So, I filled up with Chevron Premium about a week ago. I've had the bike only a few weeks and this is the first time I've filled up.

Suddenly, while riding the other day, I was losing power. Not having any experience with running out of gas, I didn't know what was going on. The engine eventually stalled and as luck would have it, I coasted into a gas station. I moved the fuel lever to reserve and eventually was able to get the bike started. I filled up, moved the fuel lever back to on and came back home.

I had gone only 53 miles on 3.3 gallons. I'm still new to riding and I'm usually in 3rd or 4th gear all the time riding on roads that have 40 MPH or less in speed.


I leave the fuel petcock in the on position all the time and never turn it off. I've read some people saying that they always turn theirs off, but others say they just leave theirs on all the time and have no issues. Is there something with the F2 that needs to have the petcock turned off while the bike isn't being used? I've never smelled gas in my garage, so I don't think it's leaking out and I thought the vacuum/pressure system in the tank prevented gas leaks while the engine is off.


Power seams fine from what I can tell. Is there something wrong with my bike or am I just doing something wrong? I'm still a noob when it comes to motorcycles, but have a good understanding of carbureted engines.

 

Check your plugs to see if they are fouled. It may be that your bike is running super duper rich. I don't think fuel consumption/mileage has to do with anything with the petcock. Most likely the carbs.

 

It must be either leaking or running SUPER rich. I usually average 40 some on my F2, and I'm a big guy. Maybe try checking for leaks while its running?

 

You should be getting around 130-140 miles from a full tank of gas. If you do allot of low speed riding like you are, then the bike will use more fuel.

And It's ok to leave the fuel in the on position, f2's have a vacuum operated petcock which shuts off when the engine is stopped.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check for leaks, but it's probably something I'm doing. This tank of gas seams to be going much better. I've been trying to shift up to highest gear once I reach cruising speed. I've got 44 miles and have probably used about a gallon. Seams on par with the average usage everyone else is getting. I'll know for sure when I get gas again.