Fuel Line Question

[Graman]

I have a beautiful 79 XS1100 Special that I have been slowly restoring over the last couple of years. I have rebuilt the carbs but I noticed when putting it all back together that the fuel lines are getting a little rotten. I went out and got some new fuel line but I couldn't get the smaller o.d. like the original. All I could get was pretty much standard automotive line. I have replaced all the lines but things are getting a little crowded in there. It's hard not to get pinched lines when I lower the tank back down.
My question is. Is there anything wrong with running just a single line from the prime side of each petcock directly to the each carb? I can cap off the unused petcock connection and the vacuum line to the diaphragm valve from the carb boot and eliminate all the unused plumbing. This would give me way more room under the tank. I usually shut the fuel off when the bike is parked anyway.

[motoman]

I have a beautiful 79 XS1100 Special that I have been slowly restoring over the last couple of years. I have rebuilt the carbs but I noticed when putting it all back together that the fuel lines are getting a little rotten. I went out and got some new fuel line but I couldn't get the smaller o.d. like the original. All I could get was pretty much standard automotive line. I have replaced all the lines but things are getting a little crowded in there. It's hard not to get pinched lines when I lower the tank back down.
My question is. Is there anything wrong with running just a single line from the prime side of each petcock directly to the each carb? I can cap off the unused petcock connection and the vacuum line to the diaphragm valve from the carb boot and eliminate all the unused plumbing. This would give me way more room under the tank. I usually shut the fuel off when the bike is parked anyway.

........or your best bet is to not use automotive fuel line as some have had issues with tiny pieces getting places where they should'nt from pushing on and off barb fittings. Don't know your exact location, but surely there's a small engine, mowers, etc. business that WILL have the tygon fuel line you need. Comes in milimeter sizing, so correct fit is painless.

[jetmechmarty]

Motion Pro Premium fuel line is a joy to work with. I love the stuff. It doesn't like tight bends, so I plumbed mine from the right petcock to the left carburetors and the left petcock to the right carburetors. I have retained the vacuum shut-off. This fuel line is still very pliable after a couple of years.

[graybird78]

+1 on martys suggestion.just redid my fuel lines on my 80sg.motionpro was the way to go. tried to use the tygon but was to flimsy for my liking. motion pro is twice the wall thickness of the tygon. much better fit in my opinion.

[Winterhawk]

Motion Pro Premium fuel line is a joy to work with. I love the stuff. It doesn't like tight bends, so I plumbed mine from the right petcock to the left carburetors and the left petcock to the right carburetors. I have retained the vacuum shut-off. This fuel line is still very pliable after a couple of years.

2nd the Motion Pro. The only way to go I think. All Motion Pro stuff is good.

[Graman]

Thanks guys. I am going to look into these products. Most of the parts dealers up here don't have access to the variety of stuff you have down in the States. They just shake their heads and say they've never heard of it. If not I think I am going to run lines from the main line of the petcocks straight down to the carb. Using that side should still allow my reserve setting to work. I plan to install some inline filters for extra safety. Then cap off and remove the rest of the plumbing.

[tweeleft]

My question is. Is there anything wrong with running just a single line from the prime side of each petcock directly to the each carb? I can cap off the unused petcock connection and the vacuum line to the diaphragm valve from the carb boot and eliminate all the unused plumbing. This would give me way more room under the tank. I usually shut the fuel off when the bike is parked anyway.

I capped the prime so I still have the reserve feature, also use clear small engine tubing from O'Rielly's, including the vents to the airbox. That way I can see if my floats are stuck. No more octy. Good Luck

[Graman]

I went ahead and completed the mod yesterday as previously described. Works great. Lots of room under there now. I was even able to leave a few inches of slack so I can lift the tank high enough to get at the carb adjustments without disconnecting the fuel lines. Thanks for the feedback.

[MaximPhil]

so what size of metric tube do we need?
Time I replaced the fuel lines on mine.
Phil

[natemoen]

so what size of metric tube do we need?
Time I replaced the fuel lines on mine.
Phil

1/4" ID fuel line

[Prisoner6]

so what size of metric tube do we need?

1/4" ID fuel line

... which corresponds to 6mm ... actually, 6mm is ever-so-slightly smaller than 1/4" ... lots of places list them (1/4" and 6mm) as one-in-the-same size/product.

[Graman]

I just used standard 1/4 i.d. auto fuel line from the local Napa shop. You will need some hose clamps too. The old stock ring clamps won't open up enough to fit the fatter o.d. fuel line. I didn't install the inline filters that I had planned to add. I pulled the petcocks out a while back when I painted the tank. The built in filters were in brand new condition so I decided against additional filters.

[James England]

2nd the Motion Pro. The only way to go I think. All Motion Pro stuff is good.

No it's not.... their valve shim tool is rubbish. I just bought one and got rid of it....

[rdmcguy]

motion pro

+1 James
bought some fuel line and it swelled up and leaked.
Also bought a sync pro carb stick,leaked like a sieve,
called them left a message,never heard back, called again and they wanted me to pay return postage on a brand new tool .
I told them I thought that was b.s. and they sent me a new one
they didn't want the old one back.

[TexinMaine]

I just bought some fuel line today from a Motorcycle shop. It is a 1/4" and clear yellow. The guy says it is not degraded by the gas. Seems pretty flexible and easy to work with.