Understanding Reserve Tanks on Bikes: How Do They Work and Impact Your Ride?
Motorcycles are a versatile and efficient mode of transportation, but they come with a range of features to enhance safety and convenience. One of these features is the reserve tank, which has been a subject of curiosity among many riders. This article aims to shed light on the workings of these tanks and their impact on your ride.
Introduction to Reserve Tanks
Reserve tanks are a safety feature designed to help riders avoid running out of fuel in a critical situation. Most motorcycles have a fuel tap with two positions: On and Reserve. The On position draws fuel from the main tank, while the Reserve position switches to a smaller line that takes gas from the bottom of the tank, typically holding around a gallon for smaller bikes and slightly more for larger ones.
The Role of Reserve Tanks in Safety
The primary purpose of reserve tanks is to provide a safety buffer to help riders reach the next fueling station in case they find themselves low on fuel. For instance, if your bike gets 35 miles per gallon (mpg) and you have a one-gallon reserve tank, you could potentially travel an extra 35 miles before running out of gas.
Understanding Fuel Consumption
While reserve tanks offer a small buffer, it's important to note that they are not intended for long trips. If you haven't installed a fuel gauge, resetting your odometer every time you fill up with fuel can help. When the bike goes into reserve mode, note the mileage for future reference. This will help you calculate your fuel consumption and estimate how far you can travel on a full tank and reserve.
Modern Fuel Management Systems
It's worth noting that the concept of reserve tanks has largely faded with the advent of fuel injection systems and modern fuel management systems. The last 30 years have seen a shift towards more sophisticated fuel monitoring systems that provide real-time information about fuel levels. Most modern motorcycles do not feature reserve tanks; instead, they have fuel gauges and fuel warning lights. The distance you can travel before the warning light comes on can vary, but it's generally around 30 to 50 miles, depending on the make and model and how you are driving it.
Die-a-Day and High-Feed Buses
In the past, some older bikes had a high feed from a small standpipe and a lower feed, providing a degree of reserve fuel. However, modern bikes tend to be equipped with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) systems that come with fuel monitoring that will alert you when fuel is low. The distance you can travel with a low fuel warning or a 'die-a-day' (a term used in some regions where the bike runs until it dies) is highly variable and depends on the consumption of the bike and the amount of fuel remaining.
Personal Experience and Case Study
On one of my bikes, which does have a reserve tank, the reserve tank holds about 9 liters, providing an additional 190 miles of range. The main tank's capacity is about 90 miles. This illustrates that the impact of a reserve tank can vary significantly based on the specific make, model, and the rider's consumption rates.
Conclusion
While reserve tanks offer a valuable safety buffer, they are not a replacement for proper fuel management. Riders who do not have a fuel gauge should maintain a regular resetting of their odometers to accurately track their consumption and fuel levels. Modern fuel management systems have greatly improved safety and convenience, although the concept of reserve tanks remains an interesting historical feature that still holds a place in some older models.