Tank Removal

[ross_g]

Hi Guys,

I know this is a real basic one but would appreciate your input, I need to get under the tank to take a look at the wiring on my bike. I have located the clamp that holds the tank to the frame and unhooked it, however the tank wont lift off freely. I have a manual and there isn't any info in it that I can find on removing the tank.

Questions are:

 - Is there something else securing the tank or should I just give it a stronger pull?

 - Do I need to disconnect the fuel line from the engine or would I be alright just resting the tank near on something near the bike?

 - If the fuel line does need disconnecting do I just close the petcock and disconnect the line.

Thanks ahead of time for your time and patience.

[Bob_Roller]

After pulling the metal bail/ring off of the frame tube, the only thing holding the tank on, is a piece of rubber at the front of the tank .

If the tank hasn't been off for a while, it's going to take a pretty hard pull to it freed up .

Wiggle the back side of the tank while you're pulling on it .

If the tank is full of fuel, you may want to drain it before removing it, it's a bit on the heavy side when full .

A quick spray of silicone lubricant on the rubber part, will make removal earier next time .

Remove the fuel line from the fuel tap, after you turn the fuel off .

[Luca]

The tank is held to the bike at the front by two rubber grommets on the frame.  The tank slides forward onto these grommets.

At the back is the wire bale that you have released.  Make sure nothing got routed through it.

Disconnect the fuel line (petcock should be off whenever the bike isn't running)

Point the front wheel straight ahead to give your tank good clearance with the handlebars, lift up on the rear of the tank, and then slide the whole thing back, being careful not to hit the seat with the tank.

[Barry]

I never take the tank off when it's full of fuel, as Bob said it's too heavy. 1/4 full is ok. Remove the fuel line union under the petcock and watch out to see if there is a fine mesh filter in there. Lift the tank up at the back only until the rear rubbers clear the frame tubes then pull the tank backwards off the front locating rubber.  Silicone spray lube is a good idea maybe even before you try to remove it as it might help prevent damage to the rubbers. New rubbers are seriously expensive for just a few bits of rubber. Watch the paint on the front edge of the tank doesn't chip on the steering stem adjuster. I usually protect the edge with a couple of layers of masking tape.

It's a lot easier than it sounds. Tank can be off in 60 sec tops.

[bruce_launceston]

There should be a rubber overflow hose attached on the left side ahead of the fuel tap if I remember rightly.
Just pull it off as well before removing the tank.

[ross_g]

Cheers Guys,

Will be giving this a go this weekend, need to test and label all my wires to see where I stand, I have noticed the previous owner has snipped certain wires at the connectors.

I'll be posting photos as I go, the ultimate job here it to fit a new speedo complete with working idiot lights and fit indicators. While I love the look of it without and understand that mirrors / indicators are not a must I went out on her the other day and kept looking for a mirror and turn signal.

[montmil]

Ross, There's an R65 Owners Manual available for download in the FAQs Section. While your printer is running that job, order a shop manual; either Clymers or Haynes or both. Worth the money and a low priced education on Airheads.

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