For the experts (fuel smell)

[Erci]

Just picked up a 2015 V-Strom with 8k miles on it. Bike looks new, but there's an issue. After riding for about 15 minutes, there's a very strong gas smell.
I've pinpointed where the smell is coming from: between the front of the tank and the fork, on the left side of the frame. No smell when the bike is cold and sits in the garage. This tells me that it only happens when the system is pressurised.

I've lifted the tank and inspected the fuel line connection and vent hoses.. all good there.

My next step is to fully disconnect the tank, possibly remove the air box (not sure if it'll be in the way) and inspect all the hoses. I'm worried that I won't see anything obvious because the system won't be pressurized at that moment.

How would you attack this problem?
Thanks!

 

[Motogiro]

I had a problem with a short interconnecting hose feed between the throttle bodies on my SV1000s. Seemed like a weak point. I tried using different hose clamps but the original OEM clamps worked while others leaked under pressure.

Look at item 9. It's the fuel delivery pipe. See the interconnecting hose. Could be there or could be a compromised fuel inject connection.
Of course I'm assuming your twin configuration is similar to mine.

 

[Erci]

I had a problem with a short interconnecting hose feed between the throttle bodies on my SV1000s. Seemed like a weak point. I tried using different hose clamps but the original OEM clamps worked while others leaked under pressure.

Look at item 9. It's the fuel delivery pipe. See the interconnecting hose. Could be there or could be a compromised fuel inject connection.
Of course I'm assuming your twin configuration is similar to mine.

Yup read up on this! Was definitely the weak point.. older Stroms had the same setup. But 2014+ does not use a hose between 2 bodies.. dedicated lines now for each. I guess the short answer is "nothing to do but to pull all the parts off and carefully inspect all lines and hoses" :| .. I really hope I figure this out because otherwise I really like this bike.

 

[Gary in NJ]

I would also suggest putting some low pressure air (with the fuel cap open) through the vent lines to make sure that one of the lines isn't clogged, causing an imbalance.

 

[Erci]

I would also suggest putting some low pressure air (with the fuel cap open) through the vent lines to make sure that one of the lines isn't clogged, causing an imbalance.

Excellent idea! Definitely will try that.