Tank panels misaligned

[Razor2000]

Hi has anyone ever taken the tank panels off for maintenance ie: air filter change etc and when tried to refit the gap between the centre panel and side panels not right home,I've tried all ways but something is not right,any help or advice much appreciated, cheers all.

 

[Gee-]

Might help if you mention the bike make and model also year.

 

[Razor2000]

Might help if you mention the bike make and model also year.

Aah yeah my mistake, it's a 2015 bmw r1200 gs,

 

[MotoRevive]

Hi has anyone ever taken the tank panels off for maintenance ie: air filter change etc and when tried to refit the gap between the centre panel and side panels not right home,I've tried all ways but something is not right,any help or advice much appreciated, cheers all.

They are notoriously difficult. The tanks can swell which makes matters worse. A little grease on the tabs can help too.

 

[Santa-2512]

My GS, my Honda, I think all my bikes never go back exactly the same lol

 

[Gee-]

Did you fit the filter back in correctly? This short video might help.

 

[Razor2000]

Thanks for the input fellas,I think I've refitted the air filter correctly but will double check tomorrow,I did put grease on the little mounts to aid refit, it's when I tighten tighten all the screws it pulls the side panels down from the centre panel leaving a larger gap than normal.

 

[Gee-]

Ensure that the side panels are properly aligned and seated before tightening the screws on the center panel. If the side panels are not fully engaged with their mounting points, it can cause gaps when the center panel is secured.

Good luck.

 

[Razor2000]

Thanks HxH,will take everything off and start from fresh, Thankyou for your help

 

[Gee-]

Thanks HxH,will take everything off and start from fresh, Thankyou for your help

Didn't do a lot, hard to tell without some pictures, only advise I can offer without looking at your bike and how the panels sit.
Please let us know how you get on, perhaps someone will be along who knows more.

 

[Gee-]

Here is a better video for you to watch, I like the Old Mechanic all his videos I find extremely useful.

 

[littleade]

IIRC the torx screws that hold the side panels on are a mixture of T25s with some having shoulders on them and others at the bottom rear of the tank having no shoulders so are the correct ones being used. Again from memory the ones that are at the top of the side panels that hold them to the tank have collars on them that screw into brass bushes set into the tank. Also are you over tightening the screws, causing the distortion you refer too. I used to use copper grease on mine to help the centre panel clip into place.

 

[Razor2000]

Thankyou both for that info,I have checked and double checked, all screws were placed and returned from where they were,I have tried small packers here and there to make sure there is no tension anywhere and a gap of at least 3 mm is the best it gets, it must be the ethanol.I really don't know what else to try,annoying as it is I'm guessing I will have to live with it