What is the icon for the main and auxiliary fuel tank switch on a motorcycle?
2 Answers
The main fuel tank on a motorcycle's fuel switch is indicated by the letter ON or a full cup icon, while the auxiliary tank is represented by the letter RES or a half-cup graphic. OFF or a dot signifies the switch is closed. There is an arrow on the fuel switch handle; turning the handle to align the arrow with a specific mark indicates which function (main tank or auxiliary tank) is in use. Additional information: Below are some precautions for refueling a motorcycle: 1. Avoid refueling during midday in summer when the sun is intense and temperatures are high, as gasoline is charged by volume rather than weight, and it expands with heat and contracts with cold. 2. Refueling in the morning or evening allows for more mass per volume of gasoline, saving a significant amount. 3. Underground storage tanks at gas stations have the lowest temperatures only between 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM (summer) or 5:00 AM to 9:30 AM (spring, autumn, winter). This is the most appropriate time to refuel, but avoid peak hours during this period. Even if there are vehicles ahead waiting to refuel, operating two machines or two fuel nozzles simultaneously can easily stir up impurities from the bottom of the tank.
Last year I bought a new motorcycle, and the main/reserve fuel tank switch icon really confused me at first. Later I discovered it's usually a small knob or lever marked with a fuel tank-like symbol, or labeled with RES and ON. RES stands for reserve tank, while ON indicates the main tank. Operating it is simple: when the main tank is nearly empty, just turn the switch to RES position to activate the reserve tank. I recommend riders spend time reading the manual when first purchasing a bike to familiarize themselves with icon details. During one long trip, I almost got stranded in a remote area because I hadn't paid attention to the icon - fortunately I switched tanks just in time. Remember, icon positions vary by model - Honda might use arrow symbols while Kawasaki often uses text labels. Regularly check relevant dashboard indicators to avoid fuel miscalculations. This small knowledge can significantly improve safety, especially during night rides or rainy conditions when icon visibility is crucial. Make it a habit to test the switch rotation before each refuel to ensure proper functionality.
