This is a really dumb question...
I see a lot of gas cap "paint protectors" listed in the various catalogs. I assumed they were for the dolts that were careless while fueling and either spilled gas all over the tank or had to stab around the top of the tank with the fuel nozzle before finding the hole, lol!
I just noticed on my very new 1200r, the most miniscule amount of paint peeling at the edge of the tank opening. I mean folks, it's really tiny. But it raised a question...is there something about the vapors/venting on Harley tanks that attacks the paint around the tank opening? Hence the market for "paint protectors"? I had always heard that Harley's paint jobs were among the best in the industry. My concern is not what is going on at the edge of the painted surface...just wondering if the vapors/fuel is actually getting up under the paint and will cause it to lift (think gel coat blisters on a fiberglass boat, where water actually gets behind the gel coat-yeah, I used to think polyester resin was waterproof, too-and migrates underneath it causing blisters).

Kim

Hi Kim

If you have a dodgy edge to the paint and its near the rim the vapours will get under it and blow the paint. Cheap solution is to run some clear nail varnish around the edge. The paint protectors are mainly for protection against knocks but there are a few around that seal against paint fumes.

I agree with Gordy! Use some clear nail polish on that little spot. You can also use JB Weld, but the clear is just as good. The fumes definitely will go under it and lift your paint.

The new gas caps are supposed to "breath" to allow fumes to escape, but some might work better than others, hence that could cause part of the problem of paint lift....or if you bought a different cap that doesn't breath!

Clear nail polish it is.
Thanks!

Kim

Using the clear nail polish is a good idea however, there is a major difference between the clear you buy in the local Wally-Mart and the clear that is used by a professional manicurist. The clear that you by at the department store is generally UV sensitive and "WILL NOT" tolerate much sun or the heat before it goes belly up, where as the clear you can buy at Sally's or some other pro outlet will tolerate both the UV and a major amount of heat; the price is generally double too. The second issue I have with this is warranty. If the bike is under 2 years old I would be getting a new paint job on my tank for free.....................

Hawk