Petrol fumes from filler cap

[Freddie]

Hi - Has anyone had any problems with the fuel cap on the 2010 GSA? I notice a very strong smell of petrol fumes each time I go into the garage. It's not coming from the engine, carbs, pipes (have looked something like a hyperactive anteater sniffing around the nether regions of the boxer...) It's definitely coming from the fuel cap. It's definitely shut, locked and (supposedly) tight - but there is a distinct fresh fume smell coming from the 7pm position. I'm sure there's supposed to be a vent to ensure no vacuum builds up - but in over 30 years, and 25 bikes, I've never had this problem before where it actually smells like this. It's all under warranty, so I could always just take it back - just wondering if 'they're all like that, mate'???

 

[Hax]

Hi Freddie

l've got 10 gsa, it's kept in a 8 x 6 (l think) bike garage and l've never had any such issue. Possibly a prob with the seal? & a ride to the dealer for peace of mind bud

 

[Sailor]

Freddie,

Last time I filled the tank on my 2011 GS, I filled it to the bottom of the red plastic filler neck and rode quarter of a mile home. Put the bike in the garage on the centrestand and left it.
Went into garage an hour later to find a petrol stain on the floor under the bike, and a very strong smell of petrol.
I assumed that I had overfilled the tank and residual heat in the engine had expanded the fuel and pushed some out of the breather.
Resolved not to try to squeeze so much petrol in from now on.
I didn't suspect a problem with the filler cap, but I'll keep my eye on it from now on.
Sailor

 

[Alex B]

Very common issue going back a few years. By all means take it to the dealers but unless there's an obvious seal problem, you'll have to live with it (like 000's of others, including me).

Another to add to the long list of foibles you'll come to love eventually.

 

[Bikerbuk]

Freddie,

Last time I filled the tank on my 2011 GS, I filled it to the bottom of the red plastic filler neck and rode quarter of a mile home. Put the bike in the garage on the centrestand and left it.
Went into garage an hour later to find a petrol stain on the floor under the bike, and a very strong smell of petrol.
I assumed that I had overfilled the tank and residual heat in the engine had expanded the fuel and pushed some out of the breather.
Resolved not to try to squeeze so much petrol in from now on.
I didn't suspect a problem with the filler cap, but I'll keep my eye on it from now on.
Sailor

Been there and done it myself. Tried to brim the tank for maximum range and some ended up down the vent tube (I think). Garage smelled strongly of fuel and a few puddles under the front nearside of the tank for a few days then it cleared up. Hope that's all it is for yours too!

 

[snerkler]

I've started filling mine up to the red neck in the fuel tank and I've started noticing strong smells of petrol. The first time I noticed it I stopped to check I'd put the cap back on properly. I'm glad you've posted this as I was going to ask the same question.
I've also noticed (don't ask me how) that if I shake/wobble the bike a bit I get a really strong smell of petrol
Also quite often the garage smells of petrol, but then the garage has smelt of petrol with every bike I've had.

 

[Freddie]

I've started filling mine up to the red neck in the fuel tank and I've started noticing strong smells of petrol. The first time I noticed it I stopped to check I'd put the cap back on properly. I'm glad you've posted this as I was going to ask the same question.
I've also noticed (don't ask me how) that if I shake/wobble the bike a bit I get a really strong smell of petrol
Also quite often the garage smells of petrol, but then the garage has smelt of petrol with every bike I've had.

Mine does the same - ie rock the bike back and forward, side to side, and the smell gets stronger. It must be to do with the vent/seal combo, and I can't believe it should be like that? It kind of implies whenever I do anything bumpy/twisty, I'll smell like a BP forecourt? - Maybe it is indeed a quirk I'll get to love - I think a little throb over to Vines at Guildford might be in order.....