How Do You Refuel?

[Nice n Easy Rider]

Hi Everyone,

 

When I refuel I always put the bike up on the center stand. I always figured if it was level I'd be able to get more fuel in it. I'm one month out after my back surgery and the doc has ordered me to stay off the bike at least another month. When I see him in January I'll be trying to convince him that I won't be doing any serious lifting or twisting of the back if I resume riding (please don't let me drop it ) Any reason I can't/shouldn't refuel when on the side stand?

[chaparral]

I have always refueled on the side stand. Have been since 1956, no problems. Course you'll be about a 500cc light on the fill up and hafta pull in to fill up on the left.

[Paul Mihalka]

Not reason at all not to refuel with the bike on the side stand. I would guess the difference in refill on side stand vs. center stand is minimal. With the huge gas tank of the RT you always have a good range before reserve.

[motoguy128]

Most motorcycles don't have centerstands. No reason you can;t fill form the sidestand. I've doen this a few times. I've also pulled up close and filled while sitting on the bike, but probably not the best idea safety-wise.

 

You might not be able ot top off hte last 1/4 gallon, so you'll have to suffer with only a 6.9-7 gallon capacity... Oh how tragic. Otherwise no issues.

 

 

[Marty Hill]

I use gas. Anyone use something else?

[Penforhire]

I'm with Paul. I've refueled on the side stand and I mostly notice a little less volume available. The difference is small as getting a complete fill on my RT is a pain in any event. The last 3/4 gallon or so is tricky without splashing.

[drzep]

I stay seated on the bike. Have you tried that approach? The bike stays upright, you fill to capacity, and in your case less back strain because you don't have to dismount.

[Nice n Easy Rider]

Hi Everyone,

 

When I refuel I always put the bike up on the center stand. I always figured if it was level I'd be able to get more fuel in it. I'm one month out after my back surgery and the doc has ordered me to stay off the bike at least another month. When I see him in January I'll be trying to convince him that I won't be doing any serious lifting or twisting of the back if I resume riding (please don't let me drop it ) Any reason I can't/shouldn't refuel when on the side stand?

 

Thanks for all the replies. Either on the sidestand or while seated should be pretty easy on the back. I feel confident that I can make a good case to my doc next month to let me back on the bike. That should go over well with the wife since my mood over the last month has certainly not been as good as it is when I'm riding.

[tallman]

I use gas. Anyone use something else?

 

 

I pull in at the pump right after Marty.

He forgets to turn it off and I get free gas.

 

 

Used to always put it on centerstand due to concerns of spills.

But, last x years I stay on bike and refill while seated.

[motoguy128]

One concern about filling while seated is that is may require you to reach and twist in a nawkward position. This could be far worse for your back than putting the bike on a centerstand. Actually when done correctly the centerstand requires very little lifting from the upper body. I'd estimate that 90% of the force required in from you body weight pressing down with your foot.

 

I wouldn't take any chances and just use the sidestand.

[Semper_Fi]

Addtional caution on the seated filling - spilling gas - DAMHIK!!

 

I would fill off of the bike on side stand - my usual process however is on centerstand for confirming full fill but until you can easily lift the bike with no concerns of re-injury side filling is fine.

 

 

[drzep]

What kind of gas pumps do you have in Iowa? I don't even fully extend my arm to swipe my card, lift the nozzle, fill and replace. Pretty sure I can do it with zero pivot about my sacroiliac joint. Perhaps I'm just too tall and lanky...

 

BUt I would agree. Just do it on the side stand if your worried. Center stand if you can put it up without pain.

[Baja 65]

Hey, If you realy want to ride just tell your doctor that you are

moving to Oregon, were it is agaist the law to pump your own gas.

Just kidding what ever you do, don't rehurt your back that would be bad.

[motoguy128]

What kind of gas pumps do you have in Iowa? I don't even fully extend my arm to swipe my card, lift the nozzle, fill and replace. Pretty sure I can do it with zero pivot about my sacroiliac joint. Perhaps I'm just too tall and lanky...

 

BUt I would agree. Just do it on the side stand if your worried. Center stand if you can put it up without pain.

 

wiht side cases on the bike you are placed at least 2-3 feet from the pump. The card swipe is normally about 30 inches above and to the left of the nozzle. I still od this occasionally, but it does require you to turn your upper body while keepiung the lower body stationary to balance the bike.

 

It might also seem a little harder fo me because I have my seat in the high position, so it can't lean very much or I have no footing on one side. It depends on the pump and how close up I pulled to the pump.

[Mister Tee]

I think I would have to be in some sort of extreme rush to fuel my bike while I'm on it. First of all, I can't fish my wallet out of my pants seated, and secondly, fuel stops are also stretch and pee breaks.

[sundaeman]

For daily riding I have a SpeedPass on my key ring. Turn off the ignition, unlock the tank lid, hold it up to the spot and fill up. Works well, since I usually refuel when I leave for work in the AM and the gas station is less than a mile away.

 

[BanjoBoy]

I always use the center stand. (Except after ankle surgery while I have this silly walking boot on. It's hard to get on the center stand right now.)

Wouldn't recommend sitting on the bike, I had a friend spill fuel on his private parts, (while sitting/fueling) and it ruined his whole day. From what I hear it's not a very pleasant sensation.

 

Andy

[waylap]

I always fill while still on the bike. I used to get off and use the side stand but now I'm lazier. I pull up real close though so I can reach everything easy.

[Tetz]

Just a side note and don't mean to steal the thread. I too fill up while seated on the bike but while I was up in Canada..I think Quebec, a gas station attendant scolded me for sitting on the bike while fueling. He claimed it was against the law to do it. Any northern neighbors know the law on this?

[mackerman]

I'm in the on the bike with the sidestand down crowd. I pull the wallet out of the tankbag, swipe the card, keep the bike centered with my toes and fill it up...

 

Just don't forget to put the sidestand down EVERYTIME or you'll end up in an embarrasing position somewhere between your bike and the face of the fuel pump...

[lvnvbiker]

I refuel on the centerstand or sitting on the bike myself, but if you are going to not follow the dr's orders and ride anyway you could put the bike on the sidestand, take care of the card stuff, get back on fill up and close the cap, then put it back on the sidestand and finish your transaction. I'll tell you though that my wife had her back done and did not follow dr's orders and is still on as much pain med as I am without sugery and hers is getting worse. Now I will admit that I probably would be violating the dr's terms myself and have been known to do my own thing in the past. Be aware of what you are doing and if it hurts stop and rethink how you are aproaching the task at hand. I would try the centerstand myself, I have a few badly herniated disks in the lumbar region and find that the centerstand does not give me any trouble as long as I use my bodyweight to press instead of trying to lift the bike. Where ther is a will there will always be a way.

[mistercindy]

I've never refueled on anything but the sidestand. No issues.

[Twisties]

Always refuel on the side stand, me off the bike. Way too dangerous to be on the bike IMO.

 

I realize THIS is a little different, but it points out that pumps do malfunction. Auto shutoff's are failable.

[bakerzdosen]

Hey, If you realy want to ride just tell your doctor that you are

moving to Oregon, were it is agaist the law to pump your own gas.

Not on a motorcycle. The attendant has to hand you the pump handle, but after that you're on your own.

 

Personally, I either fill on the center stand or while still on the bike. On my ST, it makes a bit of difference, but nothing so great that I'd worry about it if I had back problems.

[cwillson]

I have filled my bike from Prince Edward Island to Ontario and I am unaware of any 'rules' that speak to sitting on bike while filling fuel.

 

Craig

[Nice n Easy Rider]

I refuel on the centerstand or sitting on the bike myself, but if you are going to not follow the dr's orders and ride anyway you could put the bike on the sidestand, take care of the card stuff, get back on fill up and close the cap, then put it back on the sidestand and finish your transaction. I'll tell you though that my wife had her back done and did not follow dr's orders and is still on as much pain med as I am without sugery and hers is getting worse. Now I will admit that I probably would be violating the dr's terms myself and have been known to do my own thing in the past. Be aware of what you are doing and if it hurts stop and rethink how you are aproaching the task at hand. I would try the centerstand myself, I have a few badly herniated disks in the lumbar region and find that the centerstand does not give me any trouble as long as I use my bodyweight to press instead of trying to lift the bike. Where ther is a will there will always be a way.

 

Ivnvbiker:

Just want to make it clear - I have no intention of violating the doctor's orders. I just want to be able to make my case when I see him in early Jan. that I can start to ride again without having to do any extraordinary lifting or twisting. As much as I want to get back on the bike again I'm not going to risk what now appears to be a successful surgery for an extra few weeks of riding. But I do feel that I can handle the bike without a lot of undue lifting or twisting, particularly if I rely solely on the sidestand. Thanks for the input.

[motoguy128]

One other thought about riding after surgery. We don't like to think about it, but even a very minor crash or even trying to save a tip-over will involve a whole long of twisting and bending.

 

You might want to give it an extra few weeks, even after the Dr, gives it an OK. That one minor spill soon after could be the last tiem you ride a bike.

 

You might also consider wearing a full back protector if you don't already to privide additonal support. I found that it also acts a little like a back brace/support as well.

[Unhofliche_Gesundheit]

motoguys back protector is an excellent idea. i second it - i have a 12" high neoprene wrap with velcro that i use when my back goes - kind of thing movers wear to support back - just to be on the safe side to stop any herky-jerky, limit movement, and provide support.

when my back goes it is a lifesaver. can get from pharmacies i think. the label on it says healthways.

 

as for the fueling i never even thought about putting it on the center stand. consideration of center vs. side stand to me borders on the most trivial of matters . my standard operating principle for stand selection (:SOPSS" ) is i put the bike on center stand when it is going to be parked for a while - i.e 6+ hours to take a load off the tires and suspension (or danger of sinking into hot pavement) - for short stops i always use the side stand - thems my rules -and i like em fine.

[Boffin]

I stay seated on the bike. Have you tried that approach? The bike stays upright, you fill to capacity, and in your case less back strain because you don't have to dismount.

 

A workmate of mine just got out of hospital after being blown across a petrol station forecourt. He was stood alongside his scooter when the fuel vapour around the bike ignited. He suffered minor burns and a broken arm. His scooter was destroyed by the fire despite the rapid response of the attendants.

 

I would not like to think what would happen to a motorcyclist sat astride a bike if the same thing occurred.

 

Andy

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

His scooter was destroyed by the fire despite the rapid response of the attendants.

 

I would not like to think what would happen to a motorcyclist sat astride a bike if the same thing occurred.

 

To start with, given what I see here in the states, I wouldn't count on much in the way of a rapid/effective response from the attendant...

[TomfromMD]

Hi Everyone,

 

When I refuel I always put the bike up on the center stand. I always figured if it was level I'd be able to get more fuel in it. I'm one month out after my back surgery and the doc has ordered me to stay off the bike at least another month. When I see him in January I'll be trying to convince him that I won't be doing any serious lifting or twisting of the back if I resume riding (please don't let me drop it ) Any reason I can't/shouldn't refuel when on the side stand?

 

1. Listen to your doctor - I started doing stretches after 6 weeks and had to have a 2nd diskectomy.

2. If you push down with your foot on the centerstand, you will only have to guide the bike up with your right hand - there should be no lifting involved.

3. In order to get the maximum amount of fuel into the tank, I've removed the rubber grommet (aka the "thingy") from the filler neck and I put the bike on the centerstand.

4. If you choose to fill on the sidestand, make certain you've parked it in gear.

 

Hope the surgery solves all your back & leg problems and that your riding again soon!

Tom

[drzep]

That's a terrible story Andy - hope he is well! On the other hand, the likelihood of that happening is pretty darn low so I'll continue to take my chances.

[lvnvbiker]

Just looking out for a fellow rider, hell I was on mine xtwo days after I injured myself and have gone against the grain quite alot when it comes to medical advice. My point was actualy not if you are or are not following dr's orders but that as long as you are pain free you should be fine, at the first idea of discomfort some rethinking is in order. Best of luck to you and you are in my thoughts for a smooth recovery.

[bimmers]

Refuel?? These are high mpg bikes so that is a rare occasion, just kidding.

 

I just do what feels good each time. Pull wallet from chest pocket feels worst. I quite often stay on bike and fill as much as I can with the neck thingy in there. If I get off bike I usually pull it up on centerstand.

 

When I first had my 1150R and did not understand to use my weight to get it up on centerstand it sure strained my back. By stepping on the stand and just lightly pulling the bike back it is a breeze even wtih my 160lbs.

 

Careful with twisting motions though, that is how I get my back out, a silly little move and I realize something was not in place.

 

Good luck.

[Unhofliche_Gesundheit]

well this tread is still alive....so may i jump in and share something for back sufferers everywhere - i used to have a terrible back (forever being sore, getting strained by any small bad move etc ) until as directed i "strengthened my core".

so let me just take the opportunity to harrangue everyone to do core strengthening exerices! the increase in quality of life is phenomical (oh and do some cardio and weights and eat clean but we can get to that later )

 

think of core exercises as preventative maintenance - a bit like checking your oil and air and changing your fluids.. y'all do this for your bike 'cause you know you need to so you can count on your bike. same goes for your back (and the rest of your body too).

 

most people know this but dont act. if only one person reading this post decides - hey yah this is a bwm guy telling me - must be true and acts then that would make today a good day. cheers.

[Nice n Easy Rider]

well this tread is still alive....so may i jump in and share something for back sufferers everywhere - i used to have a terrible back (forever being sore, getting strained by any small bad move etc ) until as directed i "strengthened my core".

so let me just take the opportunity to harrangue everyone to do core strengthening exerices! the increase in quality of life is phenomical (oh and do some cardio and weights and eat clean but we can get to that later )

 

think of core exercises as preventative maintenance - a bit like checking your oil and air and changing your fluids.. y'all do this for your bike 'cause you know you need to so you can count on your bike. same goes for your back (and the rest of your body too).

 

most people know this but dont act. if only one person reading this post decides - hey yah this is a bwm guy telling me - must be true and acts then that would make today a good day. cheers.

 

Thanks for the suggestion Cameron. Along that note my doctor has me going to physical therapy for the next six weeks - not because of the surgery per se (after all, they had me up and walking 3 hrs after the 4 1/2 hr operation) but because, as the doctor put it, "you need to get all those abdomen and back muscles that you have been neglecting for the last two years back into shape".

[PonchoV]

So are you still riding or what ?

[IRPUK]

Personally I tend to sit on the bike and refuel, once full I put it on the side-stand and then go and pay (not too many 'pay at pump' over here).

 

I have had the attendant tell me I cannot sit on the bike to refuel for health and safety reasons - there is a small risk of bad grounding and sparks I accept - but even he did not push the point; although he did show me a nice laminated card they show to all bikes who do it explaining the risk.

 

This is also a Shell station that does not like wearing helmets whilst refuelling (signs saying they will not release the pumps), but I never have problems with wearing and filling although all the scooter boys do as they have to remove to fill.

 

I suppose it is a personal decision as to how to fill the tank, but I would never put it on the centre-stand to refuel, not because it is hard (easy to move the RT) but because I would generally put the side down before getting off and am too lazy to take another 5 seconds

 

 

 

Keep on rolling...

[Solo6]

Sitting on a motorcycle to refuel is a REALLY BAD IDEA.

 

You wouldn't believe the static electricity charges you build up, and it's NOT ALL ONE CHARGE. You have several different, electrically-isolated areas, each of which develops its own charge, which is not swamped when the adjacent charge is grounded. Others swamp slowly to other parts, so having grounded one part doesn't mean it's zero potential.

 

If you still have a charge on your filler when you touch the nozzle to it, you can get your 15 minutes of fame.

 

The rule on helmets is anti-theft. If you have your helmet on, you're harder to identify, and you can just jump on and take off. When you have removed your brain bucket, the camera gets a good look, and if you start putting it back on before paying, they have a chance to stop you.

 

 

[Ponch]

Personally I tend to sit on the bike and refuel, once full I put it on the side-stand and then go and pay (not too many 'pay at pump' over here).

 

I have had the attendant tell me I cannot sit on the bike to refuel for health and safety reasons - there is a small risk of bad grounding and sparks I accept - but even he did not push the point; although he did show me a nice laminated card they show to all bikes who do it explaining the risk.

 

This is also a Shell station that does not like wearing helmets whilst refuelling (signs saying they will not release the pumps), but I never have problems with wearing and filling although all the scooter boys do as they have to remove to fill.

 

I suppose it is a personal decision as to how to fill the tank, but I would never put it on the centre-stand to refuel, not because it is hard (easy to move the RT) but because I would generally put the side down before getting off and am too lazy to take another 5 seconds

 

 

 

Keep on rolling...

 

I've heard about your health and safety

 

[tallman]

So are you still riding or what ?

 

 

Perhaps you should peruse the other forums.

[Nice n Easy Rider]

So are you still riding or what ?

Every chance I get.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

Personally I tend to sit on the bike and refuel, once full I put it on the side-stand and then go and pay (not too many 'pay at pump' over here).

 

I'm not sure what's gained by staying on the bike while refueling.

 

Also, it seems like it puts an awful lot at risk. Do it enough times and there will be a spill. Most likely you could avoid ignition sources, but that would still leave your genitalia soaking in gasoline, an irritant and carcinogen. Except for interstate truck plazas, I've yet to see a gas station with a shower, which means you would end up at the bathroom sink, pants and underwear around your ankles, lathering your crotch with handsoap, and then standing in front of the hot-air hand dryer for half an hour. And unless you're on a trip (or firmly subscribe to the Boy Scout motto "be prepared"), you're not going to have clean clothes to change into; you'll be buying a souvenir T-shirt and shorts from a gas station you'd really rather not remember. And after you get home, your favorite riding pants will smell like gasoline for weeks, if not longer.

 

Still, a feller's gotta live his own life. Do whatever you want; I'll continue to dismount prior to filling the tank.

[Ponch]

Personally I tend to sit on the bike and refuel, once full I put it on the side-stand and then go and pay (not too many 'pay at pump' over here).

 

I'm not sure what's gained by staying on the bike while refueling.

 

Also, it seems like it puts an awful lot at risk. Do it enough times and there will be a spill. Most likely you could avoid ignition sources, but that would still leave your genitalia soaking in gasoline, an irritant and carcinogen. Except for interstate truck plazas, I've yet to see a gas station with a shower, which means you would end up at the bathroom sink, pants and underwear around your ankles, lathering your crotch with handsoap, and then standing in front of the hot-air hand dryer for half an hour. And unless you're on a trip (or firmly subscribe to the Boy Scout motto "be prepared"), you're not going to have clean clothes to change into; you'll be buying a souvenir T-shirt and shorts from a gas station you'd really rather not remember. And after you get home, your favorite riding pants will smell like gasoline for weeks, if not longer.

 

Still, a feller's gotta live his own life. Do whatever you want; I'll continue to dismount prior to filling the tank.

 

It might be just as likely to take a bath in petrol from the fuel pump flange leaking from cracks. YMMV.

[Chuck U Farley]

Personally I tend to sit on the bike and refuel, once full I put it on the side-stand and then go and pay (not too many 'pay at pump' over here).

 

I'm not sure what's gained by staying on the bike while refueling.

 

Also, it seems like it puts an awful lot at risk. Do it enough times and there will be a spill. Most likely you could avoid ignition sources, but that would still leave your genitalia soaking in gasoline, an irritant and carcinogen. Except for interstate truck plazas, I've yet to see a gas station with a shower, which means you would end up at the bathroom sink, pants and underwear around your ankles, lathering your crotch with handsoap, and then standing in front of the hot-air hand dryer for half an hour. And unless you're on a trip (or firmly subscribe to the Boy Scout motto "be prepared"), you're not going to have clean clothes to change into; you'll be buying a souvenir T-shirt and shorts from a gas station you'd really rather not remember. And after you get home, your favorite riding pants will smell like gasoline for weeks, if not longer.

 

Still, a feller's gotta live his own life. Do whatever you want; I'll continue to dismount prior to filling the tank.

 

It might be just as likely to take a bath in petrol from the fuel pump flange leaking from cracks. YMMV.

 

Either way nut sac bathed in petrol has very little upside. imho

[Ponch]

Personally I tend to sit on the bike and refuel, once full I put it on the side-stand and then go and pay (not too many 'pay at pump' over here).

 

I'm not sure what's gained by staying on the bike while refueling.

 

Also, it seems like it puts an awful lot at risk. Do it enough times and there will be a spill. Most likely you could avoid ignition sources, but that would still leave your genitalia soaking in gasoline, an irritant and carcinogen. Except for interstate truck plazas, I've yet to see a gas station with a shower, which means you would end up at the bathroom sink, pants and underwear around your ankles, lathering your crotch with handsoap, and then standing in front of the hot-air hand dryer for half an hour. And unless you're on a trip (or firmly subscribe to the Boy Scout motto "be prepared"), you're not going to have clean clothes to change into; you'll be buying a souvenir T-shirt and shorts from a gas station you'd really rather not remember. And after you get home, your favorite riding pants will smell like gasoline for weeks, if not longer.

 

Still, a feller's gotta live his own life. Do whatever you want; I'll continue to dismount prior to filling the tank.

 

It might be just as likely to take a bath in petrol from the fuel pump flange leaking from cracks. YMMV.

 

Either way nut sac bathed in petrol has very little upside. imho

 

[Solo6]

Either way nut sac bathed in petrol has very little upside.

 

Maybe that's one of those "alternate lifestyles" Californians love to promote.

[Ponch]

Either way nut sac bathed in petrol has very little upside.

 

Maybe that's one of those "alternate lifestyles" Californians love to promote.

 

Or may be it's a design feature promoted by NOW.

[IRPUK]

Guys,

 

I know what you mean about the risk of spilling petrol where I my not want it when filling the bike whilst on it, but not had the problem yet....

 

Of course, it is worth noting that pumps in the UK tend to operate a little slower than the US and that I am also VERY careful. Last time I was in Utah, I filled the tank on my rental so fast it was scary, never had that problem here.

 

As I said earlier, personal choice to fill a tank whilst sat on the bike. Your comments are correct, it is perhaps not the safest thing I could do, but then again neither is riding the carpark that we call the M25; scene of many a strange move from the cars.

 

However, i do respect the views expressed and may try to fill on the stand for a while and see how it goes for me.