Tony you do not need a flame. All volatile substances have what is called a flash point. Once this temperature is reached/exceeded then ignition is imminent. Years ago I was unfortunate to witness a rally mechanic get severely burnt, loss of hair, ears disfigured and eyes glued shut he was in a right mess. The car came in to Service (At the back of Ferrybridge Services so not too far from a full petrol station). Car raised, wheels off and he pops underneath to check diff etc. His crew buddy meanwhile fills the tank and a drop of fuel landed on the rear brake disc. Whoosh and a big flame appears!!!!! Jerry can gets dropped in panic and the poor fella underneath gets the full impact. I think you've had a very close call. Do you now think this incident was bad or good luck? I'd personally view it as the latter.
Yes, you are right, I was lucky and I suppose it could have been very different. I'm naturally a bit negative, but should be positive about it, after all I'm sitting here with a beer and a newly washed Thruxton. It will be interesting to see what BP's reply is. I have no interest in making more of it than it was, but on the other hand I have stank of petrol all day and it was actually pretty dangerous. Thanks all.
To their credit BP are going to stump up for a new jacket and helmet. If I hadn't got the responses I did on this thread I probably wouldn't have pursued it once I had calmed down the next day, so thanks.
I wonder if they'll send you cash or a voucher/items? Last time I had an insurance claim they asked if XYZ were suitable replacements (tools stolen) then sent me them direct.
I had a similar, but self inflicted version of this yesterday. I always struggle filling up, forever spilling a bit on the tank. Yesterday I was super careful, positioned the nozzle just where I wanted to fill to and started to fill. Then I had the wise idea of watching the pump to see how much I had filled, so I would no when close. Unfortunately, I had to twist to see and pulled the nozzle out as I twisted. Fuel went everywhere! Once home I gave the bike a bit of a wipe down with an ACF50 soaked rag and repolished the tank and side panels. Main problem was a proper soaking of my bullet jeans, the smell hasn't gone after a wash (can only use 30 degree). Hopefully the smell will go as they dry after a bit of time.
