I smell like an motor

[Dennis]

I'm new to the forum and my 3rd year riding my '07 xb12. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this, when I'm done riding my clothes smell like the exhaust. I talked to friends that have other bikes (since I'm the only one I know with a Buell) they said it was because bikes with mufflers at the bottom of the bike always have that problem. I never heard of that or is there a way to prevent it if it is true.

 

[djs2k2]

I'm pretty sure that's not it. unless you're sitting in a garage idling for like 30 minutes but then maybe you wouldn't be typing this post! Did you full up and maybe get a little gas on you?

 

[oh9bolt]

Me, my garage, and the room next to the garage always smell like gas/exhaust.

 

[2004xb12s]

That is nothing surprising and it happens on all of my bikes.

 

[firebolt830]

What's wrong with smelling like gas/a motor? that is one of reasons I love my bike and all my buddies comment about how good it smells when I start it up in the garage (with the door already open).

I am sure I smell like the bike a little bit after riding but that has never been an issue for me and I can't think of a time when anyone has ever told me that I smell bad after riding, unless I was sweating up a storm on a hot day.

No way to prevent it, but why would you want to? The ladies love the smell since they can tell right away that you ride a real motorcycle AND that's how a real man should smell. [up]

 

[jetlee]

What's wrong with smelling like gas/a motor?

I ride my bikes to work. Being in a professional environment dealing with architects/engineers/contractors/etc, it does matter what I smell like.

When riding the Blasts with velocity stack or other open-style intake, I always smelled like fuel afterwards. I didn't mind it, but my clients and contractors did. I also wasn't allowed in many areas of the fabrication shop due to welding/grinding/cutting and the fact I smelled like gasoline.

On my fuel injected bikes, I don't smell at all. The carb'd Blasts now are either EFI or have a full intake. It's been commented that I still smell like the cologne I put on before my 45 minute ride to work.

Are you sure you don't smell like the exhaust of the vehicles around you? Don't follow too close or hang around others' pipes.

 

[Matteson]

Uh take a shower?

 

[user_deleted]

my personal chemical aroma fav.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPXVGQnJm0w

 

[oh9bolt]

[up]

 

[Omiotek]

Keep some cologne with you and spray it before going into your destination

 

[go cytocis]

As jet mentioned, FI bikes are generally less stinky than carb'ed bikes, but exhaust placement is also a factor. My wife's ZX6r & my old 919 both have FI & under-the-seat exhausts. Both bikes, but especially the 919, make the rider's clothes stink like exhaust after a ride.

 

[firebolt830]

I ride my bikes to work. Being in a professional environment dealing with architects/engineers/contractors/etc, it does matter what I smell like.

I understand you point jetlee and I was being somewhat cheeky on the comment. I am a professional as well and I work for one of the largest accounting firms in the world. I am usually dealing management including CFO's/CEO/Controllers from time to time. I have never had a comment from either the client or my coworkers but maybe they are just too nice to make a comment.

Also, very valid point about the exhaust from other vehicles around you. I can definitely see that being a major cause from the smell unless maybe he is sitting in stop and go traffic during his commutes. Sounds like the cologne option may be the best aside from carrying a spare set of clothes in a sealed bag.

 

[08herobolt]

Mine smells. It's great isn't it?

 

[Macbuell]

Stock XB experience- My right leg smelled like exhaust. I sent it to hawk and he opened it up so I smelled like exhaust on both side. It was a great improvement. Good luck evening out your exhaust smell.

 

[go cytocis]

I ride my bikes to work. Being in a professional environment dealing with architects/engineers/contractors/etc, it does matter what I smell like.

I commute in a 1-piece outter shell (Joe Rocket 'Survivor' ) over my suit to avoid the problem. It's also great for keeping bugs from splatting on your lapel!

 

[snrusnak]

The only time I notice a strong smell from my bike is after I get home from a ride and I park it in the garage then close the door. Come back 10 minutes later and the garage smells like gasoline. Due to the fuel vent. And if I just filled up I usually get a few drips out of the vent.

Out in the open air it's never noticeable. I usually smell like leather after a ride, nothing else(well sometimes sweat lol). I ride to work sometimes and work in an office an nobody has ever said I smell

 

[toofast7782]

On my bike I noticed a hairline crack on the weld that holdes the frame togther under my right leg. It leaks about a drop of fuel a day depending on how full the tank is.... And it makes me smell like gas

 

[djs2k2]

Toofast7782 that's probably bad!

 

[08herobolt]

+1
Agreed. I'm not an engineer, but cracks in that area would seem to compromise the structural integrity of the bike.