Gas Selector Thingy?

Question

So my bike has 3 different setting for the gas selector. There is Res (for reserve I imagine)and its all the way forward, On (for when you are just using normal) which is in the down postion and then the third option is "pri" when its all the way backwards. What does the pri mean and why would I use it. I had it set to that once accidently and my bike was leaking gas out this line undernieth the back. I know this is horribly explained but any know what that is for?

Answer 1

All the answers given are correct so I won't repeat.  I will add that if you run your bike on "PRI", you are running a risk of fire.  All that info should be in your owner's manual.  You know, that thing that suggests you read it BEFORE riding the bike?  You'd be amazed what you can find in those.  Sorry. I don't mean to come off as a smart a$$ just want you to enjoy your riding for a long, long time.  Be safe and stay healthy.

Answer 2

PRI means PRIME, and it is a straight, uninterrupted  flow into the carbs.  That is why it leaked gas from the overflow tube. You need pri to get gas into the carbs after you run out.  I assume the petcock is vacuum operated.  When there is no gas in the carburetors, it will not start (hence no vacuum) until you use PRI to let the gas into the carbs.

Answer 3

In addition to the correct answers about the prime position, the reason your carbs overflowed is because the float valve didn't seat. Probably dirty.

Answer 4

PRI is prime which flows fuel straght into the carbs, you have a vacume operated petcock if you ever lose vacume or the diaphram goes out use the PRI position. on is on and reserve is res.every now and then put it in res. for a couple miles because comdensation builds up on botom of the tank.

Answer 5

You have a vacuum operated petcock meaning the motor has to be turning over in order for gas to flow to the carbs when in the "ON" position. Prime bypasses the vacuum and allows gas to flow constantly which is handy for refilling the carbs when they have been off for cleaning or service. The reason it was leaking fuel when You left it on prime is because the Carb overflowed. The petcock should ALWAYS be in the "ON" position unless You have to switch to reserve and Prime should only be used for refilling the carbs if needed.

Answer 6

pri stands for primer, it will dump fuel into the engine in an effort to get it started, use it when you can't start your bike on the normal setting.