QuestionHi Mike,
first please allow me to say that I did see your non-Harley warning. My question is not specific to any bike make as much as it is about general knowledge and experience.. And the other experts seem to be on vacation for several more weeks.
I purchased my first bike approx 2 months. My usual 'go to' biker expert is completely out of pocket and I've yet to locate a reputible bike mechanic in my area: the one guy I used actually did more harm than good and I just don't trust his input anymore..
This evening I had an incident which is my reason for writing you. I was at a stop when the right foot peg broke and gave away under my foot as I was beginning to roll thru the residental intersection. I guess blame it on my lack of experience or just the shear surprise in this happening. The bike (I) began to lay down to the right side. It didn't come crashing down as I'd already planted my foot on the ground and absorbed most the lean. I killed the bike, noticing my shoe slicking under wet pavement. I did the little procedure for a chick to lift a bike I saw on YouTube (works btw), and got it upright and kickstand down.. Really in less than a minute. The right footpegs had def broken off... I bought the bike used and notice some scuffs on the pipes on same side (of course). When asked the kid I bought it from said was there when he bought and suspected previous owner must have laid down. I had 2 bike profficient friends give the bike once overs before buying including driving and approx 4k miles been put on it since. I suspect the peg rings/brackets may have incurred some fracture lines in the prev owners lay down.
My primary concern immediately is what about the minor fuel spill I noticed? I pulled a rag out the bag and wiped away the cover and pipes.. It started right back up and I gingerly returned the bike the 2 blocks back to my house using just the front brake. I'll replace the peg and not ride til done. But again, my concern and question is - when a bike is laid down or just leaned over on right side, even so briefly and not completely laid down, should anything be done re the fuel leak? I've been working on trying to locate and lock in a reputible local'ish bike mechanic proficient w my make/model just for typical thing like oil changes, general maintenance. If you recommend based upon your years experience that the bike shouldn't budge w/out additional examination, that's the course I'll take.
Your attention and time is greatly appreciated!!
I do apologize if my non-Harley question rakes your nerves.
- Jewel.
AnswerYour fuel leak could be from either the vent on the gas tank or the carb. If the bike was leaned to far the float on the carb does not shut off the gas and it will come out the overflow tube. As long as its not leaking when the bike is running you sould be ok
Good luck and happy riding
Mike
