I only wanted to lift the front of the tank to route a new USB cable, but when I removed the bolt at the front, the tank began sliding back towards the battery. I caught this immediately, got the tank balanced, and was able to disconnect everything and get the emptied tank off the bike without incident.
My plan is to use JB Weld to reattach the broken tabs. I figure leaving them bolted to the bracket is going to be more effective, and attached they should align well. Plus the weight of the tank will help the epoxy to properly adhere.
I got wiring, etc. well out of the way and installed the tank, getting the front bolt just started to secure the tank. With that bolt gently tightened down, the rear of the tank is lifted to the point where moderate force will not get the two broken pieces to meet. Unscrewing the bolt results in the rear lowering enough for proper alignment of the tabs.
When I initially removed the tank, I discovered the left hand rubber cushion that supports the tank on the floor. I easily popped it back into place copying the positioning of the right hand one, with the small round channel on the outside.
This may explain why the bracket broke in the first place. There was mild rust on the surfaces of the break letting me know that this occurred prior to my taking possession of this bike eight days ago. I hadn’t noticed any looseness of the tank in the 400 miles I’ve ridden.
I noticed a small paint chip adjacent to the front bolt which is making me wonder if the tab for the front bolt has been bent upwards, in spite of its having a rolled edge along the sides, which have helped prevent its getting bent. Here are pics; one with the bolt loose enough to allow my epoxying, one with the bolt brought home. Plus one of the broken bracket.
Would it be possible for someone to compare the positioning of my front attachment tab to theirs -or provide a photo of theirs- so I can rule out a bend?
Thanks!
-Sparky
My plan is to use JB Weld to reattach the broken tabs. I figure leaving them bolted to the bracket is going to be more effective, and attached they should align well. Plus the weight of the tank will help the epoxy to properly adhere.
I got wiring, etc. well out of the way and installed the tank, getting the front bolt just started to secure the tank. With that bolt gently tightened down, the rear of the tank is lifted to the point where moderate force will not get the two broken pieces to meet. Unscrewing the bolt results in the rear lowering enough for proper alignment of the tabs.
When I initially removed the tank, I discovered the left hand rubber cushion that supports the tank on the floor. I easily popped it back into place copying the positioning of the right hand one, with the small round channel on the outside.
This may explain why the bracket broke in the first place. There was mild rust on the surfaces of the break letting me know that this occurred prior to my taking possession of this bike eight days ago. I hadn’t noticed any looseness of the tank in the 400 miles I’ve ridden.
I noticed a small paint chip adjacent to the front bolt which is making me wonder if the tab for the front bolt has been bent upwards, in spite of its having a rolled edge along the sides, which have helped prevent its getting bent. Here are pics; one with the bolt loose enough to allow my epoxying, one with the bolt brought home. Plus one of the broken bracket.
Would it be possible for someone to compare the positioning of my front attachment tab to theirs -or provide a photo of theirs- so I can rule out a bend?
Thanks!
-Sparky
Last edited: