How full is TOO full?

[Sadanorakman]

Ran the fuel in my 2000 SE right down today to see if the lamp would come on, which it did after the full width of the fuel gauge needle dropped just clear below the red mark. After a further 10 miles or so, I managed to squeeze 20.16 LTRs (exactly 5 1/3 US gallons) in, taking it literally to a level 1/2" below the rim of the filler neck where the rubber seal of the fuel cap sits.

Should I stop short of this when filling? I notice there's a metal half-shield in the neck of the filler, that goes about 2" down into the tank: is this meant to mark the max level?

[ncdave]

I leave a little bit more space than you do. perhaps 1 inch below. I've never had problems with it. takes a while to do as the air bubbles keep coming up.

[blupupher]

Per the owners manual:

That said, I have on occasion (when traveling) filled it to the very tip top.
I think part of why they say don't fill it past the bottom of the filler neck is to allow for expansion as well as fuel sloshing if cornering/leaning.

I do not fill it that full for my normal fill ups, I just do it to the bottom of the filler neck (sometimes waiting a moment for it to go down a bit and add a bit more).

[bbrackett]

I fill till I dont see any more air come out below the neck, I get about another 1/2 plus gal in er

[Sassy]

I only fill it when going for a ride and usually within an inch of the cap but I'm not detailed about it,,,close enough.

[Sadanorakman]

Thanks for your answers everyone.

Bike was on it's side stand, and yeah it took some time to get the last couple of litres in. Is there any benefit in standing astride the bike and keeping it upright when filling instead?

I was on the way back from work (45 miles), and I figured by the time I'd ridden home from filling up (4 miles), there would have been a cup of fuel used by then.

[Rambozo]

I generally have the bike upright since I don't get off for fueling. Fills up quick and doesn't get trapped air like on the sidestand.

[blupupher]

I have never filled while on the side stand, I only fill when I am on the center stand.

[Sadanorakman]

I have never filled while on the side stand, I only fill when I am on the center stand.

Even with 50psi in my rear shock, and 40psi in my rear tyre (Avon Cobra Chrome), it takes my whole weight standing on the centre-stand pedal, and almost all of my strength lifting on the saddle hand-grip to get it onto centre-stand. I'm 240lbs!
It would be lovely if someone offered an electric bottle-screw type centre-stand linear actuator.

[bbrackett]

I only use center stand overnight not when refueling either fill on side or when sitting on the bike