Fuel & Delivery
What is a Fuel Tank?
Stores the petrol until the engine needs it, usually sitting above the engine on most bikes.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
The fuel tank holds your petrol supply and, on most motorcycles, doubles as a structural part you lean on and grip with your knees. A fuel pump or gravity feed then carries fuel onward to the engine.
A simple analogy
“A saddlebag for petrol, shaped to fit the bike and your knees at the same time.”
How it works
Fuel sits in the tank until drawn out through a pickup pipe, usually by an internal fuel pump on injected bikes, then delivered under pressure to the injectors. A vented filler cap lets air in as fuel level drops.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Smell of petrol without a visible leak
- ⚠Rust or sediment visible inside on inspection
- ⚠Fuel gauge reading inconsistently
- ⚠Dents or corrosion around the base
Rough UK cost
£80–£500
Parts: £50–£400
Labour: £20–£100
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by bike, region, and parts brand.
Heads up: Motoautonomy is for general guidance only. If your bike is showing warning lights or behaving oddly, get it looked at by a qualified mechanic.