Is It Good to Run the Motorcycle on Reserve All the Time?

Posted on: Jun 8, 2022 | | Written by:

Is It Good to Run the Motorcycle on Reserve All the Time?

Proper maintenance of a bike and a good bike insurance policy are the two most important things to keep a bike running for a long time. Maintaining it in a good condition and using it properly will ensure it does not give any trouble in working and a good bike insurance is needed to ensure that in case of any damage to the bike, it is covered by insurance and it does not cause a financial strain.

The bike is a machine and the fuel is the most important thing to keep it running. Fuel is what gives power to the bike to run. Having no or less fuel in a tank is a risk for the engine and also because the bike will just stop on the road, leaving you stranded. Though fuel stations are available easily now, but it is not possible always you will get stuck close to one.

For the same purpose bike manufacturing companies have given an option of a reserve tank in bikes. This concept of reserve fuel in bikes is for emergency situations when a bike runs out fuel. There is an option to switch to the reserve tank and use the fuel to reach to the nearest fuel station and get the fuel tank filled.

Should You Run the Bike On Reserve All The Time?

The feature of a reserve tank is given for a purpose in the bikes and that is to be used in the times of an emergency. The fact is if you run the motor cycle on reserve all the time, it will not cause any harm but this is not recommended. There is nothing to fall back on when the reserve tank is empty and then no one will know when the bike will suddenly stop. The bike will not move at all when the reserve tank also runs out of fuel and this can leave you stranded in the middle of the road. This just ruins the whole concept of a reserve tank.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Running a Bike on Reserve

Like two sides of a coin, there are both advantages and disadvantages of running a bike on reserve tank all the time.

Let us talk about the advantages first and that is about the dirt in the oil tank. When we get fuel filled it does have some dirt which settles at the bottom of the tank and every time we refuel the tank, it keeps accumulated at the bottom. This can result in abnormal level of dirt accumulation which can choke the pipes of the bike and cause damage. Every time you use the reserve tank, the fuel tank gets empty and there is no dirt collecting in the tank. This is one of the easiest ways to clean the tanks and ensure there is no dirt which can eventually block the pipes and reduce the bike efficiency.

There are disadvantages of running the bike on reserve as well. The main one is what we have discussed above as well. And that is when you run the bike on reserve all the time, you are defeating the entire purpose which is help in case of an emergency.

The main mechanism works in a way that fuel is stored in the reserve tank and this only is used when the bike is on reserve mode when the main fuel tank has run out fuel. This essentially makes the reserve feature a backup option and this gives the option to use the reserve fuel and reach the closest fuel station at get fuel filled.

Running on reserve all the time means there is no back up feature available and this becomes a habit all the time. And also there is no indicator which shows that the reserve tank is empty as well so basically, you will never know when the bike will stop as the fuel in the reserve tank has finished too.

What Happens When You Run Your Bike on Reserve?

A common question that is raised is when you talk of running your bike on reserve that if it affects the efficiency and performance. Let us talk of the few issues that come up when the reserve tank is used extensively:

• Fuel is the main thing that a bike needs to keep running. When the tank has low fuel levels it undoubtedly puts pressure on the engine of the bike. This leads to wear and tear of the engine and other parts of the bike and over a period of time causes deterioration and lowers the performance. These issues might not be covered under the bike insurance policy and thus, can cause a heavy strain on the pocket.

• As discussed earlier, there is no warning that comes when the reserve tank is low on fuel and this can lead to issues of being stuck and seeking help to get to the nearest fuel station.

• Though, these are cons, but cleaning the tank from all dust and dirt when you use the reserve tank is good for the bike. When the bike is on reserve, the fuel gets cleaned which otherwise can lead to clogging of the main tank. This can lead to visits to the service garage and causing further issues and of course, the expenses.

Once in a while, when you ride your bike on reserve, it is good as it cleans the tank. The main point to be noted is that one should not let this become a habit and use the reserve tank and reserve fuel in times of emergency only, which is the idea behind it. Riding the bike on reserve does not cause harm to the bike but it does require one to be extra careful.

Maintenance and efficient working of the bike are two main concerns of any bike owner. Besides ensuring that you use the bike properly and keep it in good condition, you must also ensure that you have a good bike insurance . This insurance policy of your bike will safeguard you against any sudden problems and damages to any part of the bike. This causes a financial strain if they need to be paid from the pocket. Insuring the bike and getting a good bike insurance is a must for all bike owners.

Just remember, using the reserve feature is good once in a while and as long as it is not a daily affair. Bikes are for enjoying and not stress about fuel and damages. Take care of your bike and get a good insurance to enjoy your long rides.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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