How to Fill Your Gas Tank

[viethk]

This is a super noob question, but I have been reading posts and a lot of people have a question about this. I searched and could not find a thread about this, so could the Pros please explain in detail how to fill a gas tank at the pump for a motorcycle (how to handle the pump, how far to put the pump into the tank, how far up to fill it in your tank, and perhaps even how to measure your mpg if people are interested). Because I know my manual doesn't tell me, and I have no one to turn to but you guys for info!

[Custom85VT]

I found one for you that should have all your answers. :)

http://www.motorcycleforum.com/showthread.php?t=83395

[viethk]

I found one for you that should have all your answers. :)

http://www.motorcycleforum.com/showthread.php?t=83395

Not really what I am looking for. That is how to keep gas off your bike when filling, but now HOW to fill or how much to fill up to :) but good to read nonetheless

[rocksolid]

My way of filling the tank:

The pump is on my left. I pull to within 1 1/2 ft of the pump. I get off the bike, and stand between the bike and the pump. I open the tank, and set the cap somewhere flat. I put the nozzle into the tank about 1 inch. (being careful not to turn the nozzle down untill it's over the tank opening) Squeeze the nozzle lever gently, so you don't splash, and increase pressure. I hold the nozzle off to the left so that I can see into the tank. When it's getting close to the top, I let go of the lever so that air in the gas is allowed to escape. Gently squeeze the lever again so that it just flows very slow. I bring the gas level up to the bottom of the filler neck in the tank. Lift the nozzle out facing down into the tank opening so that what remains doesn't drip on the paint. Replace nozzle. Put cap back on. Wipe away any gas on the tank.

I stand between the bike and the tank so that I'm not exposed to every car rolling thru the bay. Gas stations are really bad places for getting hit. Keep
your eyes open! :mad:

Gas mileage is figured by resetting the trip meter when you fill up. It tells you when you need to get gas if you know your mpg. I refill early (100 miles on the highway.) Your mileage may vary.

[cbdallas]

Since I don't trust the nozzle to shut off at the appropriate time, I keep the nozzle shallow in the tank so I can see around it and check the level in the tank as it fills. I fill it until it reaches the top inch or two of the tank, but not climbing the inside of the filler hole. You need to leave some room for expansion so don't fill to the brim. Also, I don't usually squeeze the nozzle more than about halfway because the tank can fill quickly and make a mess if you misjudge. Better to take it slow than to have gas running all over everything.

To start checking MPG, fill the tank to the specifications I mentioned, and re-set your trip meter (or write down the mileage). Ride the bike until you need to switch to reserve, and head to the gas station. Make a note of how many gallons it takes to refill the tank. Divide the miles by the gallons and that gives you MPG. ex. 200 miles divided by 4.2 gallons = 47.6 mpg.

[rocksolid]

I respectfully disagree on running the tank to reserve. You might not make it to the next station if you're on the highway. Most bikes can easily go 100 miles, and then refill the tank. It will still tell mpg, and you won't have to push it if you forgot to reset the petc@ck and were running on reserve already. It does happen occasionally. You should know tank capacity, and try never to use it all.

[cbdallas]

Sorry....I disagree. I run to reserve every time. Poor planning is what leads to pushing a bike, not running to reserve.

[viethk]

Either way, thanks CDDallas and Rock Solid, your answers are exactly what I am looking for, how far up to fill, and how to fill without looking like a jerk or messing up your motorcycle at the pump :) Thanks guys!

[Hogrider]

You have to be careful when measuring for mpg on a bike because the tank is so small as little as 12.8 ounces (or 1/10th) of a gallon can make 2.6mpg difference in the calculation on a 5 gallon tank. So, it is extremely important to get the fuel being put in to the same place each time or you will be off.

Regardless of the pump being on the left or right of the bike I always hold the nozzle up and slow point it down as it goes into the tank as you never know what may be left over in that nozzle from the last user. I put the nozzle in and just below the lower ring before pulling the trigger but I never pull it hard enough to let it go to automatic and it is always at an angle which tends to prevent splash back. Filling it slowly also allows the air to escape. I fill it to where the gas barley clears the lower ring each time.

Over time you will know exactly how far you can go before you really need to get fuel regardless of using reserve or not.

[ndbashful]

Viethk thanks for asking this question...as a noob myself i find this information to be very helpful...

To everyone that answered it i was to thank you all to...It's amazing how things that i do regularly on my car are so different with my bike...

Thanks again :-)