Stinky bike

[jetmechmarty]

The machine I'm concerned about is a XS1100SG. After I ride it, it makes the garage smell of gasoline. If I leave it alone, the smell goes away after two or three days. Last month at a rally, the rider behind me said he could smell gasoline.

When I park it, the petcocks are always turned to OFF. Last time, I let it run out of fuel before putting in away and the smell was much weaker.

I can't see evidence of a leak, but I have yet to dismantle anything. I can't see telltale streaks on the carb bowls.

Last weekend at the rally my bike took two hours to get it started each morning. I thought it was the battery and the cold, but now my gut feeling is that it was a fuel problem. Once the bike is started, it runs good and strong -no burps.

[mro]

Leaking gas only has two places to go. One into cylinder and other back to air box.

SG has the rubber tipped float valves/needles. Sound as they might need to be R&R'ed or at least cleaned.

Your hard starting could be flooding.

I'd pull hose off the petcock just to be sure it's not leaking too.


mro

[HobbyMan]

Clean the area underneath the carbs and around the petcocks, making sure it feels dry when you are done. Park it after riding it with the petcocks on run. Check on it and when you smell the gas feel around the carbs and petcocks. Where it feels slimy, gas has been dripping there. Make sure that your float bowl screws are tight.

[randy]

Where it feels slimy

Careful, Marty, that can lead to STINKY FINGER