The petcock on your bike is supposed to be one of the vacuum operated type petcocks. When the engine is started, the vacuum from the engine is supplied to a diaphragm on the backside of the petcock open the fuel valve. It may have been changed since these valves were notorious for problems.
Your petcock should be labeled "ON", "OFF", and "RES" if it's a manual petcock. There should be and arrow on the lever on the petcock as well. This is the best advice I can give without being able to look at the petcock. I hope it helps. GOOD LUCK and ride safe.
Testimonial: "Thanks Guru...unfortunately, a cover was installed and even though I do see the arrow, there is no writing to point to...however I appreciate the help"
Take the cover off, find out which way is which and reinstall the cover. Not all bikes use the same petcock so I'm reluctant to tell you which way is which. You don't want your petcock in the "RES" position and let it run out of gas. If you do this, you're stuck. If your bike is fuel injected, you won't have reserve position.
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Down is "on"
Perpendicular is "Prime"
Up is "Reserve"
Here's a screenshot from a Radian owner's manual from '86.
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