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Filling tank in California

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 12:26 pm
by MX
Ok, I did a search, but haven't really found an answer:

I've been riding my bike for a couple months now and have filled it few times. In California, the nozzle has the rubber shroud on it which I have to hold back with my other hand to make the pump go. The problem is, the pumps here seem to only have 2 settings: "off" and "torrential". I can't seem to position the nozzle in any way to prevent a lot of splashback and gas shooting back out. I've tried several stations and they all seem to be that way. What do you do? I've thought about just filling my 5 gallon gas can and just using it to fill the motorcycle tank at home, but that's pretty inconvenient too. Would be nice if the gas pump had a "low" setting.

MX

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 12:30 pm
by gitarjunky
Pain in the "O Ring" isn't it? I just hold the sleeve thing back with my other hand (gets annoying and kind of hard to do after a few minutes) and put the nozzle in about 2 inches into the tank. I try to look in there so I can see when the right time to shut it off is. Its a pain, and I haven't figured out a better way to do it. The best is when you put it in the tank a little too far and the fumes coming out cause the auto shut off to kick on even though its not really full and you have to re-grip the stupid sleeve to get it going again. Sometimes it does come out really fast but, I like that better because then you don't have to hold back that dumb thing as long.

geez

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 6:51 pm
by Skel3tor1
That sounds like a pain in the butt. Oh well, at least you guys can legally lane split so it makes up for it. ^^

Re: geez

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 1:47 am
by storysunfolding
Skel3tor1 wrote:That sounds like a pain in the butt. Oh well, at least you guys can legally lane split so it makes up for it. ^^
+1

Re: geez

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 3:50 am
by fireguzzi
Skel3tor1 wrote:That sounds like a pain in the butt. Oh well, at least you guys can legally lane split so it makes up for it. ^^
+2

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 5:36 am
by isnowbrd
Yeah, I remember filling up my bike in California was no fun. My solution was to simply fill it less then completely full like I do here in MN.

That stupid rubber accordion thing is the dumbest invention ever. But lane-sharing does make it all worthwhile. I can't wait to get my bike back out there again.

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 5:47 am
by MX
The thing is, I don't need to lane split! We don't have that kind of traffic here.

Seems like there should be a low pressure button on the pump for filling motorcycles, gas cans, etc.

MX

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 6:23 am
by isnowbrd
MX wrote:The thing is, I don't need to lane split! We don't have that kind of traffic here.
Do you have stoplights? The best kind of lane-splitting is when you are waiting at a stoplight. Just go in between the cars that are waiting in line. When the light turns green, you are the first one out. Then repeat at the next red light. :D

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 6:50 am
by MX
isnowbrd wrote:
MX wrote:The thing is, I don't need to lane split! We don't have that kind of traffic here.
Do you have stoplights? The best kind of lane-splitting is when you are waiting at a stoplight. Just go in between the cars that are waiting in line. When the light turns green, you are the first one out. Then repeat at the next red light. :D
My commute to work involves 2 stop signs, 4 miles of highway (2 lanes each way) at full speed, 2 more stop signs and I'm there.

MX

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:33 pm
by gitarjunky
Alright, I'd definitely take lane splitting over 'better' fuel nozzles! In LA its impossible to get anywhere without lane splitting. I don't know how people can even drive cars out here...unless their sole purpose is to look for bikers to run over...sometimes it seems like thats their agenda! :laughing: