Hi all,
Just got a 2001 HD 883 Sportster. I don't have a owners manual and had my first mishap by running out of gas. I know it's a dumb question, but can someone tell me which direction the reserve tank switch should be positioned? And should I switch it to off when I'm not riding?

 

Are you talking about the petcock? Should not matter, at least not on any motorcycles I have seen. As far as switching it off when not riding, if you plan on shutting it off for the winter then it is a good idea. Just to shut it off for the day though, not necessary.

 

It should say on the petcock on, reserve, off. Then look at your handle, there should be a mark or an arrow. If it is a stock one, it should be vacuum operated and there should be no need to turn it to the off position unless you are not riding it for a while.

 

yes, the petcock. I have it in the on positon. Just trying to figure out which direction is the off/reserve. I'm sorry I'm daft.

 

Plus, if you ran out of gas and switching the petcock to the other positions doesn't let it start, I would say it was on reserve when you ran out.

 

Reserve is usually 180 degrees from the on position.

 

So what is the correct direction of this area? If I'm looking at it straight on. Is the OFF switch on the left, ON swich at the top and the Res on the right? I'm just confused which part of the petcock should be pointing. Right now I have the petcock in the north and sound position with the bigger portion of the petcock pointed down and the nipple part facing north. Hope this make sense.

 

There will be a small (tiny) arrow on one end of the petcock lever. The older levers had the long end towards what you want & the newer ones had the short end. I can completely see why it's confusing but look for that arrow.

If you have a small vacuum line on the backside of your petcock you don't need to shut it off.

 

See below:

 

Mine doesn't have the vacuum assisted petcock on it. It is off in the position in the picture with the handle pointed to the rear. If I point the handle down it is ON. If I point the handle to the front of the bike it is RES.