Need to go to reserve early???

[salty1]

Just freshened up a 98 std and in the process installed an electronic shut-off valve. The bike runs strong and I have no complaints. I noticed though that in my first long ride yesterday that I needed to go to the reserve at about 140 miles after filling the tank. At filling it took 4.3 gallons (distance of 164 miles). Gas mileage was great for the kind of riding. By the way after switching to the reserve the bike ran great. However, my other Valk (97 std) will go about 160 to 175 miles before needing to switch to reserve. Okay my question, do you think that the Dan Marc valve is requiring that the tank be more full (increased hydrostatic pressure) because the valve might be restricting somewhat thus requiring switching to the reserve early. I'm not sure if levels of gas in the tank vary as the supply is depleted. Both of these bikes have new OEM petcocks the only difference is that one has the fuel shut-off valve.

Replys are much appreciated! 

[Ricky-D]

"Okay my question, do you think that the Dan Marc valve is requiring that the tank be more full (increased hydrostatic pressure) because the valve might be restricting somewhat thus requiring switching to the reserve early."

Nope.

There are other more reasonable explanations.

***

[JC]

 40+ MPG and reserve at 4.3 gallons sounds pretty normal to me.

[justintyper]

exactly...id love mileage like that best ive gotten so far is 36.5 but thats on e10 gas.

[Michvalk]

If your fuel line is anything less than downhill from the petcock to the carb inlets, you can have trouble getting fuel from the tank. Switching to reserve will pull fuel from lower in the tank. And yes, fuel has weight, and can flow better with more in the tank, but I think your problem is the new electric valve installation not going downhill all the way

[steve 3054]

I'm jeasous...I go on reserve at 125   

[jbryantjr]

Yep - the Valks use petro - I have a 2002 Tourer and get between 110 and 130 mpg - depends on how hard I run my baby - it's hard to stay off that thottle with all that power.

[mario]

i've hit reserve at 130, and i've hit reserve at 75.  she's a fickle beast.

[MarkT]

The Dan-Marc does not impede flow when it's activated.  Assuming installed properly.  I wouldn't worry about any angles of the flow lines - the entire install is under the tank and so there's a "head" of pressure from gravity pushing the fuel down.  I'd say there may be other factors at play - but wouldn't worry about it yet - I used to hit 135 before reserve on the average, with a std tank.  I get 34mpg with mixed riding, and that's typical of many. Hitting reserve then adding 4.3 gal - that's pretty close. There should be 4.4 gallons needed, so that's pretty much right on.

[Joevalk]

Must be nice cause I switch mine at 110!!