On older or carbureted bikes, the petcock is a manual switch with three primary settings:
Beyond fuel management, riding a "big" or heavy motorcycle requires specific techniques to stay safe: motorcycle big cock
This setting pulls fuel from the very bottom of the tank, giving you a few extra miles to reach a gas station. On older or carbureted bikes, the petcock is
Completely stops fuel flow. This is used when the bike is parked for long periods to prevent fuel leaks into the engine. Important Safety and Maintenance Tips On older or carbureted bikes
Fuel is pulled through a "straw" inside the tank. When the fuel level drops below the top of this straw, the engine will stumble, signaling you are low on gas.