Tank Slap - Motorcycle Forum

I have been going to the local Shell garage on the bike for the last 5 years and have never taken my helmet off. I Have a chat while paying and all was well. But today I pulled in to top up, waited for her to switch the pump on but she just pointed and said "take your helmet off" I shook my head and she said it again. So I replaced the pump got on the bike and went to the BP station back up the road, got petrol there filled and paid with my Helmet On. I think it's more about the hassle of taking it off that I refused plus being a bit grumpy because the sun is out and I have to go to bed before the start of my night shift tonight. On the plus side we are starting to get the weather, although the rest of the week looks pants
So, have you ever refused?

Yep, I have.

In all honesty I don't mind taking my lid off.

There's a large petrol station near where I work with pay at the pump. I use that because it's quick and I want to get home. I've always stuck my card in and got on with things, knowing I can be away quickly. A couple of years ago the pump wasn't working. Then the car driver next to me tapped me on the shoulder. He said that the tannoy had been asking for me to remove my lid. With a Roof helmet and earplugs in I couldn't hear a thing.

So I cancelled the card at the pump and rode off.

I would do the same. Sometimes I take my helmet off (if I've been out all day to get fresh air) but when commuting and it might be wet and raining and short on time. I don't want the hassle of having to take it off. Fortunately I have yet to be asked.

I do try to use pay at teh pump whereever possible.

Never atcually been refused. I can however see why they ask you to remove your lid but does it really warrant it?
I hate having to take the lid off and putting g it back on again it just takes the piss. All you want to do is fuel up pay up and ride away simple really!

I know I'm in the minority here as this was raised a while back on the old site, but I really don't see what the problem is.

I take my lid off every time I fill up, rain or shine, cold or hot, so it's probably why I don't have an issue with it.

No beef here!

I have an issue with it. Why should I have to take my helmet off when some one in a Burka (for example) wouldn't.

Seems like I am less trustworthy which I object to. Having said that I cant remember the last time I was told to. Well apart from a place near me, but they let me fill up and then when I get to the till tell me next time I must take the helmet off, which I never do lol.

Generally I don't really get asked to take the lid off, but I wouldn't be too fussed if I was asked. It only takes a few seconds.

However, at a pay at the pump I wouldn't be quite so cooperative. The point is you secure payment before you can draw fuel. Therefore you cant ride off without paying, so what's the problem.

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D6Nutz wrote:
However, at a pay at the pump I wouldn't be quite so cooperative. The point is you secure payment before you can draw fuel. Therefore you cant ride off without paying, so what's the problem.

Which is what I was thinking when I was reading this thread. I'm not sure I've ever heard anyone refusing service around here for the helmet issue. I can see their point a little if it involved a face to face interaction with a clerk, but pay at the pump?

I used to have an Airoh Mattise flip front lid and always used to flip it up at a local garage when filling up, unfortunately I'm no oil painting and have been asked to put the lid back down before now....s'true that in truth though Ive never been asked to take me lid off, thing is once its settled on and comfy I cant be bothered taking it off again so would probably move on.

I've actually had a cashier tell me I should have left my helmet on whilst I was fumbling with my wallet and keys!

I now have a flip faced lid (a Nolan) so this is not a problem any more. I've also been told to get off the bike when filling up.

I don't mind taking my helmet off when I go in to pay, but it really fecks me off when they make you take it off at the pump.

I fill up sitting on the bike so where am I supposed to put it? On the dirty diesel covered floor?

Morrisons seem to be the worst offenders around here so now I don't use them for the car or bike.

I always get off the bike when I fill up. I don't feel comfortable sitting on it when I'm putting petrol in.

9 times out of 10 I take my lid off any way.

Always sit on bike when filling. I try to ram the fuel right in to the tank...less stops that way haha

Rossgo wrote:Always sit on bike when filling. I try to ram the fuel right in to the tank...less stops that way haha

That was always my thoughts until the day i spilt about 2 quids worth of Shell V-power over my crotch!! Lighting my next cigarette afterwards was a exciting experience - would i burst into flames or not....

I nearly always sit on the bike, not because I can get a drop or two of extra fuel in, but because I'm a lazy barsteward and can't be arsed to stand next to the bike.

D6Nutz wrote:I nearly always sit on the bike, not because I can get a drop or two of extra fuel in, but because I'm a lazy barsteward and can't be arsed to stand next to the bike.

Rob wrote:

Rossgo wrote:Always sit on bike when filling. I try to ram the fuel right in to the tank...less stops that way haha

That was always my thoughts until the day i spilt about 2 quids worth of Shell V-power over my crotch!! Lighting my next cigarette afterwards was a exciting experience - would i burst into flames or not....

Haha no way what a waset bet you was peeved! Must of been a bit nerve racking for ya...I bet if you was oit with your mates they all stood well back haha