Fuel On or Off?

[Gixxerguy]

On Wednesday I picked up my first bike, a honda CBF-250. On the left side is a metal dial for the fuel, in clockwise order is has on at 12 o clock, off at 3 o clock and reserve at 6 o clock. I was wondering, when I am not using it should the fuel be turned to on or off? I have had it off since Wednesday, gave it a run today and had trouble starting it, is this to do with the fuel being off?

[druu]

If it's a daily commuter, just leave it on. If you only ride it once or twice a week, turn it off. It was probably hard to start because the carb bowls were empty and needed refilling. Just use the choke to help.

[Gixxerguy]

The choke was on full and it was turning off literally the second the engine caught and started, but yeah it is only a couple of times a week ride so I will leave it turned off and just let it warm up before I take it out. Thanks

[Falcore]

Keeping it off if not being used regularly is a wise move, will usually start easy though if you turn the fuel tap onto reserve an leave it there for a while before you start it (bout 5 minute) some bikes wont let fuel through until its running (thats with the on position) where as reserve it will flow freely (prime position on some bikes)

[Cone Cat]

Welcome to the biggest flaw with the CBF-250. (well, single cylinder 250cc aside)

They are a pig to start.

It will improve a lot over the next 200-300 kays as the engine and associated goodies bed in. I had the same issue with mine for the first week. Basically to get a CBF to start, full choke, punch the starter and give the throttle a little bit of a twist. If it stops, start it again as it should go first or second time. Let it idle for 30 seconds or so (good time to pull on your gloves and helmet before moving off.) Gradually reduce choke setting as you go so the idle speed is around 3,000 rpm. It can go as high as 5,000 rpm when full choke and the engine is warming up. You should have the choke off fully in around 3-5 minutes, couple of kays.

Oh the fuel cock? WTS^^

It's also your fuel reserve, you turn the knob so it's downward, 6 o clock. That gives you an extra two litres of go. The tank should run untill you have the lcd meter flipping between 1 and 2 bars which is where you can experience fuel starvation from the fuel sloshing around in the tank. I think the pick up is at the rear of the tank so you can experience this if you are braking down a hill. You should get 300 -350 kays easy per tank once it runs in.

[Nero Diablo]

I was wondering, when I am not using it should the fuel be turned to on or off? I have had it off since Wednesday, gave it a run today and had trouble starting it, is this to do with the fuel being off?

Yes turn it off whenever you park up.

Probally not the carb will contian enough fuel to usually get a couple hundred meters down the road witht he fuel off.

[chew]

When I have a fuel tap I turn it off. Was handy once when I had stopped overnight in a well known tourist town at a friends house, woke in the morning, checked the fuel level and the tank had been sugared. At least the carbs hadnt been affected.