vacuum-operated fuel taps on DR650
 

The fuel valve on my DR650 is failing to completely cut off fuel supply when in the RES/ON positions. It's my understanding of the tap that these are, in fact, "off" positions, unless a vacuum is applied via the carburettor hose.

My tap leaks because the rubber seal on the tap itself (the selector) is damaged. I've been informed by three different shops that no one sells gasket repair kits for these anymore, I will need to buy a new or reconditioned tap assembly.

So, my question is: considering I'm replacing the tap anyway, is it worthwhile replacing it with a traditional on/off/res tap, rather than a vacuum-operated one? If so, does anyone know offhand if another Suzuki tap (possibly off a DRZ400E) would be a straightforward bolt-on replacement?

Or should I just shut up and buy a replacement, genuine tap?

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Rob Oakley
99 DR650SE
Bathurst, NSW
Australia

Hi there,
We've covered this topic a lot over at www.thegsresources.com This is a site dedicated to the Suzuki GS series bikes which also have the same type of petcock as your bike. The rebuilds are available on ebay at times. You should search our database for petcocks, aftermarket, etc as you'll find a bunch of places that you can get them. Pingel makes a very expensive on/off version too. It comes as a tap and an adapter plate that you assemble.

Steve