I thought that I was finished with getting sprayed with gasoline after fueling up my 2015 Duke, but, it was 75* today, which is one of the first good riding days of the year, so I aired up the tires and took a ride about. I found that I was really happy to be on the bike, even after the 15/42 gearing (Boldor's fault) yanked the front wheel off the ground when I was feeling exuberant and made a quick hard 1->2 up shift. I realize that many would have enjoyed that, but, I am not into riding with a wheel in the air so I clicked off. But, after a winter of sitting, the bike started right up and I had forgotten how quick it was and how well it handled. Although with the 15/42 it hits the rev limiter at 112 mph in top gear, I find that in the real world with traffic and police, the 690 has more than sufficient power to get a person arrested, and it is nice and light and easy to ride.
Anyway, toward the end of my ride, I stopped for some fresh fuel, and I was very careful not to spill any fuel into the ring around the filler, and I did not over fill the tank, as I decided that was why my bike had sprayed fuel on me in the past. This approach seemed to work before winter, but, this time after I left the station and got up some speed, I got spritzed with gasoline and it even came in through the front vent in my Shoei and I felt it hit my face. It also got on my clothes, but, my enemies were not around, so no one threw a match on me. When I got home a couple of minutes later, I looked to see if I could determine the source of the gasoline and I failed, but it could be the rubber gasket, as it looks OK, but it is thin, and it could have dried out as it sat for months, so it might not be making a good seal. I have inspected the tank numerous times, and I can see no leak. And, of course, the 2015 only had a 12 month warranty, which expired long ago, so, unless a recall happens, I am on my own.
I may have been able to get a new gasket as I also dropped by the local KTM dealer where I purchased the bike with my recall letter about the possible fire and brake loss. The recall cover 2012-2016 690 Dukes, but, the dealership acted all confused and said that they would check and call me about it. Lucky that I took my letter with me since the service writer said that when they called they would tell me how much the recall fix was going to cost me. I had to straighten him out on that, but, one wonders at such behavior. But, I guess I am lucky to have a near by KTM dealer at all.
Anyway, the bike is a blast to ride, and it was not spraying me with fuel last year when I parked it, and, in fact, I wager that it is finished spraying me with gasoline, at least until the next time I fuel up. Still, it is annoying. I should add that the bike never reeks or smells of fuel when garaged, which makes it even more mysterious. But, even though I took a shower and scrubbed my face and arms with Brillo pads, I still have a lingering gasoline odor about me, and I hate the smell of gasoline, even when it is full of alcohol (I live in California, home of poor quality gasoline).
I will ask the mechanic at the dealership about it if and when they call back and I get the warranty work done, as they might remove the tank to do the work so they could look for loose vent hoses or leaks or whatever, if they were willing. But, I will not pay the dealership to work on the bike as they charge too much and who knows how competent the current mechanic of the hour is.