Embarrasing Newbie Question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 15, 2005 | 07:48 PM

garfieg

Thread Starter

Stage III

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

Embarrasing Newbie Question

I just got my Sportster 1200 Custom, and it only has 50 miles on it. As I was doing my preride inspection, I decided to check the gas. I cannot get the gas cap to screw off the tank. It turns counterclockwise but it will not lift. It seems to move freely in both directions and makes the ratchet noise when it is turned fully clockwise. I would call my dealer and ask him, but he is closed. Is there some secret to doing this that I am missing? I feel foolish asking this question but, I am frustrated that I cannot do something so simple. Thanks in advance for your help.

BTW, this is my first bike. I decided to give it to myself as a 60th birthday present. The first 50 miles were thrilling but I will max out at about 225 miles if I can't solve this puzzle. HELP!

Oct 15, 2005 | 07:54 PM

bastardmaker

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 1,481

Likes: 1

From: Mckinney TX

RE: Embarrasing Newbie Question

Hmmm? Im not sure. maybe just some more wigglin and jigglin will do. Youre probly doing everything right, but sometimes things can just be a little difficult.

Oct 15, 2005 | 07:56 PM

brohrs

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 557

Likes: 0

From:

RE: Embarrasing Newbie Question

No secret maybe a vaccum has set itself up in the tank. After so many turns to the left it should fall off in your hands. Try using more muscle after you have turned it while pulling up on it. It has to be vaccum unless the plastic threaded part has broken loose from the cap if so dont try any tools on it, you will void the warranty. Take it back to the dealer if they are close enough.

Oct 15, 2005 | 07:59 PM

brohrs

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 557

Likes: 0

From:

RE: Embarrasing Newbie Question

P.S. dont be embarassed ,you should see some of the posts on here ,we all have to start out as babies first ,thats why they call us newbies.

Oct 15, 2005 | 08:22 PM

SPRINGER

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 68,021

Likes: 3,276

From:

RE: Embarrasing Newbie Question

I see that somebody has already beaten me to the punch. You said that you can turn the cap left and right but it won't come off, have you tried turning it all the way to the left until it stops turning and see if it will come off then? Sometimes the simplest things are the ones that escape us the most. Good luck

Oct 15, 2005 | 08:35 PM

brohrs

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 557

Likes: 0

From:

RE: Embarrasing Newbie Question

I forgot to tell you since the cap is threaded it takes about a half dozen turns counterclockwise before it will come off. Let us know what happens so we can pass it on to the next victim.

Oct 15, 2005 | 10:35 PM

WarriorHD

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 3,167

Likes: 7

From: FL & SoCal

RE: Embarrasing Newbie Question

Not sure if this will help but you might want to try pushing down on it while your turning it. I notice I have to push down on mine. And it does take a little muscle. And remember, no question is a stupid question. You should see some of the stuff I ask...lol...Good luck!