single fuel tap

[Tonyxs11]

I read somewhere on here someone uses just one tap on their XS11 but can't remember who ? thinking of doing the same thing as I remember when they go on reserve you have to turn both taps over taking your hand off the throttle/front brake !!!! don't see why they need two taps as most bikes only use one like my GSX1100.

[jetmechmarty]

One tap is all you need as long as it flows enough fuel to feed four cylinders at maximum demand. The XS650 had two fuel taps through 1979. That's one for each carburetor. In 1980, they went to a single petcock and smaller carburetors. So, .....

[bikerphil]

I've been running single left tap on all my 11's for years. Never any problems with insufficient fuel flow. Makes removing the tank so much easier. Made an aluminium block off plate for the right side. Yes, it makes no sense having to take your hand off the throttle to switch to reserve.

[Tonyxs11]

I've been running single left tap on all my 11's for years. Never any problems with insufficient fuel flow. Makes removing the tank so much easier. Made an aluminium block off plate for the right side. Yes, it makes no sense having to take your hand off the throttle to switch to reserve.

cheers Phil, thats what i'll do then. I might keep the right tap in place so it looks factory and just block it off.

[cajun31]

I was just reading this and a question comes to mind. If you run just one tap on the left side, and not saying that there is anything wrong with that, what would be the difference if you have to switch to reserve while going down the road? Meaning that if one tap suffices, and that tap being on the left clutch hand side; then what would be the difference if you just ran with two taps and only moved the left to reserve if running low on fuel? Wouldn't you essentially be providing the same amount of fuel whether you have two taps or one? Am I missing something other than just wanting to eliminate the tap?

[Tonyxs11]

I was just reading this and a question comes to mind. If you run just one tap on the left side, and not saying that there is anything wrong with that, what would be the difference if you have to switch to reserve while going down the road? Meaning that if one tap suffices, and that tap being on the left clutch hand side; then what would be the difference if you just ran with two taps and only moved the left to reserve if running low on fuel? Wouldn't you essentially be providing the same amount of fuel whether you have two taps or one? Am I missing something other than just wanting to eliminate the tap?

if I remember right the left tap only supplies the left two carbs, and vice versa

[jetmechmarty]

if I remember right the left tap only supplies the left two carbs, and vice versa

Correct! The plumbing needs a little work to run all four on one. A simple fix.

[Tonyxs11]

Correct! The plumbing needs a little work to run all four on one. A simple fix.

yep, ordered a brass T piece

[cajun31]

That makes more sense. Thanks for the clarification.

[bikerphil]

Single line, now plenty of room for electric shut off valve. Used a nylon T on this set.

[cajun31]

Single line, now plenty of room for electric shut off valve. Used a nylon T on this set.

Ok, now we need to know more about the electric shut off valve. Are they availabe? Source?

[bikerphil]

Ok, now we need to know more about the electric shut off valve. Are they available? Source?

It is basically a 12V solenoid operated valve that works with all types of fuel/liquid/gas. The one in the picture above is the cheap china variation which is nice because of the mounting holes it has, allowing a mounting bracket to be easily fabricated.

The better quality American made one doesn't have the mounting holes but is a much better made unit. This type I would zip tie to the top of the carb bank.

You will need to buy some 90 deg. 1/8" NPT fittings separately. Wiring it up is simple, one wire to ground and the other to key switched power.


Better unit (AFC-111)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/175292574550

China made unit (2w-025-08)
https://www.amazon.com/Brass-Electri.../dp/B01M5IXT4D

[LAB3]

That's a cool idea, if you use one why would you bother using a petcock? Seems to me the second one might be a tad small only being 1/8"

[Tonyxs11]

That's a cool idea, if you use one why would you bother using a petcock? Seems to me the second one might be a tad small only being 1/8"

you would loose reserve.

[jetmechmarty]

bikerphil, are you running a Pingel petcock?