Refuel In or Out of Saddle? [Archive]

Velocipede

07-12-2006, 10:41 AM

jhansen

07-12-2006, 10:44 AM

Unless you are in a race and have a professional pit crew, get off while fueling. Besides there might be pie inside!:eat:

wczimmerman

07-12-2006, 10:46 AM

Always out of the saddle for me.

bronco78

07-12-2006, 10:53 AM

ride up to the pump, refuel, move to a parking area, get off and stretch,hunt for pie,ect ect... it's worked for the last 25 years or so.. Doubt I'll change soon.

Desert Skies

07-12-2006, 10:53 AM

You ever spill gas on your crotch, It's out of the saddle for me...

mjacks

07-12-2006, 10:55 AM

I get off the bike. Just easier for me.

bushwhacker

07-12-2006, 10:58 AM

Usually off the bike.

Half the time I have a tank bag, map, or some such that has to be moved before filling.

-

bedlam

07-12-2006, 11:07 AM

Two things:

First, I like to refuel while ON the bike...even if I plan on getting off to go inside for a pee or a soda or whatever. I like to top off as much as I can, and want the bike striaght up so I can do just that. The bikes' (especially the K75) lean while on the sidestand prevents the maximum fuel-up.

Second, a funny story. About 2 months ago, Howard and I were fueling up in preparation for heading out on the Talimeda Pkwy in OK. A big ol' buncha Hawgs were there ahead of us at a tiny little gas station, all fueling up one after the other. These were pretty fancy bikes...lots of chrome all shined up. One guy was going from bike to bike topping them off. I stood thoughtfully and watched him do 2 or 3 bikes, then feigned surprise when I asked him "Wow! I didn't realize Harleys ran on diesel."

The look on his face was priceless! :rofl:

Realizing my joke, the group of pillion women almost fell down laughing. Apparently, the guy I'd pulled it on was known as THE prankster of the group and they were VERY glad he'd gotten GOT for once...

Somedays, you are just ON!!:mrgreen:

SKEETER

07-12-2006, 11:11 AM

both on and off, it just depends

bronco78

07-12-2006, 11:30 AM

You ever spill gas on your crotch,... no, perhaps sometime in the next 25 years of riding I will, then change my mind.:mrgreen:

Velocipede

07-12-2006, 11:34 AM

I stood thoughtfully and watched him do 2 or 3 bikes, then feigned surprise when I asked him "Wow! I didn't realize Harleys ran on diesel."
:rofl: :clap:

If you had my luck, the next line in the story would have been, "I then promptly received 2 or 3 beatings."

SV650rider

07-12-2006, 11:35 AM

Second, a funny story. About 2 months ago, Howard and I were fueling up in preparation for heading out on the Talimeda Pkwy in OK. A big ol' buncha Hawgs were there ahead of us at a tiny little gas station, all fueling up one after the other. These were pretty fancy bikes...lots of chrome all shined up. One guy was going from bike to bike topping them off. I stood thoughtfully and watched him do 2 or 3 bikes, then feigned surprise when I asked him "Wow! I didn't realize Harleys ran on diesel."

The look on his face was priceless! :rofl:

Realizing my joke, the group of pillion women almost fell down laughing. Apparently, the guy I'd pulled it on was known as THE prankster of the group and they were VERY glad he'd gotten GOT for once...

Somedays, you are just ON!!:mrgreen:
I fill up while on my bike, its a lot quicker for me. Thats a great story there!!!:rofl: I pulled that one on my friend once when he was filling up his truck, I know the look your talking about!

Gilk51

07-12-2006, 12:35 PM

I've always dismounted before refuelling. Gives me a chance to stretch my legs.
Same here - a lot of times, that is one reason to stop & rearrange the parts.

Jill, that was a GREAT joke/story! :thumb: :rofl:

Thermalser

07-12-2006, 12:49 PM

ride up to the pump, refuel, move to a parking area, get off and stretch,hunt for pie,ect ect... it's worked for the last 25 years or so.. Doubt I'll change soon.

:thumb:

Best wat to top off the tank....and no I have never poured gas in my lap over the last 24 years either.

Squeaky

07-12-2006, 12:53 PM

I stay in the seat most of the time. Mostly because I take too long otherwise and my riding companions make a big stink out of it...

mjacks

07-12-2006, 12:56 PM

First, I like to refuel while ON the bike...even if I plan on getting off to go inside for a pee or a soda or whatever. I like to top off as much as I can, and want the bike striaght up so I can do just that. The bikes' (especially the K75) lean while on the sidestand prevents the maximum fuel-up.

That is a good reason. I have had centerstands on my 2 bikes so I have always used that when I fuel up. I have noticed that a lot of BMW's lean pretty far over when on the side stand.

fallendown

07-12-2006, 01:00 PM

on the bike....so I can top it off all the way.....and if I am riding with someone, I lay the nozzle on the pump and scoot up enough to let them top off on my dime.....hey , I poke holes in the ground to find the stuff, seems I should be able to give some away every once in a while........:zen:

Tx Rider

07-12-2006, 01:10 PM

I started thinking about this last weekend after watching a group of riders dash in and out of the gas station in Burton. None of them ever got off their bikes.

I've always dismounted before refuelling. Gives me a chance to stretch my legs. Also, I'm a little frightened by the prospect of a gas spill and subsequent ignition in the area where my body touches the tank.:eek2:

Ignition is totally unnecessary with gas spillage there, it's not something forgotten soon either.

I refuel either on or off, but mostly off. I'm usually going to get a drink or have a smoke anyway.

D'artagnan

07-12-2006, 01:34 PM

With an F650 you get off the bike. Would get off anyway. I just can't imagine being in THAT much of a hurry.

CaroleAnn

07-12-2006, 02:03 PM

On my Intruder I would stay on, the bike was small enough and I could get close enough to the pump and top it off. Small tank, needed all the gas I could get. The VStar is too big for me to get close enough to the pump and I can't reach if I stay in the saddle.

txbanditrydr

07-12-2006, 02:08 PM

Off the bike but with the helmet (and lately the gloves) on so I can quickly move to a parking spot. It seems somewhat safer, gives my legs a chance to stretch and like posted above - there is usually a tank bag in the way.

Squeaky

07-12-2006, 02:10 PM

I just can't imagine being in THAT much of a hurry.

Try it with three bikers and a monkey telling you to get your rear in gear! ;-)

dukey33

07-12-2006, 04:00 PM

Either.
If I've been riding a while, I'll dismount to take a break.
If I'm just on my way to work and need a splash of gas, I'll stay on.

Graubart

07-12-2006, 04:23 PM

Always out of the saddle. By the time the Strom needs a refuel, the rear-end needs some feeling slapped back into it. :sun:

DANNYROTH

07-12-2006, 04:49 PM

In the saddle. Since I can't reach the ground, I have to put the stand down and stand on the left peg to swing over and off. This is a major production and, unless I need to get off to stretch, I don't bother.

I have been experienced in fuel on the tank/seat area:eek2:. As a result, I am a very cautious dispenser. Note: Lufkin's Murphy Oil (WalMart) pumps are very high volume when you are the only person getting fuel at the moment. If that is the case, I throttle the lever sparingly.

Texian

07-12-2006, 04:50 PM

In the saddle.
I'm sure some of it has to do with your height.
I can pull up, fill up, and stretch my legs while still straddling the GS.

....If I was 5'9, that probably wouldn't be an option;-)

bigdadjohn40

07-12-2006, 04:55 PM

I get off,put Wing on center stand,then top off.

DaveC

07-12-2006, 05:04 PM

Only because the Voyager is big, the tank opening is near the seat. If it is close enough for me to reach the pump then if I have to put down the side stand the handle bars are touching the pump. A bike with a traditional gas tank I could sit and fill. So the answer for me is Both. However as it is I have to get my wallet out and having 700 lbs between your legs requires some attention. You don't want it to far off center. Those pipes and other hard artifacts around the pump make funny shaped dents in the plastics:eek2:

budzrex

07-12-2006, 05:21 PM

Depends on who I am riding with and what type of day we are trying to have. If it is a lazy day of just fun with friends its off the bike. If we are trying to make time to get to a destination or beat darkness, cold or time its on the bike

NX2000

07-12-2006, 06:02 PM

Unless I have the need to stop I don't get off the bike, I just fill up, pay at the pump, and leave.

Rainmaker

07-12-2006, 06:23 PM

I just can't imagine being in THAT much of a hurry.

Both, it depends who is with me. Very seldom am I in a big hurry. However, I don't want to turn a 2 min. gas stop into a 45 min. ordeal. If you give some people an inch they will take a mile!

Squeaky

07-12-2006, 06:37 PM

...I don't want to turn a 2 min. gas stop into a 45 min. ordeal. If you give some people an inch they will take a mile!

hey, it was only 35 minutes and I reaaaaaaly needed the coffee! :giveup:

Rainmaker

07-12-2006, 07:14 PM

hey, it was only 35 minutes and I reaaaaaaly needed the coffee! :giveup:
UHHHH!! I wasn't talking about you. It UHHH was UHHHH someother people I ride with:coffee:

Gilk51

07-12-2006, 07:30 PM

UHHHH!! I wasn't talking about you. It UHHH was UHHHH someother people I ride with:coffee:
:rofl:

Who let this guy get full time internet, anyway? :rofl:

Squeaky

07-12-2006, 07:59 PM

Who let this guy get full time internet, anyway? :rofl:

I dunno, but if someone lends me some cable cutters and a flashlight I think I can take care of it... ;-)

Rainmaker

07-12-2006, 08:02 PM

I dunno, but if someone lends me some cable cutters and a flashlight I think I can take care of it... ;-)

When six months from now???:nana: :nana: :nana: :nana:

Rainmaker

07-12-2006, 08:05 PM

:rofl:

Who let this guy get full time internet, anyway? :rofl:

Oh, it was long over due!! I felt so left out and alone:tears:

Gilk51

07-12-2006, 08:11 PM

Oh, it was long over due!! I felt so left out and alone:tears:
and you just knew that people were talkin' about ya... :eek2:

STrider

07-13-2006, 07:57 AM

Always off the bike. Stretch the legs, get the wallet out, have a smoke, & go chat with the cutie at the station I frequent.

When I had the Legend, always on, as it had no centerstand.

Skid

07-13-2006, 09:05 AM

When I am on the CBR I fill up on the bike. If I were to let it lean over while filling I would end up missing about 3/4 gallon of gas. I only get about 140-160 miles as it is when fully topped off.

The VFR has a center stand so I generally am off the bike on this one.

Skid

wabbit

07-13-2006, 09:20 AM

Depends? In town and the gas light comes on I just refuel quickly and stay on the bike.

Out of town and riding 120 miles between gas stops, get off the bike and stretch.

Jack Giesecke

07-13-2006, 10:24 AM

If I'm on a trip, I want OFF that saddle after 150 miles of riding. I don't want gas all over my boys at any rate. If you stay in the saddle in a TMGP or CMRA endurance, you'll get meat balled for a penalty. THAT's a no no for good reason in racing. And, no, the engine can't be running, either. I've seen flame ups before.

Project-RD

07-13-2006, 10:37 AM

In the saddle. I suscribe to the whole topping off thing + I am lazy and putting down the side stand and actually getting off the bike requires EFFORT ... ;)

fallendown

07-13-2006, 10:41 AM

If I'm on a trip, I want OFF that saddle after 150 miles of riding. I don't want gas all over my boys at any rate. .

It will remove the tarnish, even from brass.....:rofl:

now, about that banning thing....

FotoMoto

07-13-2006, 11:17 AM

Before pay at the pump, you had to get off the bike unless the service station had a curious or enthusiast working. Now if it's pay at the pump, I don't get off unless I'm on a long road trip and want to stretch or bio-break.

I can't believe NJ still has mandatory filling stations employees. You can't pump your own. I wonder what they do for bikes? "Can I clean that face shield for you sir? Lube the chain?":lol2:

TexBiker

07-13-2006, 11:19 AM

Always off the bike for me. In the past 20yrs, fueling up while sitting on the bike has never even crossed my mind.

SVSjason

07-13-2006, 04:09 PM

This thread should've been titled

"Sit or Stand"...

I'm a sitter.:oops:; bikes with 3.5gal tanks need all the help they can get!

Jack Giesecke

07-14-2006, 02:06 PM

Ever see that sign at some stations..."No topping off tank". I never figured that one out for motorcycles, either. :rolleyes: Laws and rules ain't made with motorcycles in mind.

Velocipede

07-14-2006, 04:08 PM

Ever see that sign at some stations..."No topping off tank". I never figured that one out for motorcycles, either. :rolleyes: Laws and rules ain't made with motorcycles in mind.

There are policies, and there are laws. I believe the top off restriction falls under policy.:trust:

Rainmaker

07-14-2006, 04:30 PM

Laws and rules ain't made with motorcycles in mind.

Either are the new saftey nozzles, that when used on a car will engage the saftey switch but will not work on a bike because the nozzle bottoms out inside the tank first.

Tracker

07-14-2006, 10:39 PM

99% of the time-off. Just seems like the prudent thing to do. One wacky gas nozzle and a hot engine. :eek2:

Jesse H

07-17-2006, 07:42 PM

I don't trust the auto click-off feature on the nozzles when I'm filling up the bike so I'll stick a couple of fingers between the lever and the stop. Sure I'm not getting maximum flow but at least I have better control of t he flow.

Berkshire

07-18-2006, 02:52 AM

Standing over the saddle.

That's the only way to FILL the tank. The tank is small, so I really need to top it off, and the bike leans WAY over when it's on the side stand.

If I'm riding for "transportation" purposes (like to work) then YES, there's a good chance that I really AM in too much of a hurry to get off and walk around just for the sake of walking around. The seat is low enough that I can stretch my legs and let the blood flow back into my nether regions, which is good enough for a fuel stop in the middle of a cross-town commute.

If I'm on a longer ride, then I'll want to take some time and walk around, get food and/or drink, and visit the men's room or the far side of a tree. I do those other things first, and then get on the bike and refuel when I'm ready to get back on the road. That way I'm not putting the bike on the stand with a freshly topped-off tank, and possibly spilling fuel into the vent line.

But the main reason is so that I can refuel with the bike standing upright - the same way I check the oil.

P-Ratt

07-18-2006, 11:25 AM

Off. I am paranoid about losing footing or some other silly mishap while reaching for the hose or the card reader. Besides, it's easier to get my wallet out if I am off the bike. As far as getting a "complete" fill-up or whatever, I figured out how much goes in and establish my own fill line. No worries about low level full tanks.

terrebandit

07-18-2006, 05:19 PM

I recently got a speedpass making it very easy to fill up without getting off the bike. If I'm on a long distance ride, I usually always dismount to stretch; however, on short rides or when I'm still feeling "fresh" I'll just stay on the bike. I hate being the last one to gear back up and have everyone waiting on me.

Texian

07-18-2006, 05:26 PM

P-Ratt

07-18-2006, 09:55 PM

Do you use the Speedpass key fob or watch band? I don't know if I would have the fob attached to my bike key.

terrebandit

07-18-2006, 10:18 PM

Do you use the Speedpass key fob or watch band? I don't know if I would have the fob attached to my bike key.

I attached mine to a retractable-type key chain that is attached to my tank bag.

Dave

Texian

07-19-2006, 06:59 AM

Do you use the Speedpass key fob or watch band? I don't know if I would have the fob attached to my bike key.

I think it might get beat up a bit attached to the bike key. Mine is attached to my other keys in my pocket.

..I like the zip-teather to the tankbag idea.

I've never seen the "watch band" type.

1TallTXn

07-29-2006, 09:32 AM

I generally get off. my VFR's sidestand keeps it upright enough that i'm not worried about the 2oz of gas that I would get if I put it on the center stand.

my tankbag lives on the tank and ~1/2 of the time i've got a passenger, so that pretty much requires that I get off.

I've fueled up in the saddle and its fine, but its tricky to get the wallet out with gloves on and a loaded bike under ya

Larry_77084

07-30-2006, 11:25 PM

On, I only get off if I have to pee and am away from the pump.

ColGoodnight

08-04-2006, 06:08 PM

Well, since my filler is in the floorboard, under my feet, I get off.

Tom

TexasSportBiker

10-11-2006, 01:32 PM

Out of the saddle for me, and get it on the center stand to be nice and level.

TripleD

10-12-2006, 10:12 AM

Usually on the bike. Its awkward fueling off the bike to me.

Stephen Max

10-13-2006, 07:05 AM

I always refuel the Kwakker after getting off and putting it on its center stand to get it level. It doesn't feel natural to be sitting on it.

The big fizz, however, doesn't have a center stand, so I always refuel it while sitting on it and holding it upright. That feels perfectly natural.

Weird, huh?

Shaggy

10-19-2006, 02:00 PM

Off the bike, use the centerstand.

Hillflea

10-19-2006, 09:42 PM

You ever spill gas on your crotch, It's out of the saddle for me...

That could give a hole new meaning to the term "croch rocket":shock: :eek2: :nono:

On the bike for me.

hardybaker

11-01-2006, 06:12 AM

I get off the bike to refuel as I always stop three to four feet from the pump. Why, because if the bike should fall over, it won't hit the pump or the concrete island the pump is mounted on. Also, this far from the pump you usually won't find any spilled gasoline ro run across. I leave the GS on the side stand. When I did my iron butt run, I refuled from the seat.

Squeaky

11-01-2006, 10:35 AM

I get off the bike to refuel as I always stop three to four feet from the pump. Why, because if the bike should fall over, it won't hit the pump or the concrete island the pump is mounted on.

I have tended to park so close that I have to stand the bike up off the sidestand just to get to the nozzle. At this distance, if it tips over the pump should catch it before it builds any downword momentum.

Also, I take too long to refuel if I get off the bike, take off the helmet and gloves, etc. Well, that's what all the people I ride with say... :giveup: