofoam icebox.

[algerath]

I don't have a pregen to look at anymore, anybody know if you could put a pregen on/off/res petcock on a newgen? I do realize it would not be easily accessible behind the side panel.

I have thought a reserve like I had on my pregen would be nice. My fuel gauge works well, I must be one of the lucky ones, I know I have .8-.9 gal left when I hit the red line. It would just be a nice little backup to have that res.

[Cuongism]

The pre-gen petcock won't work and will be absolutely useless for you if it did. There isn't a "reserve" tank or anything, but the pre-gen petcock has two pipes that it draws from. Switching to the reserve just draws from your shorter pipe.



On the new-gen, there's a fuel gauge that let's you know when you're nearing the end. Best bet is to use your trip meter and know how many miles your tank can go (ie I fill at 190 since 210 empties it).

[algerath]

I understand how it works, I know there is no reserve tank. If you take the petcock off of a pregen will it physically mount to the hole in a new gen tank? If so it will work exactly the way it worked on the pregen! If you switch the lever on the petcock to res It will flow fuel from the short straw the same no matter the age of the tank it is in or the presence of a gauge on the dash, I can determine for myself if this will be useful or not.

I do realize there is a fuel gauge on my motorcycle, if you review my post you may notice I even commented mine works well. I also realize there is a trip meter, I use it regularly. I also used it on my pregen when I had it. I only used reserve on my pregen a couple times, but it did come in handy.


Now back to my question does anyone know if the pregen petcock will physically mount to the newgen tank?

[Alex]

The tanks are different. The "straws" are part of the tank, not part of the petcock assembly. I'm confident someone could work up a system to modify a new gen tank to provide a reserve feature, but it would be more work than just attaching a pre-gen petcock.

[algerath]

Are you sure ? I am pretty sure I remember the straw being part of the petcock assembly on my pregen. It is possible I am confusing it with another old bike I had, as I had the petcock off on both.