Faint smell of gas

[acejr71]

Hoping to get some insight from you guys who have been around on the Valkyrie.
Just started riding mine in Feb this year.  It was a gift from an old friend who can not ride anymore.
1998 Tourer was sitting in his garage for 8 years.  45K on it and it looks brand new. This is a great well keep bike.  I love riding this thing.  Handles great and runs great.

I went trough the whole fuel system.  Had to rebuild the carbs, replaced all the fuel lines, etc.  Even installed the Dan Marc Fuel solenoid after reading so much about it.  Desmogged and installed a Pingle fuel shut off.  New battery, new plugs, new vacuum caps from Red Eye, oil and filter changed and a few add on's.  Even flushed all the fluids to start fresh. Had a blast going through the bike. I'm an old aircraft mechanic so I have some background.

My question is this.  Sometimes while riding I get a faint smell of gas.  Not much but seems to be at higher speeds.  When I went through the bike I changed all the carb system o rings and the intake o rings.  I checked the vent line and it is clear.  Bike runs great.  I just synced the carbs with a digi sync.  Everything carb is pulling 61 at 950 rpm's.  I keep checking the intake tubes to make sure they are seated correctly.  I kept thinking maybe there was a leak somewhere so after ever ride I pulled out the mirror and flashlight.  Can not see anything.  I keep checking for fuel stains around the intakes.  Nothing.  Fuel cap gasket looks good, seals tight.  I thought maybe the fumes were just a normal thing since I am sitting on top of the vent line.

Am I being paranoid ?  Is this a normal thing or should I be looking harder somewhere else ?

[Jess from VA]

It's more often reported as a gas smell in the garage than when riding, but it has often been the gas cap gasket (old and shrunk).

Someone posted up a big skinny O-ring that fits and the cap will snap down on (posts on here if you can find them).

Others took a bicycle tire inner tube (skinny stuff) and cut one up and sistered it over the old gasket.

Edit: Well I did a search for you and found it (July 2013):  http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,57951.0.html

Also, if you sit on the bike level to fill the tank at the station, and fill right to the top, never just lay it over on the side stand in the sun or it will heat up and belch gas from the vent.  And a one mile ride to the food joint isn't far enough either.  Put off filling the tank (right up to the neck) until you are taking off on a ride, or 10 miles from home, or don't fill to the neck.

[acejr71]

Thanks for the info.  I never fill it up unless I'm leaving for a long ride just for that reason. Never smell gas in the garage or around the bike while sitting.  Like I mentioned only at highway speeds and not all the time.  Just curious. This in the 12th bike I've had, been riding for 40 years but never owned a Valkyrie.  Cannot remember any smell like that on my other rides, curious if anyone else had the same issue with their Valkyrie.

[Jess from VA]

If you don't smell gas in the garage, I don't know what to tell you.

Next time you go out there, sniff the cap area.

I've smelled a lot of stuff on highways that I thought was me, but it wasn't. 

Gas evaporates quickly, but you can always go out in the dark with a flashlight and see if you can find any leak trails on the bike.  And that is easier on a dirty bike than clean.

[Jims99]

I have gotten a slight gas smell on the highway (rare) on both of mine over the past years. Could never find anything wrong. I assumed it’s venting out and winds bringing the smell up. Also have only noticed this during the day with the sun beating down on the tank, have never noticed at night. I’ve been through these bikes a few times and have never found any stains or residue. Just the bike doing what it does.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I wouldn’t worry about it. Sounds like you have everything in order.

[0leman]

I get a slight gas smell when I suddenly let off the gas at highway speeds.  Never have had one when maintaining the speed. 

[Pappy!]

You mentioned changing out all of the o-rings. Did that include the fuel rail o-rings between the carbs?

[acejr71]

Yes all the fuel rail orings also.  I appreciate the comments.  I thought is might be the vent line just going down the road.  Nothing leaking.  Never sits with a full tank. Thanks for the input. Was asking for others  experience and that's what I got.