Modern Vespa

I have a GTS 300, and no matter what I try I end up with gas spilling all over. I even tried using a gas can so I could slowly fill the tank.

There has to be an answer. Im tired of having to wipe down the scooter and air it out every time I refuel.

Any one have a solution?

Do a search an you will find a lot of solutions to your problem as it has been talked about many times in the past. And welcome to MV.

Fueling up. First try.

the fine art of filling the tank.

FAQ: How can I avoid overflowing the gas tank?

Gassy again - filling up the "right way"

Filling the gas tank woes

Opps! Overfilled my scooter again for the hundred time...

Here's what I do.

Based on the gas gauge reading, I can guess pretty accurately how much gas I need. For example, if it shows 1/4 full, I need 1.6 gallons (I have a 2009 GTV 250). I scale back from there. Insert the nozzle into the top of the fill tube so I can see into the tube. I fill somewhat short of what I think I need. Then I fill really slowly, stopping often and looking into the fill tube. When I see the gas at the bottom of the fill tube, I stop. I still occasionally overfill but not often. It does take practice. You might use a flashlight to look in the tank as your filling a few times to understand how close you are to the bottom of the fill tube.

The problem is that the tube is relatively short and narrow so holds very little fuel. Most people like to maximize the fill up. Once the gas gets to the bottom of the tube, its probably only about a cup of fuel before it overflows.

A trick keeping the gas out of the pet carrier if you do overflow is to put the gas cap vertically under the rear lip of the pet carrier and the bike frame so when you do have a spill, it doesn't go into the pet carrier.

Hope that helps.

Best
Miguel

The tip Miguel mentioned on using the gas cap to prop up the pet carrier is amazing. Best thing about it: keeps gas from spilling on whatever you keep under there, keeps your gas cap from rolling away, and reminds you to put the cap back on if you're forgetful or get distracted. (Can't shut the seat if the cap's propping the carrier up.)

I never pull the pump handle more than roughly halfway when filling up my GTS. If I think I'm getting close or have even a doubt that I might be getting ready to overflow I stop, take the nozzle out and peek into the tank to see if I can see light reflecting off the fuel. Usually, I end up gently "bumping" the scooter or rocking it a little side-to-side...just enough to make the fuel move.

Sure, it means it takes longer to fill up, but I'd rather take extra time to fill up than take extra time to wipe the scooter down. (And gas stations in my area are notorious for not refilling the paper towels that are usually with the squeegees at the pumps.)

Hope you get it figured out!