Newbie Mistake. Filling up the gas tank

Samer · October 11th, 2009, 04:05 PM

So I'm at mile ~240 now and this is my second time filling the tank up. Cheap dealership had the tank less than a quarter full so I filled it up the next day after I got it.

Anyway, so the second time didn't go as well. I made the mistake of parking it so that it leaned away from the gasoline pump. DUMB

It was harder to see what I was doing, and because I didn't have the nozzle lined up with the hole some of it squirted out and spilled over the tank. I was like, oh crap! Then I was a lot more careful and leaned way over to make sure I had the nozzle slightly inside the gap so that it wouldn't bounce off and spill over.

I went home right away and poured some water over the tank and fairings and wiped the bike down. Lesson learned.

RRTRIDER · October 11th, 2009, 04:44 PM

haha its all good i got a lil gas all over my tank the first time i pumped her up.

minuslars · October 11th, 2009, 04:48 PM

It might not be a bad idea to re-wax the tank (i know you just got it, but why not?) Gas is a pretty powerful solvent. I sit on the bike while I fill so it's upright, btw. I can fill 'er up right to the brim. I don't think it matters how you do it, but I find that method to be effective for me.

Reswob · October 11th, 2009, 06:47 PM

What does it matter what way it leans on the stand? You have to have the bike upright to get a full tank anyway.

killerkay3 · October 11th, 2009, 08:40 PM

i dont even know how to pump gas

revstriker · October 11th, 2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minuslars

I sit on the bike while I fill so it's upright, btw. I can fill 'er up right to the brim.

+1. I never even get off the bike when I get gas.

andrewexd · October 11th, 2009, 09:50 PM

don't peer into the gas tank, the fumes are harmful and i've read it can damage your helmet liner in a crash (the stuff that protects you). I just leave it on the stand and wait until it stops by itself then I pull the thingy back and fill, I only use cash anyway so it usually won't overfill.

NaughtyusMaximus · October 11th, 2009, 09:51 PM

You can (over) fill the tank with it on the side stand (i've done it). Even if you couldn't, why risk blowing your nuts off for a little extra gas?

headshrink · October 12th, 2009, 01:26 AM

We all have to find a technique that works best for us. I bet by 1K miles you will have it nailed. I rarely spill a drop now.
One thing I would strongly recommend though, although some may disagree, is do get off your bike and use the kickstand. It is much safer (and easier) this way. If you search some of the other major boards, you will find more discussion on this, complete with stories that are only funny as stories about someone you don't know.

SteveL · October 12th, 2009, 02:23 AM

Spilling fuel over the tank is a bad idea many years ago a friend of mine did just that and when he started up, the bike burst into flames fortunately it only lasted a few seconds. I have never seen anyone move so fast off the bike and run, so watch out when you have a spill.

Steve

CZroe · October 12th, 2009, 08:09 AM

On my first fillup <1mi from th e dealer I let the handle rest on the lip (like you would let it hang from your car). It marked up the rim and I've been staring at it ever since.

October 11th, 2009, 04:05 PM	#1
Samer ninjette.org guru Name: Samer Location: Jupiter, Florida Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE Posts: 376	Newbie Mistake. Filling up the gas tank So I'm at mile ~240 now and this is my second time filling the tank up. Cheap dealership had the tank less than a quarter full so I filled it up the next day after I got it. Anyway, so the second time didn't go as well. I made the mistake of parking it so that it leaned away from the gasoline pump. DUMB It was harder to see what I was doing, and because I didn't have the nozzle lined up with the hole some of it squirted out and spilled over the tank. I was like, oh crap! Then I was a lot more careful and leaned way over to make sure I had the nozzle slightly inside the gap so that it wouldn't bounce off and spill over. I went home right away and poured some water over the tank and fairings and wiped the bike down. Lesson learned.

October 11th, 2009, 08:40 PM	#5
killerkay3 =°°= Name: Imran Location: Bergen County, NJ Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Yamaha R6 / 2008 Green Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 103	i dont even know how to pump gas __________________________________________________

October 12th, 2009, 02:23 AM	#10
SteveL old git Name: Steve Location: Geneve Switzerland Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): BMW K1300S Posts: 479	Spilling fuel over the tank is a bad idea many years ago a friend of mine did just that and when he started up, the bike burst into flames fortunately it only lasted a few seconds. I have never seen anyone move so fast off the bike and run, so watch out when you have a spill. Steve __________________________________________________ Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Gas Tank Lock stuck? Maintenance for gas cap with pics!	Skippii	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	35	May 6th, 2021 09:03 PM
While Filling the Gas Tank	bkh2	General Motorcycling Discussion	13	October 25th, 2011 01:52 PM

October 11th, 2009, 04:44 PM	#2
RRTRIDER ninjette.org member Name: Andy Location: Fairfax Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 41	haha its all good i got a lil gas all over my tank the first time i pumped her up.

October 11th, 2009, 04:48 PM	#3
minuslars ninjette.org member Name: Arthur Location: NoVA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '03 EX250 Posts: 134	It might not be a bad idea to re-wax the tank (i know you just got it, but why not?) Gas is a pretty powerful solvent. I sit on the bike while I fill so it's upright, btw. I can fill 'er up right to the brim. I don't think it matters how you do it, but I find that method to be effective for me.

October 11th, 2009, 06:47 PM	#4
Reswob ninjette.org sage Name: Josh Location: Richmond VA Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627	What does it matter what way it leans on the stand? You have to have the bike upright to get a full tank anyway.

October 11th, 2009, 09:50 PM	#7
andrewexd ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: LA Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 07 GSXR600 (N250 sold :( ) Posts: 415	don't peer into the gas tank, the fumes are harmful and i've read it can damage your helmet liner in a crash (the stuff that protects you). I just leave it on the stand and wait until it stops by itself then I pull the thingy back and fill, I only use cash anyway so it usually won't overfill.

October 11th, 2009, 09:51 PM	#8
NaughtyusMaximus ninjette.org member Name: Jordan Location: Calgary Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 ex250 Posts: 98	You can (over) fill the tank with it on the side stand (i've done it). Even if you couldn't, why risk blowing your nuts off for a little extra gas?

October 12th, 2009, 01:26 AM	#9
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	We all have to find a technique that works best for us. I bet by 1K miles you will have it nailed. I rarely spill a drop now. One thing I would strongly recommend though, although some may disagree, is do get off your bike and use the kickstand. It is much safer (and easier) this way. If you search some of the other major boards, you will find more discussion on this, complete with stories that are only funny as stories about someone you don't know.

October 12th, 2009, 08:09 AM	#11
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	On my first fillup <1mi from th e dealer I let the handle rest on the lip (like you would let it hang from your car). It marked up the rim and I've been staring at it ever since.