I used to but don't now unless it was going to sit for a long time which it doesn't my bud never closes his but we both have carbs. I know I run it closed almost half way down my driveway

 

I shut mine off sometimes, and remember to turn it back on about a block from the house when I run out of gas.

 

;-) That can be a bit embarassing... I almost never forget anymore, except if I'm working on the scoot. I have from time to time finished doing this or that and fired it up only to have it die a couple hundred yards down the road... If it happens often enough the neighbors'll think 'yep, those harleys sure are tough to keep running...'

 

HD started installing the vacuum operated petcocks somewhere around 2000. I would turn the gas off on a 96 to be sure.

DaFish

 

My 99 Softail Custom has the vacuum operated petcock. I personally do not like the fact that if you get a leak in the vacuum hose or in the diaphram, it won't run. I always shut mine off on my old 84 Sporty when ever I shut the motor off. Maybe I am just a worry wart, but I like to have control of things. Probably won't ever give any trouble. That, and the automatic turn signals, are the two things that I wish were like my old Sporty. I am never sure if my turn signals are on or not without looking at the dash, which is not a good idea when in heavy traffic. I suppose for most these are welcome upgrades. Maybe it is just me, but I kind of miss having the spark advance on the left twist grip.

 

Mechanic says "shut it off" as float sticking in carb, etc. can flood the combustion chamber with gas. Since liquids can't be compressed a blown engine/bent rods can result.

 

harleys carbs are notorious for leaking..the fuel leaks into the cylinders,leaks down to the oil,dilutes it and washes out the bearings..BLOWN engine..turning the fuel off is pretty easy compaired to the risk..my 72 with a s&s floods when i forget to turn off the fuel,and is a b to get running at first..i had a 69 sporty,stock carb,if i forgot to turn the fuel valve off i just put it back away..little chance of kick starting it before it dryed out

 

Thanks for all the info guys.

I guess I'll take more care to remember and turn it off.

I'm not too concerned about long-term storage. Logest I ever go without riding down here in NC is maybe a couple-three weeks and only in January/February.

It's goin' over to my indy for a little work here as soon as I can find a day when my wife is around to cart me back and it's not snow/ice on the road.

Thanks again!

~bc