miles before reserve kicks in

[WolfShadowP4cker]

how many miles can you go before you have to flip the reserve tank ?

[old dad]

he has a 2002 Shadow Spirit

[rb608]

Originally Posted by WolfShadowP4cker

how many miles can you go before you have to flip the reserve tank ?

Depends. Warm summer day, driving sensibly, maybe 150+. Lately, cold weather, lots of choke to start, driving like a maniac, sometimes as little as 120. Then again, it depends on how full I try to fill the tank.

[John Hopkins]

I think it is bad practice to run the tank down to reserve, If you hit reserve in a traffic jam you will find yourself pushing the bike, if you are riding home near reserve and you think I will fill it tomorrow when I have more time, you may have an emergency where you have to use the bike that night and just not have enough fuel..

Why not make a habit of stopping at a gas station that is on your way home, even if you only need half a gallon, you could keep the tank full rather than empty, that way if you have to do a long run you are always ready.

John.

[shadowolfp4cker]

When I took the rider safety course they recommended to know where the reserve valve what located so that it could be turned on while riding. We practiced feeling for it while sitting on the bike. I typically go between 116 and 132 miles before I flip on the reserve. Is this typical for a 2002 Shadow Spirit?

[kacealraid]

The best habit I've come up with is to go get gas at the mileage you would normally hit your reserve. On my machine, I hit reserve between 90-110 miles. But I have a smaller tank than you. That's when I grab gas .

[adlowe]

There is some info on the topic in this thread.

Originally Posted by John Hopkins

I think it is bad practice to run the tank down to reserve...

Wholeheartedly disagree. I think it is foolish to avoid reserve and that it is VERY important to know (1) the "circuit" is free, clear and operating correctly plus (2) how to smoothly switch to reserve -- something that takes practice.

Of course my view is influenced by the fact that I can ride 30 to 40 miles "in reserve" while yours is influenced by lower numbers (7 miles, IIRC).

[El Fenix]

For the VT750DC. I find mine to be about 112-120ish, if I'm doing my normal commuting.

On long rides, Ive gotten as low as 90, and as high as 145.

[Ed-ramsay]

Do not have a reserve switch to use

Idiot light comes on at about 250 km (155 miles).
I normally test it at first of year running until it comes on so that I can refill with fresh gas in the spring.
But normally I start thinking about where next gas stations are when I get to 180 km and fill up around 200 km.
If I am traveling someplace I have not been I will fill up at 150 rather than risk running out.

[gmck]

I normally fill around 100-110 miles. if there isn't a station around I switch to reserve and stop at the next station.