When you fill up your tank, how do you know when your gas tank is full? I'm having trouble because you have to hold the gas pump collar up by hand, and on my Harley the tank hole is pretty much the same diameter as the pump nozzle, not allowing me to see the gas level.

Now I've had a few minor mishaps while filling up. The worst was that while pumping, I pulled out the nozzle a bit in an attempt to see the gas level. I (and my bike) got a fine burst of gas sprayed all over. Yeah not as funny when it happens to you.

With my old bike (Honda Shadow), the tank hole was bigger than the gas pump nozzle. That allowed me to eye the gas level as I was filling it up, so I know when to stop. I also did the tank punch (punch a hole inside the collar - use brass to avoid a spark) so the gas level settles down faster.

 

You definitely have to do it carefully as you have already discovered. We have that stupid rubber collar on gas pumps here in Calif so yes you have to pull that back to activate the pump.

What I do is fill up at gas stations whose pumps allow you to flow gasoline SLOWLY so you can hold the nozzle JUST BARELY at the filler hole and can watch the fuel as it gets to the top. In this way you can bring it right up to the very top of the filler neck.

Not all gas stations have pumps that let you flow gasoline slowly. They're only one speed which is usually way too much flow for having to fill a m/c as we have to. The result is fuel spilled and of course it's dangerous.

So find a gas station with pumps that fill slowly and just start to watch the fuel as it gets near the top so you can bring it to right where you want it. This is definitely not as easy as filling your car's tank, but that's how it is with these bikes.

 

Unbelievable !!!...How do you know if your oil level is correct?..primary fluid?..tranny?....what about the air pressure in your tires...blinker fluid topped off?....GOT ENOUGH TOILET PAPER TO MAKE THE TRIP?...

 

I just insert the Nozzle in about 2 inches... When it shuts off thats it ... What little extra may be gained trying to get that last little bit is not worth it with a 6 gallon tank ...

 

What he said!

 

I haven't gotten to the gas station yet. I'm still trying to put air in my tires.

 

I didn't know all pumps weren't capible of variable speed. Oh well, learn something everyday.

 

Me neither, I'm still looking for an "Autherized HD Gas Station" so I won't void my warrenty.

 

Have you tried one of those yellow gas filler thingies? I know I know that was a lot of help.

 

I, like many, have been concerned about filling my tank since I got my bike but, as JayStronghawk said, I just insert the Nozzle in about 2 inches. TRY to listen to the "girgle" as it nears the top. When it shuts off, thats it. After one year and many refills, no problems... yet.