clarke tank reserve

[ruskin]

This is for the KLX/DRZ 400 tank.

One day I rode the tank to fumes, itlasted only 34.8 kms from just on reserve and I tipped the bike on its' side twice to get every drop. I put in a litre of fuel ( I carried an oil container filled with gas)and went about 24 kms. I pulled into a gas station with a teaspoon of fuelleft.

Measuring from the bottom of the tank up to thebeginning of reserve,3 5/8 inches.

7 1/4 inches = 5 litres

11 3/8 inches= 10 litres

15 1/2 inches=15 litres

16.2 litres to full.

I made marks on the tank with a ''sharpie'' felt pen as I filled it at the pump. Danged if I can remember how much for reserve, I know I must have told somebody. I'm on reserve right now, I think I'll go drain it and see. Make it easier to calculate mileage. I don't like the wieght of a full tank if it's a short ride.
Back in a few minutes.

 

[ruskin]

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I drained the reserve, spilled a bit, got about 1.8 litres out of it.

I hope this helped.

Nick

 

[franhoser]

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Nick,

Wouldn't the bike be more stable if the tank was full as opposed to half full? It would be heavier but you wouldn't get the gas sloshing causing instability.

Not sure what way is better myself, just asking.

I see a lot of guy's using the IMS tank foam to eliminate this sloshing.

 

[old trials guy]

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My experience is that reserve fuel petcocks that rely on a higher main fueloutlet tube yield inconsistent results. In a situation where the tank and fuel remain reasonably static the reserve volume will likely remain intact but if the riding conditions cause lots of sloshing reserve fuel will enter the main outlet reducing the reserve volume.

I have had experiences where in very rough terrain my reserve was almost depleted when I finally had to turn on the reserve. Translucent tanks are great for monitoring fuel levels, too bad they are not very attractive or necessarily available for your make and model.

To make matters worse, my fuel injected bike has no reserve valve as it has atank mounted fuel pumpfeeding directly into a high pressure line. I carry spare fuel bottles and although an inconvenience, they are predictable.

In short, don't trust your reserve, it may not always be as full as you thought!

otg