Newbie questions
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: El Paso, TX
Newbie questions
New Bike and New Rider 08 flhtcu , just a few question for some of you that have been riding a while! When filling up at the gas pump is it better to be sitting on the bike or filling it up off the bike? Also I was told by the mechanic at the dealership it is better to turn off my bike at the ignition/headlamp key switch rather then the kill switch because if you don’t have the throttle completely closed and you kill the engine some sensor will keep the rpms at that level when you start it up again. Can someone please help with some of these newbie questions? Thanks!
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 828
Likes: 8
From: western Mass
RE: Newbie questions
Re filling the tank, some do it one way others do it the other. Try both see which one you're most comfortable with. I almost always get off the bike. My brother almost always stays seated. I always use the kill switch. Others always use the ignition. Whichever. Just for the hell of it, after reading this, I went out and shut it off with the kill switch with the throttle part way open (about 2k) when I started it up again it was normal. Could be another case of a dealer slinging the bull cause he doesn't know and it sounds plausible.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
RE: Newbie questions
I find it easier to fill off the bike but that is just my preference..never heard the RPM advice before re: the kill switch. \\; I only use the kill switch, but am subject to enlightment from others......
Enjoy your new ride!
Enjoy your new ride!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Marietta, GA
RE: Newbie questions
I've read on this forum about the RPM issue with '08s. \\; It has to do with the TBW. \\; It isn't that big of a deal but if it does occur there is a way to reset the throttle to factory settings. \\; Something to do with turning the bike on and off for times. \\; Someone with more knowledge of the issue will chime in soon. \\;
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Newbie questions
I always use the kill switch, and I prefer to stay seated on the bike, the only reason is that I can see down into the tank better. Safety would say get off the bike. Obviously for spilliage it would be better to not pour it down you frontal reagions. Personally I just don't overfill my tank! One of these days I may regret doing it the way I do.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 9
From: la grange, il (near chicago)
RE: Newbie questions
the "off" thing might be different for the '08s. \\; i use the kill switch (have an '07 ultra), never had a problem.
 \\;
with other smaller bikes i would stay on, or rather would get back on. \\; but i did that so i could straighten the bike so i could 'fill' up the tank. \\; with the ultra and about an additional 400lbs, i do not want to be on the bike, steading it, and filling it. so i am off it. \\; plus i usually take off my helmet and put it on the passenger seat and my tank bag on the rider seat, so i wouldn't have a place anyway.
 \\;
with other smaller bikes i would stay on, or rather would get back on. \\; but i did that so i could straighten the bike so i could 'fill' up the tank. \\; with the ultra and about an additional 400lbs, i do not want to be on the bike, steading it, and filling it. so i am off it. \\; plus i usually take off my helmet and put it on the passenger seat and my tank bag on the rider seat, so i wouldn't have a place anyway.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 482
Likes: 2
From: Northern Virginia
RE: Newbie questions
Get off while refueling! Like jimdeere said - sooner or later you'll find out why!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
RE: Newbie questions
21 \\;yrs riding hd \\; now more yrs on jap \\; bikes than i can remember. \\;From day 1 im using the kill switch. Never had \\; any issues. \\; I fill the tank (off the bike) then i watch \\;the fuel spill outta the tank (overflow) and onto \\;the \\;gas station ground..