Thanks Texas, Martin and Steve appreciate the ideas and input. To address a few points let me say this... I know that regardless of whether I switch to manual or vacuum some of the petcock parts will have to be replaced yearly most likely due to the ethanol in the gas turning the rubber into sticky yet somehow hardened gum. That happens regardless, BUT what happens after that depends on what kind of petcock I am running. If it's a vacuum one I'm boned, it will flood the carbs, contaminate the oil and make me and the bike and the garage reek of gas (ask me how I know
) which is amazingly unpleasant. If however I use a manual one none of that happens. Sure I still have to replace the rubber each year but at least I avoid the contamination and flooding and smell. Yes there is a downside and just like most everything in life there are pros and cons to each with the big con on the manual being loss of reserve, but that's something I'm ok to deal with because that is a lesser evil for me (ymmv but this is my mileage) over the flooding and contamination and smell. Like most things this is about balancing the good and the bad and on my personal scale things balance out better with a manual petcock.
Appreciate all the feedback and ideas and I'm certainly not trying to poo-poo on anyone's preferences or POV, this is simply the direction I'm choosing to go.
Will try to get Pops to measure the spacing on my petcock as well as his 79' SR650 to help use as cross reference as well today. Going to hit the Kawi dealer this afternoon anyways and will see if I can confirm the bolt hole spacing on a ZRX1100/1200 too if I can. Don't know anyone with one near me so can't check in person sadly.
Thanks,
Brett