Gasoline everywhere!!
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Gasoline everywhere!!
Stopped at the local station on the way to work this morning to fill up. I was pretty low, so I was just going to watch the pump until it was at 3 or 4 gallons, then slow it down and watch the fill hole the rest of the way. Well, after about a half a gallon went in, it burped and blew gasoline all over the bike and my leathers.
I used window wash fluid on my jacket sleeve that got drenched, and on the seat. But then stopped at a car wash and rinsed off the rest of the bike the best I could. Then I got to ride to work on a wet bike in 45 degree weather.
Anyway, is there any additional precautions I should do? To my leathers or the bike?
I'm probably gonna break the bike down (take off shield and bags) and thoroughly wash it good when I get home this afternoon.
I used window wash fluid on my jacket sleeve that got drenched, and on the seat. But then stopped at a car wash and rinsed off the rest of the bike the best I could. Then I got to ride to work on a wet bike in 45 degree weather.
Anyway, is there any additional precautions I should do? To my leathers or the bike?
I'm probably gonna break the bike down (take off shield and bags) and thoroughly wash it good when I get home this afternoon.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,626
Likes: 98
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
I would be more concerned about the leathers than the bike. You bike will wash right up with good automotive soap and water and a light coat of wax but your leathers will need dry cleaning I believe.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
I had that happen a couple of times.I just let the gas evaporate off the tank.
I dont want to scratch the paint with a paper towel.
I have waited to wash the bike(tank)awhile without any issues.
As far as the leather,guess it would not hurt to use some cleaner/conditioner.
I dont want to scratch the paint with a paper towel.
I have waited to wash the bike(tank)awhile without any issues.
As far as the leather,guess it would not hurt to use some cleaner/conditioner.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,351
Likes: 1,936
From: Formerly Tampa Bay, FL, Currently Western PA
Gas evaporates really quickly, so you're already good. A wash still wouldn't hurt. As for the leathers, just get som good leather conditioner to moisten them up and they'll be fine 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,204
Likes: 7,750
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
Your bike is made of metal, not styrofoam. Most of it evaporated quickly. Any residual...hose it off. Now it's all mostly gone. A traditional soap 'n sponge wash will get the rest.
As for the leathers...50/50 mixture of water and vinegar...sponge of cloth..pat the gas soaked area well, including the other side.
Let dry. Follow up with some good leather conditioner.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
Why did the bike spray gas like that? In your state do they have the the pumps that seal at the spout like in California?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Been There - Done That!
Here in NJ we have rubber boots on the pump nozel which needs to be held up to release the gas during pumping. If you hold the boot up by hand when pumping you can actually fill the bike to the top. WELL - while pumping one day, I pulled back the nozel just enough for the gas to catch the inlet lip and sprayed it all over the bike. GAS EVERYWHERE! I wiped up the immediate - seat,tank, me - and drove straight home where I washed the bike from top to bottom. While the bike is mostly metal, there still is A LOT of plastic and paint.
LESSONS LEARNED -
pay attention when pumping gas
pay attention when pumping gas
pay attention when pumping gas
LESSONS LEARNED -
pay attention when pumping gas
pay attention when pumping gas
pay attention when pumping gas
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
Yes, no boots on our pumps here so there is plenty of room for air to exit the tank as you fill, so no Burping issues here. I have spilled gas once while trying to get that, last drop, into the tank. Other than that those older type nozzels are very user friendly.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
There's no boot on the pump, just a splash guard that isn't much good on a bike. And I have no idea why it did what it did. I was near empty, got about a 1/2 gallon in when all of a sudden it just blew out of the tank like Old Faithful. Freaked me out, and thank God I'd only ridden about a half mile to the station. I hate to think what would have happened had the bike been really hot. Cause gas went EVERYWHERE! Including the engine and my seat.
Gotta go home tonight and do some serious cleaning now. Thanks for the replies everyone!
Gotta go home tonight and do some serious cleaning now. Thanks for the replies everyone!