[Matador_Zen]

While I was stranded on the highway with no gas and the gauge saying full, I noticed a lever on the gas line that looked like a reserve position on it. There were no tools in my tool bag that could have turned the damn thing. I penny might have worked but I had no coins. The lever on the line said GAS and PRI. I now give the floor to you all to enlighten me with your wisdom.

 

[CSBrad]

Sounds like you don't have a reserve. As far as I know, Gas means a regular flow of fuel, and PRI means prime, I.E., more fuel.

 

[Ratty]

Reserve is on motorcycles just means it uses the fuel more sparingly i believe.

 

[DanJohns21]

--i've always been under the impression that the 'reserve' is actually whats in the very bottom of the tank. the two nipples that enter the gas tank do so at different levels. the main gas supply nipple enters the tank about an inch or so above the bottom. when you run out, you switch over to the "reserve" tank. this is the nipple that enters the tank at the very bottom and is able to access the gas that the "main" supply nipple couldn't reach.

unless i'm very much mistaken---this is how the system works.

you shouldn't have to 'do' anything other than put gas in it to refill the 'reserve'.

 

[CSBrad]

DJ is right about his description, but he did say nipples a lot

 

[DanJohns21]

nipples

 

[Matador_Zen]

So when I run out of gas, I'm out of f#$kin gas.

 

[Cali619250r]

So when I run out of gas, I'm out of f#$kin gas.

On the 08 since there is a fuel gauge there is no reserve on the fuel valve switch. When your fuel gauge is empty there is still a gallon left. Its also designed that when you fill up the most the gauge will read is slightly over 3/4 full.

 

[Silo]

@Cali

I was wondering about that -- was going to ask the tech at my first service. What is the deal with the 3/4 tank reading?

 

[Matador_Zen]

I'm scheduled to go to the dealership tonight to have them fix the gauge.

 

[DanJohns21]

so theres a problem with the gauges and the dealers will fix it if you ask?

 

[Felix]

Meh guages are one thing, but when you are dealing with such a small amount of fuel, milage should be a better measure. Also is it only getting 3/4 because its filling on the kick stand?

Felix

 

[Cali619250r]

@Cali

I was wondering about that -- was going to ask the tech at my first service. What is the deal with the 3/4 tank reading?

I dont think the gauge is broken its just the design, if you ask anyone with an 08 ninja 250r or check other forums its a universal thing for the model. I believe it was designed that way and nobody will be able to get the gauge to full. Just a recommendation, but dont rely on the gauge, get an idea of mileage you get on average and use the old fashioned swith the bike back and forth the hear the fuel in the tank.

 

[Matador_Zen]

Yes if you have a problem they will fix. I have a problem with mine that it says its full, FULL full, even when the bike is completely out of gas. So they are going to pull off the tank and connect the wires back together. I'm going to let them do it cause its under warranty. The 3/4ths thing is a new one on me. I would take it to a dealership to get that fixed. If you've filled it up, you know its full. When you get to 1/2 tank - 1/4 a tank or anywhere near E and it doesn't read right, then there may be a problem.

 

[Cali619250r]

Yes if you have a problem they will fix. I have a problem with mine that it says its full, FULL full, even when the bike is completely out of gas. So they are going to pull off the tank and connect the wires back together. I'm going to let them do it cause its under warranty. The 3/4ths thing is a new one on me. I would take it to a dealership to get that fixed. If you've filled it up, you know its full. When you get to 1/2 tank - 1/4 a tank or anywhere near E and it doesn't read right, then there may be a problem.

Yeah bro the gauge is hosed when its saying full and your E. But the slight descrepancy in the gauge on my bike is not alarming me. My last fill up was just below the bottom of that indented inlet while I sat upright on the bike to get the most in it, and it was reading around 1/8 under full. I followed a thread on another forum and found its not uncommon.

http://www.kawiforums.com/showthread.php?t=113872&highlight=fuel+gauge

 

[StockWall]

My gauge does the same thing. I fill up as full as I can and it still says I am just under full. But it doesnt bother me. The empty but say full thing would.

 

[tampaninja]

the 08 does not have a reserve. If it did it would be a 3 position valve. The fuel valve on the 08 has 2 positions primary and on. Either will allow your carbs to get fuel. When the fuel level is empty switching the position on the valve will do nothing.

 

[ninjadad]

Yes, it does. Let me explain how I know. The owners manual states that the valve under the tank has two positions: "on" and "pri". With the valve in the "on" position, this is normal operation. With the valve in the "pri" position, this is for refilling the carbs after a repair or if the tank has been removed, etc. I didn't think I had a reserve on my bike because I didn't have the normal "handle" to move it from "on" to "reserve" like the older bikes have. I rode my bike to see how far it would go before I ran out of gas. When I ran out of gas, I took it to the station and put 4.4 gallons in it to the very top of the tank, sitting level. But the specs say the tank is a 4.8 gallon tank. So, when you run out of gas in the "on" position, you can use a coin or the screwdriver in the tool kit to move it to the "pri" position, and you have another 10 to 20 miles before you are empty. If you want you can try this, but don't do it when it is too hot or too cold. Just my $.02, and yes I give change......

 

[StockWall]

When my tank ran dry, I filled up and put 4.79 gallons in. So that kinda ruins your reserve theary huh.

 

[CSBrad]

Sizzle.