Not a great day

[DGS65]

I woke up early knowing my first appointment wasn't until 11:30 it seemed like a great day to ride my bike it's  weeks actually over a month since I have so much as started the bike. Last time I put it away I know it was going to be a while so  I turned off the fuel and ran it dry.  Today I started the bike it took a while to smooth out once it did I put on the kickstand and went to gather my gear only to notice fuel leaking from the bike.  I quickly turn off the fuel and killed the motor after searching a bit it appeared to be coming from one carb I just the bowl drain which was tight and tapped the bowl a bit the tried again everything seemed just fine no more leaks and it ran just fine.  Not 100% sure where or why it was leaking but clearly the float was stuck.  Took the bike to get an inspection that was over due and when I return I had a hard time turning off the fuel.  I know I was warned last year not to replace the petcock with a cheap China made one but sadly I didn't listen. I think I either stripped the shut knob or cracked it either way today I ordered a Honda petcock and a replacement knob.  Not sure I trust it enough to go for a ride at least not far from home!
I was really looking forward to riding this weekend!

[nogrey]

We are starting to see this more and more as these bikes age. Your fuel rail O rings dried up on you when you emptied the carbs. In most cases, folks see them stop leaking after you put fuel to it for awhile.
I don’t ever drain the carbs. Even over the winter. I always use non-ethanol fuel and will add a stabilizer of some sort if it’s going to be sitting awhile. Chances are you’re good to go for awhile but might want to start thinking about rebuilding your carbs maybe this winter.
I put one of those K&L Petcocks on my ‘97 and two others on friends bikes. One of my friends reported that his would not shut off and that he could ride in a “fuel off” position continuously, so replaced it. Bob Smith, who just rebuilt my carbs said he put vacuum to mine and sometimes it would shut off, sometimes not. I’m not going to use them any longer or recommend them. OEM or pingle from now on.
Hope your next ride is better.

[DGS65]

Carbs were rebuilt less then 18 months ago.
I replaced the petcock yesterday with a new OEM part and it is a pleasure to use now, so smooth!
Today ups will deliver a replacement selector knob mine is crack because the old cheap petcock was so stiff to turn.
The new one is so easy to turn that even the cracked knob works at the moment.
I went for a short ride yesterday the more i ride this bike the more i like it!

[Bagger John - #3785]

I've "liked" mine since the initial purchase in 2000, and between past and present F6s I have 43 owner-years with them.

Between the money spent for mods, upkeep, accessories and spare parts (ongoing), I could easily have a CVO Road Glide as a stablemate. Besides a possible touring version of the new (2500cc) Rocket 3, that's the only other bike in consideration at present as a long-distance alternative to the I/S and Tourer I currently own - but the ergos of the newer Glide aren't up to par with either 1500. They just "fit".

The new 'Wing doesn't do it for me at all. Honda has a ways to go with the ride-by-wire throttle setup and the implementation reminds me of the Super Tenere. Fine if underway at speed, but low speed work...in a word: Dicey. Maybe the DCT-equipped model in Manual Shift mode will work better.

As it stands, I'll ride my Valkyries.

[nogrey]

Carbs were rebuilt less then 18 months ago.
I replaced the petcock yesterday with a new OEM part and it is a pleasure to use now, so smooth!
Today ups will deliver a replacement selector knob mine is crack because the old cheap petcock was so stiff to turn.
The new one is so easy to turn that even the cracked knob works at the moment.
I went for a short ride yesterday the more i ride this bike the more i like it!

Did you rebuild the carbs yourself? The reason I ask is, I purchased a ‘97 several years ago. Flew to Florida to get it. Rode it about 120 miles and had some real carb issues. Took it to a very reputable Honda dealership in Sarasota, who “rebuilt” the carbs. First problem out of the shop was leaking fuel rails. Of course, they fixed it....then. What I’m saying is if you didn’t do it yourself, it may not have gotten done. Now, after having that bike 6 or 7 years, Attic Rat did his GLH mod on it. Sent me a photo of the main jets. One of them was different than the other 5. It was clearly out of some kit. Had step height adjustments. Now, I paid this shop in Sarasota $1500 for my emergency rebuild. It took them 3 days to complete it. Still, somehow, they clearly missed a few important items. Anyways, again, just because one pays for a rebuild, doesn’t mean it gets done.
I’m really glad to hear you’ve got the petcock issue worked out. It’s nice to have a good working machine again, I’m sure.

[DGS65]

My bike used to belong to my former business partner 11 years ago he moved to CA he used to let it sit for long stretches and he would gum up the carbs he had a shop clean/rebuild the carbs a couple of times the bike had to be towed to the shop and it returned running like w top.  It was service right before is was put on a truck and sent to me whe. It got here it run great but a few weeks in the bike hydrolocked so there is a good chance it was cleaned not rebuilt.