Gassing up

[Grub]

This morning as i gassed up with 98 octane at my regular BP station (cnr Kapiti Rd and SH1) using my regular technique of sitting on the bike and rocking it side-to-side so there is no air-bubble blow-back. So many of you know where this is going right.

Forecourt dude walks up and tells me to get off the bike next time. I tell him conversationally that when I do that, the trapped air blows gas out the filler, misses the catch channel around the filler and goes onto the tank where it runs down to hot engine. I tell him that as my bike doesn't have a main stand the way I do it there is no blowback and show him the overflow system that, when the bike is upright, catches the little splashes before they can get to the tank surface.

Dude points to the lil graphic that has a big red cross thru biker sitting on bike (I have really never seen that before) and says ... "don't come back here"

WTF?? This is the station where I had to run in and try and get staff attention (unsuccessfully) the other day when a brainless was standing beside the pumps lighting a fag. Nobody gave a shit, so I had to ask the smoker guy to stop - he was less than friendly about that, thought he was going to stub it out on me!

So what is their beef about sitting on bike and carefully filling it?

[yungatart]

It's not a safety thing - it's to prevent those scummy biker types from doing drive offs!

[crashe]

BOOM !

Should the bike catch fire..... both you and the bike goes up in flames.

Plus should you spill any petrol on yourself or over the bike (which can happen that petrol spills over) and say that dude threw his smoke in your direction....... BOOM !.

It is a safety issue with garages.

[Fatjim]

I'd just keep going there, and ignore the nerd at the gas station. Whats he going to do if your already pouring? He's not going to tell you to piss off without paying is he? He can try and call the cops but you're probably not breaking the law, since the way you're filling is safer than putting it on the side stand.

I always stay on the bike, but I put the side stand down first so that I can hop off in a hurry. I've been told not to do it, but never twice at the same garage.

[Disco Dan]

Take your helmet and gloves off. As soon as you make eye contact with the antendant behind the till inside they usually unlock a pre-payed pump and will let you start filling up.

...your not going to ride off in a hurry if your gloves and helmet are sitting on the ground!

I always fill 'off' the bike though, there is no need to have the bike upright. You should not be filling it past the bottom of the filler cap inside anyway as the first corner you come to it will just flow out your overflow. Enough of us bitch about diesels doing this.... I found this out when I filled up and went straight home - as I am less than a k from the gas station, when I got home there was a small pool of petrol under my overflow pipe from going around a corner and it going out the overflow. Its just a waste of petrol.

I always hate the cell phone sign in gas stations. There is no posible way a modern cell phone can cause a spark. Simply not possible. (saw it on discovery channel) The only time it poses a problem is if someone was talking on one of the 80s "brick" phones - and the huge battery 'fell off' and hit the ground. Even then it would have to hit the ground at just the right angle etc to create even a small spark. All stemmed from some idiot in US back in the 80s (go figure) who did just that ane blew the entire forecourt up. Has not and will not happen since.

[Fatjim]

Hey DD, we're in Welly, Only one gas station down here that I know of that has prepay turned on full time, I don't go there anymore.

[Kwaka14]

if you want to stop air bubble blow back in the spout drill a small hole (3.5mm or so) in the top of the spout at the highest point of the tank (opposite side to your side stand), then you don't need to rock the bike to fill to the brim and you don't get blowback when it's on the side stand...

[Grub]

if you want to stop air bubble blow back in the spout drill a small hole (3.5mm or so) in the top of the spout at the highest point of the tank (opposite side to your side stand), then you don't need to rock the bike to fill to the brim and you don't get blowback when it's on the side stand...

Here is the News ...

A Wellington man is in a fair condition in Hutt Hospital Burns Unit today following an explosion in his garage while he was drilling a hole in the petrol tank of his motrbike. Whitby Police said ....

:)

[Nasty]

Here is the News ...

A Wellington man is in a fair condition in Hutt Hospital Burns Unit today following an explosion in his garage while he was drilling a hole in the petrol tank of his motrbike. Whitby Police said ....

:)

That Whitby man had better not think of following this suggestion ... this Whitby woman hates visiting hospitals!

[Disco Dan]

Here is the News ...

A Wellington man is in a fair condition in Hutt Hospital Burns Unit today following an explosion in his garage while he was drilling a hole in the petrol tank of his motrbike. Whitby Police said ....

:)

haha, well im sorry to laugh at the misfortune at others... but come on!!!

I wont even smoke inside my garage... the amount of flammable liquids stored in there....

You got to be pretty thick to drill your fuel tank with vapours and residual fuel still present.... :yes:

[imdying]

Just keep doing it. They'll have to get a trespass order if they want to stop you.

Besides which, if you're already pumping, you can spray the git with petrol, that'll slow him down a tad.

[MWVT]

Hey DD, we're in Welly, Only one gas station down here that I know of that has prepay turned on full time, I don't go there anymore.

I'm gonna move to Wellington if you keep saying things like that.

I've been boycotting all the time prepay stations, options becoming very limited.

[NotaGoth]

Mmm funny... Mum was just talking to me the other day about how to fill my bike at a service station... Told me if I'm able to sit on it and hold it upright while filling it, that its the best way to do it.. Each to their own I guess...

They more than likely thought you were gonna ride off.. Maybe they have had a couple of people do so recently...

[scumdog]

Must be a North Island thing.
Never been told to get off the bike - or take my helmet off before going in to pay for the fuel.

[sunhuntin]

i work for bp, and have not yet told a single biker to get off their bike while filling. ive never seen one told either.
i get off to fill... thats just my preference... dunno why.

hell, i dont even mind if you keep your lid on... i prefer it. some cagers get shitty when waiting for a paying customer to get ready to leave. [not me... i like looking at the bikes!!]
if im at a foreign station [out of town] i will push the bike up to the windows before paying, specially if someone is behind me.

and please dont spray the attendant with gas... we cant just go home and get changed again.

grub... i have had customers smoking on the forecourt, near the forecourt, or putting ash out their windows. hell... ive stood inside and watched one guy light up, right in the middle of all the pumps. next person who gets out of their car while smoking will have a windscreen water bucket tipped over his head.

[MikeyG]

next person who gets out of their car while smoking will have a windscreen water bucket tipped over his head.

Use the fire extinguisher instead, since putting out fires is what they are there for you can't get in trouble for it and the powder gets everywhere

[MikeyG]

I always hate the cell phone sign in gas stations. There is no posible way a modern cell phone can cause a spark. Simply not possible. (saw it on discovery channel) The only time it poses a problem is if someone was talking on one of the 80s "brick" phones - and the huge battery 'fell off' and hit the ground. Even then it would have to hit the ground at just the right angle etc to create even a small spark. All stemmed from some idiot in US back in the 80s (go figure) who did just that ane blew the entire forecourt up. Has not and will not happen since.

There is a politeness issue here as well though. When I worked in a gas station i would ignore people talking on their phones and serve the people queued behind them until they hung-up.

[BNZ]

I thought it was to do with your jacket & pants rubbing on the bike with possibility for a static spark or some simmilar form of ignition.

[Grub]

I thought it was to do with your jacket & pants rubbing on the bike with possibility for a static spark or some simmilar form of ignition.

That's a pretty fair point. I wonder if that can actually happen? It also raises another point.

When I gas up an aircraft, we have to use an earth wire to ground the airframe before you touch the nozzles to the filler. Have always done that happily because, we were told, of the potential for a static spark. Surely then if it's true for aircraft, it is equally true for cars and bikes. None of them are earthed

[Toaster]

Who was he? I'll go sit on him.

I never remove my helmet either and screw anyone who tells me to get off my bike. BP are the only ones who tell bikers off in my experience.

[Disco Dan]

That's a pretty fair point. I wonder if that can actually happen?

my thighs dont make sparks with pants on... :innocent:

[Grub]

my thighs dont make sparks with pants on... :innocent:

Then you're not rubbing between them fast enough :innocent:

[sunhuntin]

Use the fire extinguisher instead, since putting out fires is what they are there for you can't get in trouble for it and the powder gets everywhere

yeh, but i dunno how to work one. and windscreen water is usually filled with an assortment of dead bugs and crap. much more fun!! :innocent:

mikeyg... yep. i will avoid serving customers on their phones... whether talking or txting. ill go over, wait a few seconds and then leave.
i also hate when im inside and someone comes in on their phones. if ive gotta ask for milage, it can be awkward.
same with people who come in eating. an apple wont go brown in the 10 seconds your not in the car. if its an ice cream, finish it before you come onto the forecourt. pure rudeness... id never walk into a shop while eating. same as i dont serve people while im eating.

not sure on the static thing... ive received some good electric shocks from customers while taking cash. static builds in clothing naturally, and has to be discharged somewhere.

[Ghost_Bullet]

I have always gotton off me bike to fuel up, and also always remove me helmet before heading in to pay.
The one time I sat on me bike to fill, the attendant came out and fair blasted me for sitting astride the the machine. Realy pissed me off that did. And often seen the signs stating for no doing that on bikes.
Though do nto see the signs anymore about no helmets inside. I guess these days they have enough cameras around the site, that they could almost have a look at what ya had for breakfast:shit:

[Winter]

yeh, but i dunno how to work one. and windscreen water is usually filled with an assortment of dead bugs and crap. much more fun!! :innocent:


you work in a gas station, but don't know how to use a fire extinguisher?

When i was working at a caltex, a chap comes in needing to borrow a can of diesel. We had a jerrycan to loan out, but it had a little bit of petrol left in it from the last guy. My helpful workmate takes the can (one of those plastic red ones) out the back to rinse out in the sink. He used hotwater and flushed the can clean.

out front all I heard was a wooomph. not really a bag, more of a woomph, the door fly open, and flames pouring out from the back room.

The fireman would later tell us that the hot water made steam which carried petrol vapor to the ceiling, where a flickering flurotube had ignited it - setting the room ablaze.

Cardboard boxes of chips etc were soon englufed, and after ringing 111 screaming 'my gas stations on fire!!' we emptied two extinguisher on it.:Punk:



When filling my bike, I remain on it most of the time. If its wet, i'll leave my helmet gloves etc on too whilst paying.

[SPman]

If I want to sit on my bike with my helmet on, whilst refuelling - I will!
If some knob has a go at me - I'll tell him exactly where to put himself and that'll be the last time I'll ever use that station!
If he quietly tells me, that its the stations policy to please get off the bike and take of my helmet and would I please do this next time, with no agro - I'll consider going back.
Guess its all about attitude - both ways.

[Nasty]

I sit on the bike when I can't be blowed getting off ... but now I have found that I fill the tank more by having it on the side stand .. the filler is on the high side of the tank itself. Only had one station tell me that they wouldn't turn on the pumps if I sat on the bike, I said fine .. you don't want me as a customer .. there are plenty that do ... tah tah :motu:

Also, I was told at one station to take off my helmit, which I did, she weren't impressed that I was wearing a balaclava and snood underneath, which she did not ask me to remove. Now with the Nolans I can flip the front of the lid up. Don't see how it helps none though. :innocent:

[Grub]

You guys ever spilled petrol on your balls while filling up and sitting on your bike??

Well no, gassing up is not that exciting, I keep it in my pants when doing that.


There are way too many reasons to get off your bike while filling. FFS you gotta get off it anyway to pay.

Ahhh, true, perhaps I didn't explain why I *wanted* to sit on my bike when gassing up. I get at least two litres more in the tank and that's worth another 45km of range.

I want that, I need that

[Disco Dan]

Ahhh, true, perhaps I didn't explain why I *wanted* to sit on my bike when gassing up. I get at least two litres more in the tank and that's worth another 45km of range.

I want that, I need that

You sure about that?

...always figured there was a reason for the bike to be on it's side stand while putting gas in.

I still think the moment you get off and put it on its stand that it will go out your overflow. Even if not just then, the first few corners you hit.

Check your manual.

[more_fasterer]

BP are the only ones who tell bikers off in my experience.

Ditto.

I've found it easy enough to get off the bike and stand it upright anyway. That way I can actually fill the bike up properly.

Can't say I've ever sprayed my balls with gas, will have to try it sometime. Or is diesel better? Closest I've come was covering my bike with petrol after the f*ckstick who used the pump before me couldn't be arsed releasing the trigger after they put their $5 of 98 in :angry:

[Hitcher]

Well, I get really annoyed when I see bikers remain sitting on their bikes while filling them. For safety reasons. If there was a flash and resulting fire, then it's easy to see what would happen in the following moments: panicked biker drops the fuel gun and leaps off the bike (possibly on fire themselves), forgetting to lower the side stand, bike falls over, fuel spills everywhere...

And for what reason, other than to get an extra 200ml of fuel into the tank? You've got to get off the bike to go and pay for the gas anyway, so why not dismount before you fill up?

Forecourt fires are more common than most people think.

[marty]

That's a pretty fair point. I wonder if that can actually happen? It also raises another point.

When I gas up an aircraft, we have to use an earth wire to ground the airframe before you touch the nozzles to the filler. Have always done that happily because, we were told, of the potential for a static spark. Surely then if it's true for aircraft, it is equally true for cars and bikes. None of them are earthed

the main issue with aircraft is the amount of fuel that is transferred - fuelling 2000 litres creates a fair bit of static. kero is not as likely to go up, but i put 1200 litres of Avgas into the Corsair in the weekend, and i definately earthed THAT - didn't want to see a $2mill hard-on machine go bang..... :)

also, fuelling after landing, especially if the ground is really dry, and the humidity is high, or there's lots of dust/haze, is the most dangerous time.

[cowboyz]

not really sure how it works for ya to be honest.

Filling while sitting on the bike ou must park real close to the pump to be able to reach it and then you are reaching over to hang the thing up again. Seems a whole lot of effort and easier to get off the bike. I often fill the bike with my helmet on but then I cant get my wallet out of my jacket/leathers without taking my gloves off so I have to take them off and then if I have my gloves off it takes 10 seconds to take my helmet off.
Then it takes another 10 minutes because usually get talking to the attendants. I use the same service station all the time so they all know who I am. If I am in a real hurry I will just throw $10 or $5 (whatever note is in my wallet) in but even then I get off the bike. I still have to take my gloves off though.

[peasea]

Must be a North Island thing.
Never been told to get off the bike - or take my helmet off before going in to pay for the fuel.

There are many things on the NI worth running from (I have an extensive list) however, like Scummy, I haven't been hassled for doing whatever I want on a forecourt and that's nationwide. I pay before I leave so nobody has a beef and I often fill up with my lid on.

Let's face it, Petroleum Distillate Transfer Technicians (read 'pump jockeys') aren't the shiniest buttons on the cardigan are they? They like to have their wee moment just to feel special; I'd keep going back, and back, and back, using the same method each time. Fill your bike any way you want, it's your bike and you're paying for the gas.....

How would you like a BK burger-flipper telling you how to ingest your culinary delight?

[Hitcher]

Fill your bike any way you want, it's your bike and you're paying for the gas.

But one's insurance company may not be too impressed if, through an act of avoidable total idiocy, one totalled a service station and all of the vehicles on its forecourt. I suspect there may well be resulting litigation, the prospect of which may be particular tantalising if one wasn't insured.

Don't be a prat. Or a holier-than-thou-elistist-arse. Get off your bike before attempting to fill it.

[Disco Dan]

How would you like a BK burger-flipper telling you how to ingest your culinary delight?

Im sure Sunhuntin will make sure your pumps locked if you ever go to her gas station now. Fark I would, if I worked at a gassy.

Get a grip ay?

[jtzzr]

[QUOTE=more_fasterer;1018505]Ditto.

.

Can't say I've ever sprayed my balls with gas, will have to try it sometime. Or is diesel better?

Diesel is only good if someone is going to do a burnout on your testes`

[dogsnbikes]

Never have a problem at BP Linton and always make sure I have the latest bike mag if I dont already have it then remind me I will need milk for coffees:innocent:

[scumdog]

You sure about that?

...always figured there was a reason for the bike to be on it's side stand while putting gas in.

I still think the moment you get off and put it on its stand that it will go out your overflow. Even if not just then, the first few corners you hit.

Check your manual.

Not my bike- the filller is centre-front-top so being on the side stand cuts a couple of litres (I think) from my tankful.

Only fill right up when heading off on a long trip.

Plus if I sit on the bike I can fill it to the brim and I leave CB to go and pay at the office. (Or say "put it on my account":shutup: )

[scumdog]

And for what reason, other than to get an extra 200ml of fuel into the tank? You've got to get off the bike to go and pay for the gas anyway, so why not dismount before you fill up?

Forecourt fires are more common than most people think.

I'm more like to drop my bike getting off at the gas station -and so far I haven't caught fire in a forecourt. :yes:

[Sanx]

FFS you gotta get off it anyway to pay.

Not at some of the newer Mobil stations. My 'local' has 98 and EFTPOS units on the pumps. Swipe. Fill up. Ride off. Easy.

[martypants]

Stop at pump, put down stand, turn off bike, take off helmet and gloves, get off bike, fill up, pay. Just how I do it.

[Little Miss Trouble]

Not at some of the newer Mobil stations. My 'local' has 98 and EFTPOS units on the pumps. Swipe. Fill up. Ride off. Easy.

If you use that thingy make sure you hang the pump back up properly, otherwise the guy after you gets free fuel. how convienent:innocent:

[BarBender]

I must admit that as I get older I am getting off the bike when I pull into the gasso just so I can stretch the hammys and lower back out. Taking my helmet and gloves off also slows things down and allows for a mental break which most people seem to neglect and is probably more important than resting physically.

[Motig]

Well thats interesting, in all my years of riding I've never sat on the bike to fill it up, always put it on the sidestand to fill. I dont really see why if you have a 18 litre tank say that you have to try and put 17.9999 litres in, its not as tho petrol stations are that far apart surely. Do you light a match to check its full ?

[Fub@r]

I fill sitting on the bike as I can get more in the tank ie: full tank and not a 8/10 fill when it on the side stand. I never take my gear off either. Other day at BP on motorway Papakura, it was a packed forecourt due to holiday weekend. I ride up open tank grab the pump, attendant inside see's me and unlocks pump. Finish filling go inside and pay and leave. Not once did anyone say I can't do that.

Yes stations have a picture saying not to do it, like wise smoking and use of phones. But then we also get told speed kills but there are some people in this thread saying get off the bike that speed on their bikes, they're not abiding by the rules.

As for modern phones causing fires is utter crap, gas station fires when filling up are caused by idiots who smoke or static discharge from your body to the car when you have your hand on the nozzle and hand near the fuel flap where the petrol fumes are more concentrated. The static discharge ignites the concentrated fumes, this is then exaserbated by the paniced person removing the nozzle from the car with out releasing the handle through shock and then proceeds to spray fuel all over the place like a flame thrower!

Likewise saw the testing of the above with phones on Mythbusters, no matter how concentrated the air/fuel mix was a phone didn't trigger a spark. However mimic a static discharge and boom! ignition. Another interesting aspect of the test was the likehood of static discharge from a person was increased if a person got in and out of the car whilst it was refueling. They found that women were twice as likely to get back in the car when it was being refuelled, usually to get their purse for example.

So given the above maybe stations should ad another picture saying you can't get back in your car once the nozzle is in the tank............like to see them enforce that one, or even better.............once your wife is out of the car they can't get back in :)

[Toaster]

Ditto.

I've found it easy enough to get off the bike and stand it upright anyway. That way I can actually fill the bike up properly.

Can't say I've ever sprayed my balls with gas, will have to try it sometime. Or is diesel better? Closest I've come was covering my bike with petrol after the f*ckstick who used the pump before me couldn't be arsed releasing the trigger after they put their $5 of 98 in :angry:

Reckon! don't ya hate that. I got petrol all over the damn tank instead of in it. Can't stand mine up unless on it - 320kgs ain't light (that isn't my weight by the way).:gob:

[sunhuntin]

Im sure Sunhuntin will make sure your pumps locked if you ever go to her gas station now. Fark I would, if I worked at a gassy.

Get a grip ay?

yep, disco. and here i was thinkin tonight that wed be ok to unlock pumps for bikes only when prepay kicks in.

in all honesty, peasea, the only time ive had a "moment of glory" [as you call it] was telling some jerk off to put his cigarette out as he wandered around the pumps.
and as for whether im shiny or not... there are heaps of people who come in, who likely have "better" jobs than me, who wouldnt have a clue how to pump gas. for every idiot out there, theres a pump jockey to do the dirty work for them. same with checking oil and water... i wouldnt have a clue how to drive a car [with no intention of learning] but i can do basic maintinence on most 4 wheel vehicles. or the dopey tart on the scooter who wanted me to put 2 stroke LAWN MOWER oil in the thing. told her to take a hike back to where she bought the thing, but she didnt even know how to get there!

how bout you try havin a little more respect, you never know who you will insult or annoy.

i had a look around the warning signs tonight too.. the usual engines off, no cells, no smoking. but nothing about no filling while on the bike. as ive already said, fill the bike however you like... ill come and say hi, take cash if youve got it, but otherwise leave you alone. and yeh... leave the lid on. i dunno what petrol does to the safety of them...

[Hitcher]

One of the reasons I suspect some of you folk don't take off your riding gear at a servo is because you actually never go anywhere. Having to stop and fill up every couple of hours is a great excuse to get the helmet off and earplugs out and have a yack to one's riding companion(s). And it then becomes a habit to get one's head out every time one stops for gas, as it were.

[Fub@r]

One of the reasons I suspect some of you folk don't take off your riding gear at a servo is because you actually never go anywhere. Having to stop and fill up every couple of hours is a great excuse to get the helmet off and earplugs out and have a yack to one's riding companion(s). And it then becomes a habit to get one's head out every time one stops for gas, as it were.

Commuting or going from A - B I don't take my lid off, if I'm on a group ride and stop at a servo or layby I'll be the first to take my lid off to yak.

[Ixion]

One of the reasons I suspect some of you folk don't take off your riding gear at a servo is because you actually never go anywhere. Having to stop and fill up every couple of hours is a great excuse to get the helmet off and earplugs out and have a yack to one's riding companion(s). And it then becomes a habit to get one's head out every time one stops for gas, as it were.

And that really plays shit with trip times. As few stops as possible, and those as short as can be .

What I want is a refueling system like a jet bomber - where a tanker comes along side at speed and sends over a hose, so you can refuel without stopping.

[sunhuntin]

One of the reasons I suspect some of you folk don't take off your riding gear at a servo is because you actually never go anywhere. Having to stop and fill up every couple of hours is a great excuse to get the helmet off and earplugs out and have a yack to one's riding companion(s). And it then becomes a habit to get one's head out every time one stops for gas, as it were.

i dont usually ride with others, so that eliminates chatting. if im stopping for gas, i want to be gone asap. depending on the gloves im wearing, i often leave them on as well.

only time any of that gear comes off is if im making a loo stop at the same time, or waiting for someone.

[CM2005]

i buy gas, and fill my bike at home. haha.

[oldrider]

This morning as i gassed up with 98 octane at my regular BP station (cnr Kapiti Rd and SH1) using my regular technique of sitting on the bike and rocking it side-to-side so there is no air-bubble blow-back. So many of you know where this is going right.

Forecourt dude walks up and tells me to get off the bike next time. I tell him conversationally that when I do that, the trapped air blows gas out the filler, misses the catch channel around the filler and goes onto the tank where it runs down to hot engine. I tell him that as my bike doesn't have a main stand the way I do it there is no blowback and show him the overflow system that, when the bike is upright, catches the little splashes before they can get to the tank surface.

Dude points to the lil graphic that has a big red cross thru biker sitting on bike (I have really never seen that before) and says ... "don't come back here"

WTF?? This is the station where I had to run in and try and get staff attention (unsuccessfully) the other day when a brainless was standing beside the pumps lighting a fag. Nobody gave a shit, so I had to ask the smoker guy to stop - he was less than friendly about that, thought he was going to stub it out on me!

So what is their beef about sitting on bike and carefully filling it?

They are "your" balls after all, aren't they!

Had the same sort of experience with a woman at a gas station recently.

She was lighting up while sitting in the car right next to me (with an open window) while I was filling my bike.

I asked her to go away from me and/or quit smoking, she abused me an wound the window up a bit so I yelled at her to fuck off and blow her stupid self up somewhere else.

Her driver jumped in the car and they drove quickly away, still smoking!

Don't these fucktards know I can't get a new replacement for my bike nowadays!! They don't make them anymore, damnit. :shutup: John.

[Arthur]

When I used to live out on the farm, I used to stay on the bike as I was filling it, simply cos it meant more hours in the day out on the trails... With my new bike though, I park up reasonably close to the pumps, lose the helmet and gloves, bike on the side stand, and do my thing. If a cager wants to get p@##ed off with me about taking too long to leave whichever bowser I'm at, he/she is more than welcome to come have a chat with me...

[Paul in NZ]

Um.....

The company (BP), rightly or wrongly has included in there terms of doing business that you dismount to fill your bike. If you object to this you should take it up with the company and get the policy change or listen to why they have done this. Believe it or not, corporates don't do this stuff for no reason at all, it costs money. DON'T take it out on the poor unfortunate upon whom the duty of enforcing this has been placed..... That poor sap is probably getting their bum kicked by the health and safety folks inside BP and should not have to put up with your attitude as well, they could loose their job for not compling with it.... Its a slight inconvinence for you to go to another station more in tune with your own beliefs but it's a major for some poor bastard to find another job.

If you have an issue with the tank 'burping' near the top of the fill its usually easily solved with a larger vent hole drilled in the filler neck and if you can't figure out how to do that yourself without creating a smoking hole in the ground ask as it's not that difficult.

Cheers

[Street Gerbil]

I thought it was to do with your jacket & pants rubbing on the bike with possibility for a static spark or some simmilar form of ignition.

Actually the humidity here in NZ is so high that any sort of spark is impossible. In fact I am surprised we, on almost a regular basis, manage to get sparks inside the combustion chamber.

[Jantar]

Actually the humidity here in NZ is so high that any sort of spark is impossible...
Maybe you should replace "NZ" with "Auckland". The humidity in many parts of NZ is very low. In fact it is almost impossible to pat the cat without getting sparks. :innocent:

[Macktheknife]

Actually the humidity here in NZ is so high that any sort of spark is impossible. In fact I am surprised we, on almost a regular basis, manage to get sparks inside the combustion chamber.

Apart from anything else, humidity actually increases the chances of creating static sparking not decreases it.

Me, I just get off and fill slowly, never had a problem. What do I care if the station or chain has a policy of not sitting on the bike, boo hoo big deal, it is no hardship to me after all.
I do not have to inhale as much of the vapours and get to stretch the legs. Instead of bitching about 'your rights' to fill your bike however you feel you should, extra litre of gas blah blah, how about just accepting that this is done for other peoples safety and convenience, and go on your merry way glad that you have a bike to fill and a road to enjoy.
Jeez people save the bitching for something that actually matters.

[Hotchefnz]

I believe its a BP thing - have had the same problem with BP in Lower Hutt.
Told the guy to F-off - but in hindsight he has a point regarding their OSH standings.
I fill while stradling as my bitch has a mean air pocket and that difference is $1-89, so just over a litre of gas. Anal maybe but I hate stopping.

[peasea]

Get off your bike before attempting to fill it.


As it happens I do, but not because I'm told to but because I choose to and if anyone gives me any any grief I'll go elsewhere. However, I can't recall the last time that happened.

[peasea]

in all honesty, peasea, the only time ive had a "moment of glory" [as you call it] was telling some jerk off to put his cigarette out as he wandered around the pumps.
and as for whether im shiny or not... there are heaps of people who come in, who likely have "better" jobs than me, who wouldnt have a clue how to pump gas.

how bout you try havin a little more respect, you never know who you will insult or annoy.



I didn't mean to offend with my generalization, I was referring more to the snot-noses who think that because they're not at shool any longer they rule the world. I know that most gas station owners and long term staff are usually good people and you're right, there are some prize pratts out there who don't know (or understand) the dangers of flammable goods and how to handle them. I actually enjoy chatting to small town gas station staff but the city outlets often seem to be staffed by the aforementioned dullards.

[idb]

my thighs dont make sparks with pants on... :innocent:

There was a young man from Madras,
Who's balls were constructed of brass,
When jangled together they played "Stormy Weather",
And lightning shot out of his arse.

[sunhuntin]

I didn't mean to offend with my generalization, I was referring more to the snot-noses who think that because they're not at shool any longer they rule the world. I know that most gas station owners and long term staff are usually good people and you're right, there are some prize pratts out there who don't know (or understand) the dangers of flammable goods and how to handle them. I actually enjoy chatting to small town gas station staff but the city outlets often seem to be staffed by the aforementioned dullards.

thank you peasea :yes:

my job also entails the filling of lpg cylinders... and im pretty sure not many average joe customers know how to fill them. :sunny:

yeh... it all comes down to OSH these days. we all got ordered last year that while filling a gas bottle, we cant leave it to serve cars. this means we are again open to more unwanted abuse. one guy almost lost his job last year when he left a bottle to serve someone who turned out to be an OSH enforcer guy.
this winter, the self serve signs will be going out when i start at 3pm, and staying there till closing at 10pm. some bottles can be waiting up to 30 mins or more to be filled when things are really busy, hence why the signs will be out: so i dedicate myself soley to bottles.

there were signs at the pak n save pumps when i was there saying no sitting on the bike while filling, and also signs saying people under 15 arent allowed to pump gas. i can understand that for younger kids, but not older ones. i permit kids to do it, but only if their parent stays with them. had one doing the gas while his mum sat in the car txting... boy pulls out the pump and gets covered in petrol. she blamed us for not babysitting him. :shutup:

paul in nz also has an awesome point [bling on its way] the person in the uniform is simply the messenger, not the decider of the rules. same as we dont have any control what the price of petrol is going to do. we cant make it cheaper or dearer at a whim. we have to buy the stuff as well, and theres no such thing as a discount.

[marty]

I fill while stradling as my bitch has a mean air pocket and that difference is $1-89, so just over a litre of gas. Anal maybe but I hate stopping.

so that extra $1.89 (or just over a litre) is going to make the difference when you're riding to taupo, and you need to fill up at - say - turangi, but bacause you put that extra litre in at Johnsonville, you'll make it to taupo?

[heyjoe]

Um.....

The company (BP), rightly or wrongly has included in there terms of doing business that you dismount to fill your bike. If you object to this you should take it up with the company and get the policy change or listen to why they have done this. Believe it or not, corporates don't do this stuff for no reason at all, it costs money. DON'T take it out on the poor unfortunate upon whom the duty of enforcing this has been placed..... That poor sap is probably getting their bum kicked by the health and safety folks inside BP and should not have to put up with your attitude as well, they could loose their job for not compling with it.... Its a slight inconvinence for you to go to another station more in tune with your own beliefs but it's a major for some poor bastard to find another job......


Good comments Paul in NZ. I would add that to complete the picture would be if the staff working at the petrol station could convey their message in a polite and courteous manner then on-one should get offended about 'the message' or how the 'message' is conveyed. I mean people who are trained to handle customers in a manner that meets the customers expectations. Is it not every business owners wish to have customers come back time and time again? Is repeat business without the expense of attracting them in costing marketing money the key to successful business?

Yeah I have met many little hitler shop assistants who enjoy their moment of power. I know what that is all about. They get back what they give. If you are rude to me then I return the favour and I don't forget it. If you are courteous to me I also return the favour and remember it in a positive light. You will get my repeat business and best price doesn't always factor in decisions.

BTW. I always get off to fill my bike. I find it easier to control the hose and angle of nozzle for filling and I hate stretching to reach. However, I don't always take my helmet off if my stop is just for fuel. I don't see any point as I am about to put it back on again. I have never been asked to remove it inside. I use all different petrol stations. I prefer the ones that let you do all the filling yourself and don't come over to hassle you. The buggers always try to squeeze a few more mils into the tank (even when u ask them not to) and always manage to spill some on the tank.

[heyjoe]

Apart from anything else, humidity actually increases the chances of creating static sparking not decreases it.

Me, I just get off and fill slowly, never had a problem. What do I care if the station or chain has a policy of not sitting on the bike, boo hoo big deal, it is no hardship to me after all.
I do not have to inhale as much of the vapours and get to stretch the legs. Instead of bitching about 'your rights' to fill your bike however you feel you should, extra litre of gas blah blah, how about just accepting that this is done for other peoples safety and convenience, and go on your merry way glad that you have a bike to fill and a road to enjoy.
Jeez people save the bitching for something that actually matters.

+1 to the comments above. Well said.

[Swoop]

but i put 1200 litres of Avgas into the Corsair in the weekend, and i definately earthed THAT - didn't want to see a $2mill hard-on machine go bang.....
You at Tauranga this week then?

[ceebie13]

Must be a North Island thing.
Never been told to get off the bike - or take my helmet off before going in to pay for the fuel.

Me neither, but it's also a common UK thing...but I'm buggered if I'm removing my lid, plugs etc to hand over my cash. I work on the principle that if I have wallet, plastic (or better still, cash) in hand, and I'm walking into the shop to pay, then I'm hardly likely to be a threat am I?

Helmets off in banks? Well that's a different matter! Stick 'em up!!

[Ixion]

The justification always seems strained to me. "It is because robbers (sometimes) wear helmets".

Well, and they wear pants, too, don't they? So should we all remove our pants when we go in to pay, to prove we are not robbers.

And if one *is* a robber how does removing ones helmet (or pants) make one into , instantly, a non-robber ?

[idb]

The justification always seems strained to me. "It is because robbers (sometimes) wear helmets".

Well, and they wear pants, too, don't they? So should we all remove our pants when we go in to pay, to prove we are not robbers.

And if one *is* a robber how does removing ones helmet (or pants) make one into , instantly, a non-robber ?

I thought all robbers wore striped tops, Zorro-type masks and carried sacks with 'swag' written on them.....but then I've lived a sheltered life.

[ceebie13]

The justification always seems strained to me. "It is because robbers (sometimes) wear helmets".

Well, and they wear pants, too, don't they? So should we all remove our pants when we go in to pay, to prove we are not robbers.

And if one *is* a robber how does removing ones helmet (or pants) make one into , instantly, a non-robber ?

Wear half a pair...that will prove you have half a knicker on you at least!!

[ceebie13]

I thought all robbers wore striped tops, Zorro-type masks and carried sacks with 'swag' written on them.....but then I've lived a sheltered life.


Either that or you are speaking from experience!

[Jantar]

I thought all robbers wore striped tops, Zorro-type masks and carried sacks with 'swag' written on them.....but then I've lived a sheltered life.
You missed the number 679796 across their chest. :yes:

[sunhuntin]

heyjoe... it is very rarely that a biking customer will allow me to fill their bike... but i can safely say, the only time ive spilled petrol on the tank, it was my own bike. :yes: same with vintage car owners... prefer to do it themselves. i usually go over, say "you right there?" and usually get "yeh, ill do it thanks" which is kool.

and as for customer service... we never actually get any training when we start. ive got the basics, having been brought up to be respectful, but some staff i work with leave a lot to be desired.

[The Lone Rider]

Theres a proper way to fill a bike tank? :shit: Or is that just for sports bikes?

I just put the kick stand down (I guess NZers call it the side stand), get off the bike, pop the cap, fill up and go pay. I dont even take off my helmet and my bike IS on a lean while I fill.

The only problem I have ever had was from bitch who decided to push me and my bike of the way while I was in the middle of filling up. She pulled up behind me, got out and said "I need to use that pump" then gets back in and starts driving into the pump while I'm still there.. and about 1-5 cm from hitting my bike I grab it and start moving it.

But that story has nothing to do with my tank filling technique. I'd be interested in know if there is actually a proper way.

[Hitcher]

Go them Beagle Boys!

[peasea]

thank you peasea :yes, the person in the uniform is simply the messenger, not the decider of the rules.

No worries, my apologies for the unwarranted generalization.

Quite right, the general pubic is pritty iggorant. We need rules to protect people from themselves. (Not me, of course, coz I'm thpeshul.)

It sounds like you'd probably be one of those forecourt attendants worth chatting to.

[peasea]

heyjoe... same with vintage car owners... prefer to do it themselves. i usually go over, say "you right there?" and usually get "yeh, ill do it thanks" which is kool.

Having owned some 'classics" etc I have encountered this attitude and it's much app. You're in a minority group though; offering service in a 'service staion'. Thank you.

[Skyryder]

Well, I get really annoyed when I see bikers remain sitting on their bikes while filling them. For safety reasons. If there was a flash and resulting fire, then it's easy to see what would happen in the following moments: panicked biker drops the fuel gun and leaps off the bike (possibly on fire themselves), forgetting to lower the side stand, bike falls over, fuel spills everywhere...

And for what reason, other than to get an extra 200ml of fuel into the tank? You've got to get off the bike to go and pay for the gas anyway, so why not dismount before you fill up?

Forecourt fires are more common than most people think.


All that this man said with one add on. If some other dickhead fucks up you can run away faster. Try seeing how long it takes to get off your bike in an emergency.

Skyryder

[gijoe1313]

I usually have no prob, just get off the bike - do your thing, head on in and pays your coin! I have a flip face so lift it up, pull the balaclava down so they can see my face and no hay problema.

My local servo staff recognise me so they just flick the gas on whenever I pull up now - even in the wee hours of the morning! :yes: Building relationships and having patience works wonders.

Oh yeah, using the magic words "Please" "Thank you" "Excuse me" with a friendly smile is a winning way to start! (Dizzam, speaking like Dale Carnegie now! :doh:)

[Lucy]

On my bike I like to go to Mobil, eftpos at pump means not having to take off helmet, go inside, etc. I've tried to do it whilst staying on bike, but am still unco, so usually get off. I can hold it upright anyway, while standing beside it, as it's a GN so is not too heavy.

[Lucy]

There are many things on the NI worth running from (I have an extensive list) however, like Scummy, I haven't been hassled for doing whatever I want on a forecourt and that's nationwide. I pay before I leave so nobody has a beef and I often fill up with my lid on.

Let's face it, Petroleum Distillate Transfer Technicians (read 'pump jockeys') aren't the shiniest buttons on the cardigan are they? They like to have their wee moment just to feel special; I'd keep going back, and back, and back, using the same method each time. Fill your bike any way you want, it's your bike and you're paying for the gas.....

How would you like a BK burger-flipper telling you how to ingest your culinary delight?


Feck you are a snob.

[Disco Dan]

On my bike I like to go to Mobil, eftpos at pump means not having to take off helmet, go inside, etc. I've tried to do it whilst staying on bike, but am still unco, so usually get off. I can hold it upright anyway, while standing beside it, as it's a GN so is not too heavy.

Yes, eftpos at the pump is a big plus for me provided I dont need anything else. Shame it seems a 50/50 chance whether the flipping card reader is working... then when it is it doesnt read your card! After all that kurfufle I have to take off my helmet and go inside to pay... becomes more of a hassle. I keep going to the same petrol station each time, and other than a bit of water in the petrol causing some problems once I have not had any problems walking inside with my helmet on.

[heyjoe]

heyjoe... it is very rarely that a biking customer will allow me to fill their bike... but i can safely say, the only time ive spilled petrol on the tank, it was my own bike. :yes: same with vintage car owners... prefer to do it themselves. i usually go over, say "you right there?" and usually get "yeh, ill do it thanks" which is kool.

and as for customer service... we never actually get any training when we start. ive got the basics, having been brought up to be respectful, but some staff i work with leave a lot to be desired.

Thanks for the comments Sunhuntin.

I think its great when they check and they are happy with me when I say "Thanks but I'll do" I no longer let anyone fill my tank now anyway. Sometimes a super fast attendant will have the pump in hand but I still try to ask to do it myself.

I agree with what you say about upbringing influence can affect how you interact with other people. I think some employers in places like service stations or shops just hire people and assume they have all the people skills. I find it worse amongst younger employees who are in their first job. Even if an employer cannot train in the formal sense, they can supervise closely so they mould and steer the new person onto the right track and not let them develop bad habits which can have the wrong influence on customer relationships. Sounds like you have a good approach to dealing with customers.

I speak as someone who has been on both sides of the counter.

[Shadows]

What I want is a refueling system like a jet bomber - where a tanker comes along side at speed and sends over a hose, so you can refuel without stopping.

But where the hell would you put your filler cap?

[Ixion]

No problem, my filler cap is hinged.

[idb]

No problem, my filler cap is hinged.

Unlike your good self.........

[Bass]

I hate pre-pay service stations with a vengeance although I completely understand why it's done. With both the bike and the cage, I only ever fill them right up and have only the vaguest idea of how much that will cost. So with pre-pay I wind up standing in a queue twice, for a single tank of gas.
I live in South Auck and so most are pre-pay.
On top of that, the Trumpy seems to appreciate the highest octane rating I can give her - she certainly detests 91, detonates readily. So I generally wind up going to Mobil - higher octane premium and eftpos at the pump.

[rwh]

No problem, my filler cap is hinged.
Unlike your good self.........

Love it! :rofl:

Richard

[rwh]

The justification always seems strained to me. "It is because robbers (sometimes) wear helmets".

Well, and they wear pants, too, don't they? So should we all remove our pants when we go in to pay, to prove we are not robbers.

And if one *is* a robber how does removing ones helmet (or pants) make one into , instantly, a non-robber ?

It makes one much easier to identify in the security camera footage ...

[Aside - I get worried now that my PIN entry can be seen by the camera ...]

Richard

[more_fasterer]

I hate pre-pay service stations with a vengeance although I completely understand why it's done. With both the bike and the cage, I only ever fill them right up and have only the vaguest idea of how much that will cost. So with pre-pay I wind up standing in a queue twice, for a single tank of gas.

You've hit on a pet peeve of mine right there. Usual conversation when I walk in and hand over my card:
"Can I get a fill-up of 95/98 on pump x please"
"How much you want?"
"I want to fill up please"
"How much you want?"
"I don't know, until I fill it up"
"How much you want? $60?"
"I want to fill it up, please"
"You needa pay first"
"I've given you my credit card. Is that not enough for you to unlock the pump so I can fill up?"
"No you needa pay first. How much you want?"
*Goes to another gas station*

[sunhuntin]

Thanks for the comments Sunhuntin.

I think its great when they check and they are happy with me when I say "Thanks but I'll do" I no longer let anyone fill my tank now anyway. Sometimes a super fast attendant will have the pump in hand but I still try to ask to do it myself.

I agree with what you say about upbringing influence can affect how you interact with other people. I think some employers in places like service stations or shops just hire people and assume they have all the people skills. I find it worse amongst younger employees who are in their first job. Even if an employer cannot train in the formal sense, they can supervise closely so they mould and steer the new person onto the right track and not let them develop bad habits which can have the wrong influence on customer relationships. Sounds like you have a good approach to dealing with customers.

I speak as someone who has been on both sides of the counter.

very well put, joe. :yes:

ill pounce on the pump for every-day cars, but not for classics and bikes. until i get told to fill, the pump stays hung up.

the girl and guy i work with [the girl only on sundays, and the guy every weeknight] both need some furthur training.
the girl is my age [22] and has no clue. the guy is 38 [i think] and is the same.
hed rather have a smoke or read a paper than serve customers, and shed rather look busy while doing nothing.
they both wear pants that end up somewhere near the knee when they bend over [ick and ick] and she snaps at customers who ask her questions [she got shot in the head, and has a fake eye and droopy eyelid as a result. naturally, she gets questions and is really bitchy in response.

we switch to prepay at 6pm... its as much a hassle for the staff as it is for the customer. unfortunatly, we dont get a say in the matter.

[peasea]

Feck you are a snob.

What would you know?

[peasea]

I hate pre-pay service stations with a vengeance although I completely understand why it's done. With both the bike and the cage, I only ever fill them right up and have only the vaguest idea of how much that will cost. So with pre-pay I wind up standing in a queue twice, for a single tank of gas.
I live in South Auck and so most are pre-pay.
On top of that, the Trumpy seems to appreciate the highest octane rating I can give her - she certainly detests 91, detonates readily. So I generally wind up going to Mobil - higher octane premium and eftpos at the pump.


Tried Gull's super, or BP's Ultimate?

[Lucy]

What would you know?


Only from what I've read on KB. Admittedly not a lot to go on.