Take a closer look at the petcock, a stock petcock does not have an "off" just on/reserve/prime.

That's because it's a vacuum activated petcock and will shut off when the motor is off.

This is in the owners manual.  You can download a copy from the tech section link below.

I can't think of anything worse you could do to an air-cooled motorcycle than let it idle on the sidestand for 45 minutes!  Not only is it not getting any flowing air to cool the engine - the oil pressure is nearly zero at idle speeds.

If you want to winterize the fuel system - pull the fuel line off the carb and drain the fuel into a can (tip the bike over to the right side to get as much fuel out as you can.  Then if you carb has a fuel drain screw - open it and drain the carb.....if you have an early bike without the drain screw start the bike and run it out of fuel while holding it upright.

Ruttly wrote on 11/20/24 at 09:56:58:


Lol!  Well, we are much kinder and gentler than folks on other forums.  And much more knowledgeable!

Poor kid on another forum asked what’s this cap for (photo of radiator reservoir)? Being the sarcastic smart arse that I am, I said, “It’s where the Automatic Transmission Fluid” goes.  He thanked me!  And I quickly had to clear things up before he went to the store for some Type 4 ATF.