I've had this bike for 11 years since new and I still don't know if there was supposed to be a handle attached to the fuel valve. Seems like there should be one, it would be a lot easier than using a wrench. Anybody know?

 

There is no stock handle. I was thinking that a drum-head key might fit.

 

The 97-98 CBR1100XX's use the same petcock which has the lever. The reason the VTR does not have one is because the lever hit's the valve cover in the off position when the tank is lowered.

 

Thanks! I thought it might have fallen off.

Another question about this fuel valve: is it necessary to turn the valve off before disconnecting the fuel lines? I thought fuel is drawn through the valve under vacuum only.

On my bike I have to turn the valve off before taking the tank off otherwise fuel gushes from the valve outlets when the fuel lines are disconnected.

 

When the valve is opened by vacuum it will remain open until the flow is stopped (i.e. the float bowls fill up). You can actually drain the tank off the bike by applying vacuum to it once to get the flow going. If it's flowing on it's own then either the spring behind the diaphragm in fatigued or the diaphragm is torn. If the diaphragm is torn you will see fuel coming from the lower weep hole on the petcock.

 

Thanks for the information! Time to replace the spring - and diaphragm as a preventive measure.