no not normal   you might have small leak at shut off or hose to carb

When I started to smell gas upon approaching the bike, i thought it was just the occasional leak aroung the filler spout.  Then I realized that it , the tank, had a pinhole leak somewhere along the back under lip, every time I put a paper towell up under the tank, It came out smelling of gas.  I ended up treating it with cream. then .started haveing some trouble again soon after (within a week of the treatment) and have sidelined the bike until I get some money to fix it up.

islandwahine,
 Bike is an island enviroment,   hmmmmm  cool nights hot days,  expansion & contraction in a humid climate equals condensation in the tank.  

Water sinks so check for leaks (moist spots) on lowest spots first.  Toilet Paper works great for checking for tiny wet spots, then it can be put in a can (cat food, metal coffee, etc etc) and burned.

I have used a product called POR15 ( http://www.por15.com/ ) to seal some old tanks I had.  A little expensive but it's tough as bullets.   They do make a full tank teartment system.  Don't get it on you hands,  it sticks......long time.  

I respectfully submit the this phrase, "KISS".

Just because you smell a little gas, doesn't mean anything is wrong...

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