I just purchased a '97 XL1200C and it has the vacuum acuated fuel petcock system. I understand you can just leave it "open" all the time (unless storing) w/ no problems. But, I understand they have done away w/ this system a while ago. Was it causing problems? Should I be safe and shut my valve off after each ride? Any real good tech info would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

I left it opened for 4 months winter storage accidentally, never problem.
I suggest shutting it off for storage.

 

There is always a chance on a carb. bike that the float can stick and cause fuel to leak from the carb. The vacuum actuated petcock was added as a safety to prevent a fuel spill in the event that the float did stick. Theoretically your float would have to stick or the fuel line break and at the same time the vacuum actuated petcock fail in order to have a fuel leak. Anything is possible though. I ride 12 months a year so the bike never goes to storage and I don't turn off the petcock. If I had to leave the bike unused for more than a week I would probably shut off the petcock just to be "triple" safe.

 

My petcock is always turned on, and ready for action..Oh, and I don't turn my fuel switch off either. [sm=lildevil.gif] [sm=lol.gif]

 

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I forgot which direction to even turn it to.

 

You musta been flicking it left and right when that bee flew up your snoot...

 

Are you kiddin me...the last thing on my mind for those few seconds was my petcock.................................WOW, THAT RARELY HAPPENS.

 

Tooooooo funny guys.

 

I have an 06 1200C and it has a vacuum actuated petcock. Last week the vacuum hose fell off the petcock while riding and the engine quit immediately.