About that gas tank flapper ...

[basketcase]

Last week I rode a K11 that has the gas tank flapper removed. I put gas in it at the end of the ride, and it was kind of nice to be able to see what was going on. However, as the owner had just removed it a couple of days before, he could not offer any opinion on the real benefits of the chore (other than seeing into the tank, and putting in a bit more fuel).

Looking at my own gas cap, I don't like to think of raw fuel sloshing up into that rubber seal. But then, I know less than nothing about how that thing actually operates.

So what it the scuttlebutt on removing that flap on a '95 K11LT?

I'm wondering if it is really worth it, and if it can precipitate other problems. I sure don't want to "fix" something that is working fine, and then find myself faced with a time consuming or costly un-fix.

All insight will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[jdiaz]

At max level inside the tank with the flapper removed, fuel gets very close to the internal tank breather. Enough so that when you lean into a corner at low speed, fuel will flood out the breather and (hopefully) onto the street. This is a spectacular thing to witness when riding behind someone else.......NOT!

 

[basketcase]

So ...

Is it wise to remove the flapper, or not?

Having witnessed the aftermath of an explosion and gas fire years ago, I am not thrilled about the idea of being in one while riding my motorcycle.

I have read the K tech article on the IBMWR site, but it was in specific reference to a K75.

My next question would be, "If the crankcase hose is properly routed so any fuel seepage goes out onto the pavement, is it (removing the flapper) an acceptable fix on the K1100LT?"

It would be nice to get a bit more fuel in the tank. However, I'm not so hot about seeing inside that tank that I have to find a way to cull the flapper. Rather, I just get annoyed with the never-ending click and stop routine of every fillup.

 

[jdiaz]

The crankcase hose inside the tank is actually formed metal tubing. You might be able to deal with the problem by adding a short section of rubber hose to the metal tubing, then use a one-way valve from a dirt bike to control fuel flow out. That wouldn't be too hard.