08 R1200GSA fuel tank rear bolts- Any tips

[Stujw70]

Hi all,

I fitted a set of aftermarket shocks to the bike today. I removed the fuel tank for decent access to the front shock upper bolt, but upon refitting i could not get the two rear bolts to line up.

Front rubbers look ok, not distorted and i lubricated them just in case they were restricting movement of the tank.

Checked for obstructions and the fuel line, breather pipers, throttle cable all seem ok.

Removed & tried again a number of times and same issue.

Tried brute force and still no good.

Removed tanks on the 1150's loads of times, but first time i have taken the tank off this one, so anything i may have missed?

Thanks very much

 

[Beemerman59]

I've always found it difficult with a full tank so make sure its no more than 1/4 full. What works for me is to get the forward bolts in first and then hold the rear of the tank up slightly above the airbox and fiddle with one of the rear bolts until its in. Only screw this in slightly then go and do the same with the other side before tightening both. There are clips with rubber locator bungs underneath the tank - make sure these are in correctly or it won't line up properly whatever you do.

 

[DrFarkoff]

slacken the front bolts!

fit tank

fit rear bolts and tighten

retighten the front ones

 

[Stujw70]

Thanks Gents.

Little brackets underneath seemed seated ok, but will recheck.

Only thing to do is carry on trying it.

It will go as it came off, will persevere.

 

[Beemerman59]

On mine, it helps to push against the tank (from the back, towards the bars) with one hand whilst fiddling to get one screw in with the other hand. Sometimes its gone in straight away, other times, well, same as you're finding it.

 

[Bendy toy]

If the tank contains any more than a few litres of fuel, its very hard to nearly impossible to fit single handed. I had to retap the threads on one side because I got the bolt crossed - but I never do that - I just did!!!!.

You will need help, avoid doing it with direct sunlight heat expanding the tank and as other say push the tank forwards so you can get the last bolt started. Good luck.

 

[Stujw70]

Cheers, it does have a reasonable amount of fuel in it but was not in direct sunlight.