How do you fill up your tank?

[draketrumpet]

So, I filled up today and realized I could probably squeeze another .5 gallon in there if I held the bike vertical instead of putting it on the side stand. So I got curious and wondered how everyone else positions their bike when filling up.

So here, have a poll and speculate over how much more gas fits in a standard or a special tank depending on how you fill up.

[draketrumpet]

BTW, if you fill your bike up some other way, please enlighten us.

[ambidextrous]

well, ive got a special, so on the kickstand, the fill hole is vertical

works perfect for me

oh, and usually i use my hands and eyes to see how much gas is in there

sometimes i need more light, which is why i always carry a lighter with me

[kjohnson]

aside from the fact that the PO removed the side stand horribly, like the specials, the XJ filler is highest when on the side stand.

[draketrumpet]

I had wondered about the gas cap on the specials, if it set vertical. Never seen one on the kickstand before.

[ambidextrous]

yea, the special filler is offset to the right

makes for easy fillups

once or twice ive filled up without getting off the bike

but i dont like doing that, so i try not to

i think that might be habit forming

[BigRed]

I often fill up in my garage from a jerry can. That way, I can mix in some upper cylinder lubricant or carb cleaner without pouring anything all over my tank Also, I can just top up before I leave so that I don't have interrupt my ride to look for gas.

For my Honda CX500 at the gas station, I usually put in on the center stand to squeeze every last drop in that I can.

Once my XS11 Special is back on the road, I'll use the side stand because it's at the high point. I can't wait to get the XS11 back on the road......

[cywelchjr]

I have tried both ways with my standard, and I can't seem to get anymore in the tank on the center stand than I can on the side stand. Seems to work out the same overall, so I don't both putting it on the center stand when filling it. With my 400 special the side stand is for sure the right way with the filler neck offset like it is (just like the 11 specials). That said, while the specials look nice, I prefer the larger capacity of the standard tank, and frankly would love to find a venture tank for the extra capacity it has (especially since I have a fake venture ala vetter touring package anyways). I may as well have the range to go with the look.

PS. I hate how the smilies move around now, I really do. Yes I know that I could just type them, but my CRS makes that a "not going to happen" type of thing.

[mxmikie]

i fill mine with a credit card

[wa407mpp]

If I'm going on a long trip and want to squeeze in the last drop I fill the tank with me standing astraddle the bike and gently rocking it side to side to fill the pockets surrounding the filler opening, but if it is a standard fill up I fill it on the side stand so there will be room for the gas to expand.

[trbig]

I always wondered about drilling an air hole into the top of the filler neck so you could actually FILL the tank, not have that air pocket at the top. You would have to ride immediately after that to keep the fuel from expanding and running out of the tank, but it would be helpfull for getting every bit in you could on trips.

Anyone ever done this?

Tod

[randy]

I always fill on the sidestand to leave an air pocket, I fill till it touches the neck. Then when I'm up level I have about an inch of room to the bottom of the neck. Sure, you could squeeze another 1/3 - 1/2 gallon in there, but it would take 15-20 miles to burn that down. And with gas sloshing up under the cap and into the vent may cause a temporary venting problem. JMHO

[xs11lover]

I drive in open the cap, put gas in, and drive away. I don't even get off the bike. I think your overthinking this.

[randy]

No, not overthinking. I've seen anything from paint damage to fires caused by overfilling. Think of the possibility of fuel spilled on a hot engine igniting between your legs. No, on second though, don't even think about it!

[xs11lover]

Ok then, I guess I'm not so hung up on getting every last drop I can. Like you said, why risk overflow and fire..ect.