I just returned from a 40 mile ride. During the last few miles I smelled gasoline but suspected it was from the cages around me. When I turned the bike off at home, I noticed that my right pant leg from mid-calf down was damp with gasoline. No visible leaks, however. Any ideas? Thank you.
BB01
Fuel leak--but from where?
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ScooterCop
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The fuel lines and breathers run on the right side of the bike. There have been recalls on some bikes (My bike is a 2003 R which I beleive is classed as a 2004 model in USA and was re-called in December 2003) due to problems with the quick release fuel line connections leaking.
Suggest you get this checked out asap and do not ride bike until the source of the fuel leak is found and repaired. You can do a quick check by removing the plastic fuel line cover just below the tank on the right hand side, it is held in place by a screw and the fuel lines will be revealed.
Suggest you get this checked out asap and do not ride bike until the source of the fuel leak is found and repaired. You can do a quick check by removing the plastic fuel line cover just below the tank on the right hand side, it is held in place by a screw and the fuel lines will be revealed.
Allan
2003 R1150R Twin Spark, (Black - the fastest colour)
2003 R1150R Twin Spark, (Black - the fastest colour)
You don't say what year your bike is but it's likely that the culprit is the gas tank quick disconnect(s) - they are plastic and frequently crack, break or leak around the O-rings. Another source could be improperly tightened Oeticker clamps on the fuel lines. If your bike is old enough, the rubber fuel line itself could be cracked and leaking. In any event, the leak needs to be identified and the problem fixed before you ride again. Fire between your legs can make for a very unpleasant day.
There was a recall to do just that for '03 and I believe '04 bikes, so you may want to check and perhaps get things fixed on BMWs dime. Alternatively, you could pull the tank and check all the fuel lines, fittings and QDs. You can get replacement line and clamps at your local auto parts store (hose is 8mmx12mm and I think you can use 3/8"x1/2" replacements - make sure you use FI clamps, not the worm-type). Make sure you label the breather lines on the tank. As for the QDs, you can get replacements at your dealer (apparently the new ones are a better grade of plastic and don't break as frerquently) or use aftermarket metal ones such as those from Omega http://www.omega.com/.
The parts for the standard 8/12mm hose are
FT-LCD170-05 Inline Brass Coupling Bodies (need 2)
FT-LCD220-05 Straight Brass Coupling Insert (need 2).
Good luck. If you need help, there are lots of folks on this site who are far more knowlegeable than me, so just post the question.
Charlie
There was a recall to do just that for '03 and I believe '04 bikes, so you may want to check and perhaps get things fixed on BMWs dime. Alternatively, you could pull the tank and check all the fuel lines, fittings and QDs. You can get replacement line and clamps at your local auto parts store (hose is 8mmx12mm and I think you can use 3/8"x1/2" replacements - make sure you use FI clamps, not the worm-type). Make sure you label the breather lines on the tank. As for the QDs, you can get replacements at your dealer (apparently the new ones are a better grade of plastic and don't break as frerquently) or use aftermarket metal ones such as those from Omega http://www.omega.com/.
The parts for the standard 8/12mm hose are
FT-LCD170-05 Inline Brass Coupling Bodies (need 2)
FT-LCD220-05 Straight Brass Coupling Insert (need 2).
Good luck. If you need help, there are lots of folks on this site who are far more knowlegeable than me, so just post the question.
Charlie
'03 R1150R
Life member 365
Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
Life member 365
Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
If a quick disconnect has failed, you would know it when the bike is turned on. It's probably the fuel line clamps leaking. The original ones are a crimp-clamp which are not ideal.
When it get's cold (it's mostly caused by temperature changes) the fuel lines shrinks a little and the crimped clamp can't adjust. It's best to replace the clamps with real fuel injection fuel line clamps.
You can get them at most auto parts stores, but first do a search in this board for "fuel line clamps" to find the correct size.
When it get's cold (it's mostly caused by temperature changes) the fuel lines shrinks a little and the crimped clamp can't adjust. It's best to replace the clamps with real fuel injection fuel line clamps.
You can get them at most auto parts stores, but first do a search in this board for "fuel line clamps" to find the correct size.
John
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
I had the same problem yesterday. I wanted to take the bike to work and had started it and was letting it idle for about a minute before I took off. Ordinarily I start it and go, but it was pretty cold overnight. Noticed the gas dripping from the right side of the tank. I didn't have time to troubleshoot it, so I jumped in the car and went. Later that afternoon I started the bike and no leaks 
.
I knew that the QDs were the most likely culprit, so I had picked up a couple 5/16" hose barbs and 4 FI clamps from NAPA on my way home. What confused me was that the gas was coming from the tank, ABOVE the QDs. I know it's possible that the gas sprayed up from the connection, but I had my doubts. I removed the tank and re-torqued the fuel filter cover nuts. With the tank off, more than half full, and pressurized, there were no leaks whatsoever, even when it was upside down.
I ended up replacing the QDs just to be safe and did more than an hour's worth of local driving without any visible leaks. I thought I smelled gas once, but when I stopped, all was dry.
I'll be taking the bike to work again today, so I hope it's fixed.
. I knew that the QDs were the most likely culprit, so I had picked up a couple 5/16" hose barbs and 4 FI clamps from NAPA on my way home. What confused me was that the gas was coming from the tank, ABOVE the QDs. I know it's possible that the gas sprayed up from the connection, but I had my doubts. I removed the tank and re-torqued the fuel filter cover nuts. With the tank off, more than half full, and pressurized, there were no leaks whatsoever, even when it was upside down.
I ended up replacing the QDs just to be safe and did more than an hour's worth of local driving without any visible leaks. I thought I smelled gas once, but when I stopped, all was dry.
I'll be taking the bike to work again today, so I hope it's fixed.
Fuel Stain
I had what sounds like the same problem with one of the QDs and changed it, but have a nasty stain on drive cover. I should have stopped the leak by disconnectting the QD while waiting for part, I have tried several cleaners but can't get rid of the un-sightly bugger. Any suggestions? Thanks
Jim Goodart
Niceville, Florida
Niceville, Florida