I'm fairly new to bikes, but I don't think that when the gas gets to a certain level in the tank that the bike will shut off. I look in the tank and I have about a 1/4 tank left and the bike will shut of. If I run it with the choke on, it will normally get me a little farther but not much. I'm not sure what the problem is.

 

flip the petcock to "Reserve"

 

I tried that and it didn't do anything.

 

Then your petcock is plugged up on reserve

 

Thanks. That's good to know.

 

mine did that when I kinked the fuel line, it would have enough fuel and be fine most of the way, but would die out about a quarter tank sooner than normal

 

The "main" vs "reserve" is just at what level the gas is pulled from the tube sticking up in the tank.
There is a seperate screen for the reserve (bottom) draw.

I would drain the tank, remove the petcock and check/clean the filter-screens.
While the tank is drained, pour about a quart(litre) of kerosene into the tank,
swish and rinse any debris out. If you pour the kerosene through a cheese-cloth/paint
filter you can re-use/return it to it's original container.

Ern

 

I had the same problem. This fixed it.

MadHattr059 to the rescue yet again!