Glare off gas cap

[Kaiser]

Anybody else have a problem with the sun reflecting off of the chrome gas cap, bouncing off the inside of the windshield, then hitting you smack in the eyeballs?  Even with , I have to squint. 

So -whaddya do about it?  My short term solution of putting my gloved hand on the cap doesn't work too well if/when you need the clutch.

Have any of you powder-coated your cap?  Or, what other long term solutions are there for reducing the reflected glare?

[hubcapsc]

Heritage used to make a tank strap with a gas cap cover, precisely to solve this problem. Heritage
seems to be shut down, for now at least.

I have an extra almost-perfect tank strap like in the picture, but I don't guess it would work
on an Interstate...

Before he got his fairing, I saw Frank Smoak hooking his doo-rag over the cap... that was a pretty
simple solution...

-Mike

[ThreeAces97]

Maybe it is just a coincidence in your case with the sun, your windshield, and the height with which you sit.    I honestly can't ever remember a similar scenario for me.

[ChromeDome]

I got a tank bib that also has a gas cap cover. Can't remeber who makes it.

[Jabba]

I suffer from it.  I would like a tank bib with a gas cap cover.

Have yet to pull the trigger on it though.

Jabba

[flcjr]

i used to have this problem with my oem windshield it was scratched and i replaced it with a clearview the glare went away. may have something to do with the two different materials used in oem vs. clearview. either way problem solved for me and i was just getting rid of old scratched shield.might try it if your in the market for new windshield

[Oss]

i have a black leather magnetic fanny pack that goes right over the cap.

At Americade back in 2005 or so it was 20 bucks

I also get glare from the sides of the bakers sometimes    

Look on the bright side, at least you arent riding in the rain when it happens

[Jess from VA]

It can also be remedied by polarized lenses in your riding glasses.

Another idea is to try to change the angle of your windshield mount (lean it back more). Or sit on a cushion.

[alph]

we get so few good sunny days around here, it's never been an issue.

[RedValk]

not only did i not ever have that problem on my Valk (or Sherry's)...in over 13 years...but...i even added one of Mike's (Valk Bling) chrome tank bibs...to BOTH our Valks....and still have only seen glare on ONE OCCASSION...in all this time! I had to be going in just the right direction...and get the sun at just the right angle...and finally, a little bit of glare.

otherwise, none for me in all those years.......

i think it does have to do with your height...seat position...windshield...etc, etc....

[Spirited-6]

http://daytonagear.com/products.htm

This will take care of your glare.  

I have had mine for 2-3 years and would not ride with out.

[Kaiser]

Seems like the consensus is to cover the cap with either a tank bag or a bib.  Or, cut my torso down a few inches and I won't have this problem. 

Thanks for the input.

[HayHauler]

http://www.saddlebagsbytalisman.com/

Try this guy.  He's a sponsor of this very site!  Never hurts to help out one of our very own.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Quicksilver]

I have seen one cap painted for that reason. I use a flip up and don't have the glare I used to get directly off the cap.

[Kaiser]

http://www.saddlebagsbytalisman.com/

Try this guy.  He's a sponsor of this very site!  Never hurts to help out one of our very own.

Hay 
Jimmyt

Thanks for the suggestion.  I agree - support our own when we can.

The problem with these is that go around the cap instead of cover it.

[HayHauler]

http://www.saddlebagsbytalisman.com/

Try this guy.  He's a sponsor of this very site!  Never hurts to help out one of our very own.

Hay 
Jimmyt

Thanks for the suggestion.  I agree - support our own when we can.

The problem with these is that go around the cap instead of cover it.

I contacted them and asked if it would be possible to get a flap added to cover the gas cap, held on by velcro.  I have seen this on some bikes, so I know it can be done.  I will post back when I hear from them.

Thanks,
Hay 
Jimmyt

[thewoodman]

I had exactly the same problem for years and finally went on ebay to find a small magnetic tank bad that covers the filler cap. It holds spare sun glasses, tooth pics, maglite, fingerless gloves, etc., and I could even add a map to the waterproof cover if I ever thought to do that.

There were times that the sun reflected off the filler, to the inside of the windshield directly in the eyes and no sunglasses would stop the headache from the glare. Polarized lenses did nothing for me. The bag cost around 20 bucks and works just fine.

[Hobo]

Here is my solution, a combination of bibs sewn together, with easy access to fuel cap. 

[HayHauler]

This is the pic from Talisman and his reply. 
"Jimmy
did you want to order my bib with a cover or just a cover.
I prefer the twist lock closure shown  and the top of the cover is stitched to the bib.
on my bibs this pocket is a $25.00 option.
thankx
scott"

Sounds like an option to me.  Scott was really quick with his reply.

Hay
Jimmyt

[Garfield]

The only one's who get blinded by my chrome are the ones I pass on the road. 

[fudgie]

Once a year or so I will hit it just right. Its never for very long, maybe a mile. I just lean a tad forward.

[Chrome]

Hey Jimmy. Great looking bike that Scott used in that pic. Must be one of those ultra fast Canadian Valks.Scott ,who also lives in London,uses my bikes to check on fit of his product.Great guy to deal with. Just had some bags made up thru him for a Shadow I picked up this year for my youngest son,Jacob.
Adrian

[Tx Bohemian]

Got this problem now with the Valk and had it on the C50 Suzuki I had before,  glaring off the speedo that was mounted on the tank.

I'm not a fan of the tank bags or bibs so that's out for me.  Been thinking about having the cap powdercoated a dull black.  Hate to mess with a perfectly good piece though, maybe I'll try to find a used one and experiment.

For the quick fix I put electrical tape over the shiney parts, works for now.

[Jesh]

I used to have one of the leather covers that went over the cap but I never liked the way it looked. I decided to paint it with flat black texture paint made by Rust Oleum.It`s been about 4 years now and I`m still happy with it.

[HayHauler]

Hey Jimmy. Great looking bike that Scott used in that pic. Must be one of those ultra fast Canadian Valks.Scott ,who also lives in London,uses my bikes to check on fit of his product.Great guy to deal with. Just had some bags made up thru him for a Shadow I picked up this year for my youngest son,Jacob.
Adrian

I thought that might have been your great looking IS.  You know, the Canadian Fast Red/Black color.. 

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

It is a good thing most of us wear helmets........ otherwise people would then be complaining about the reflection off my head   (and I will not be painting it flat black). 

[R J]

I used to use a Harley doo rag.   Raised the lid, stuck  the rag in and around, closed cap.

Had a small slit in it to get the key in the lock.  Like someone said, ya only need it for a short time.  The sun moves up or down and it is gone.

Another thing you can do it lean way back and drive with your finger tips, but that means ya have to have a Electronic Cruise Control.

[Razkal]

Did not have a prob. until we changed to a taller shield then got glare quit often. Took the chrome bezel off the tank washed it with some omni gold and shot it with a base coat black then scuffed it with scotchbrite. Works great and if I want to go back to the chrome I'll just wash it with some thinner.