Hard to fill gas tank-

[connie14boy]

I have been having a hernia trying to fill the tank on my bike- anywhere inSo. Cal. it's the same pain in the ass. I get the nozzle in but can't get it to start filling- it just doesn't make sense. I have come really close to running out and having to find 2-3 stations before I can get gas to trickle in very slowly? Anyone else having problems or probably just me as always..

[katata1100]

First, let me say how much I hate socal!
Ok,now to the problem:
CA has pumps with a funky vapor recovery thingie. They are worried that a a few fumes from the gas nozzle will go up and pollute the air (while they ignore the illegals driving around in an uninsured '82 Toyota with smoke coming out of the exhaust, but that is another thread).
So, when filling, you have to defeat this contraption to fill the tank. You might kill a few flies, but it beats walking home.
When filling, hold the nozzle and trigger with the right hand. Grab the rubber thing with the left hand shove it up into the pump. Dispense fuel with end of the nozzle pipe about an inch above the gas tank opening. You should be able to see the fuel go into the tank.

[Jaxter]

I think there is a gadget sold which pulls the rubber neck back...I just can't remember where I have seen it

[SimonSaysDie]

I think there is a gadget sold which pulls the rubber neck back...I just can't remember where I have seen it

http://www.mccuff.com/

Don't let the picture of Goofball Senior on the website scare you off.  It actually does work, I used to use on on my other bike and never had an issue with it...except where to carry it.

I usually just stick 2 fingers under the rubber boot and then push the nozzle into the tank.  That normally pushes the boot up far enough to let the pump work.

[OregonJim]

Same problem here with my 2012, and it surprised me when I first encountered it. My 2004 R1150RT gas filler worked just like a car's -- shove the enviro nozzle in, hold firmly and pump until it stops. Kawi didn't think of this?

[Rhino]

http://www.mccuff.com/

Don't let the picture of Goofball Senior on the website scare you off.  It actually does work, I used to use on on my other bike and never had an issue with it...except where to carry it.

I usually just stick 2 fingers under the rubber boot and then push the nozzle into the tank.  That normally pushes the boot up far enough to let the pump work.

The video is funny. Had to get a couple of takes with him riding. I see how this could help with the vapor boots in CA but just as easy to pull the boot back with your left hand. I have no idea why you would use this in a state without the vapor recovery boots.

[Conrad]

I have been having a hernia trying to fill the tank on my bike- anywhere inSo. Cal. it's the same pain in the ass. I get the nozzle in but can't get it to start filling- it just doesn't make sense. I have come really close to running out and having to find 2-3 stations before I can get gas to trickle in very slowly? Anyone else having problems or probably just me as always..

You did open the gashole first right?   

[So Cal Joe]

I have an 09 which should be the same as all the rest and I don't have any trouble. It works both ways, put the nozzle in the tank and fill or pull the rubber boot back with 2 fingers and put the nozzle in the tank and fill.

[Tarheelbob]

http://www.aerostich.com/e-z-fill-nozzle-key.html


From the Aerostich catalogue:
If you’ve ever encountered the charmingly termed ‘evaporative recovery nozzles’ at gas stations, you know what a semi-spastic wrestling match with one of these flammable-spewing horses appendages can be like. All you’re trying to do is refuel your motorcycle, right? However, for those of us so afflicted, this nozzle key artfully retracts the corrugated... forepart of said alloy proboscis and allows you to gas your bike with a minimum of fuss and splatter. Small, light, packable, and a real help for those of us afflicted with such infernal devices. Get one, carry it in your tankbag and be prepared!

[connie14boy]

The attendants tell me that the rubber boot has to completely cover the hole for recovery of escaping fumes, or the pump will not work, and the cap does not go back far enough to accomodate the rubber boot. I have tried holding the rubber thing back too and this works only at Valero stations, of which there are very few where I am running it seems. This turns out to be my only gripe with the bike, but it's a major pisser to me.

[Rhino]

I have an 09 which should be the same as all the rest and I don't have any trouble. It works both ways, put the nozzle in the tank and fill or pull the rubber boot back with 2 fingers and put the nozzle in the tank and fill.

+1 I've never had a problem pulling back the boot.

[OregonLAN]

The attendants tell me that the rubber boot has to completely cover the hole for recovery of escaping fumes, or the pump will not work, and the cap does not go back far enough to accomodate the rubber boot. I have tried holding the rubber thing back too and this works only at Valero stations, of which there are very few where I am running it seems. This turns out to be my only gripe with the bike, but it's a major pisser to me.

That would make no sense. You would be unable to fill up gas cans or pretty much 50% of the motorcycles on the road. Having owned 6, I've yet to have one that I could jam the nozzle in and fill up. BTW, they have those boots at stations that fall into the DEQ inspection areas here in Oregon too.

[rush2112]

One brand has that here in Texas too. I think it's Shell Stations if I remember correctly.

PITA!

 

[So Cal Joe]

The attendants tell me that the rubber boot has to completely cover the hole for recovery of escaping fumes, or the pump will not work, and the cap does not go back far enough to accomodate the rubber boot. I have tried holding the rubber thing back too and this works only at Valero stations, of which there are very few where I am running it seems. This turns out to be my only gripe with the bike, but it's a major pisser to me.

What attendant??? there are no attendants at gas stations anymore, just counter help.
I usually gas up at Chevrons and Shell and have not had any problems at any stations.

Where in So Cal do you live??

This might be a case of ESO
Equipment
Superior
 to
Operator

[connie14boy]

The guy in Hemet can bite me- He sounds like a really cool dude like the Fonz...

[stevewfl]

Keep voting Nancy Pelosi and the green crowd in and you'll keep dealing with the green crowd and socialists, high taxes, vehicles you pay more for because of tighter emissions.......

Just keep voting that %$#^& in and then dealing with the CA crap.

Rant because I had the same prob in that Nazi state when I was out west. Plus I paid more for gas tax there to line her pockets.

[VirginiaJim]

Steve, let's keep the political tirades for the Arena, ok?

[Boomer]

I have only ever seen these vapour recovery hoods in California.
Whilst I guess they do work, the amount of vapour they prevent from escaping is almost certainly minor.
On motorcycles they are a PITA to use but I guess y'all don't have a choice.
As for taxes on gas, come over here and pay our taxes on gas.
Then you'll be convinced that California is still cheap.

[stevewfl]

Jim will do, politics is the obvious reason for the CA gas pump pains compared to other US states is why i thought it on topic.

[So Cal Joe]

The guy in Hemet can bite me- He sounds like a really cool dude like the Fonz...

Gee, Connie 14 Boy, don't get upset, it could be you and not the pump, since no one else that I know or ride with that  lives in Calif is having a problem. You did say in your first post "just me as always.."