Add to my "Dumb Question" list:

[DarkMeister]

Some goodies came in for my IS. I suppose I should put in a shameless plug here for Cheap Cycle Parts; super quick shipping and half the price of dealers. But anyway, got my new petcock and starter switch assembly.

Starter Switch: I think my ten thumbs can handle this. I've removed my inner fairing bits before and learned, the hard way, all about the screws spinning. The only thing - someone here mentioned lubing the inside of the switch assembly...? Maybe that was only for repairing an existing switch, or need I lube the guts before installing? If so, with what?

Petcock: Uncle. Youses scared me off with talk about 36" needlenose pliers, curved and angled at 57.99 degrees. I really wouldn't mind trying the tank removal myself, but the riding weather is just too nice to risk having it sit through my (slow) learning curve. My only question, since the tank will be off, is this a good time to change the air filter? I'm not sure how often it should be changed; I have 23K miles on it now.
Thanks..

[MP]

I would change the air filter.

MP

[blackvalk]

Once the tank is off, looking at the filter, it's easy, do an inspection!

Most likely, it's filthy.

[X Ring]

It only takes a #2 phillips screwdriver to remove the top of the air box and change the filter.  About 5 mins with the tank already off.

Marty

[DarkMeister]

Thanks! Totally doing the filter.

Like DUH! I got confused (not hard to do) by these other terrifying posts about the airbox...tubes...tie-downs to force it in. But yeah; only the top needs to come off to change the filter.

[Chrisj CMA]

Just be careful you dont get the little gasket for the top of the airbox all wierd.  Sometimes they dont like to stay put.  You will have an air leak if part of the gasket is sticking out or inside the airbox

If the gasket tries to drop out as you turn the lid over for installation.  Simply hold the lid upsidedown, put the gasket in its groove, then put the aircleaner upside down on top of the gasket and then flip over the lid with the aircleaner in it all at once, that way the gasket cant flop out

[PhredValk]

While the tank is off, go to ShopTalk and look at the articles on Removing the Smog and Desmogging. If it hasn't been done, now is a good time. You have to remove the air box (and it can be a pain to re-install), but all those vacuum hoses will be a problem some day, and they aren't neccessary to the running of the engine. Get rid of them. If you're thinking of installing a cruise control some day, you'll need those vacuum nipples anyway.
Fred.

[thelt]

Just changed my air filter with 25000 plus miles. It was not extremely dirty but since I was there, I replaced it.

[BF]

Starter Switch: I think my ten thumbs can handle this. I've removed my inner fairing bits before and learned, the hard way, all about the screws spinning. The only thing - someone here mentioned lubing the inside of the switch assembly...? Maybe that was only for repairing an existing switch, or need I lube the guts before installing? If so, with what?

Petcock: Uncle. Youses scared me off with talk about 36" needlenose pliers, curved and angled at 57.99 degrees. I really wouldn't mind trying the tank removal myself, but the riding weather is just too nice to risk having it sit through my (slow) learning curve. My only question, since the tank will be off, is this a good time to change the air filter? I'm not sure how often it should be changed; I have 23K miles on it now.
Thanks..

Starter Switch:  It's not lube...it's dielectric grease.  And yes, it's a good idea.  You can find little squeeze tubes of it (One-time use little packets of it.......and I've seen it by the counter before) at places like AutoZone.  

Petcock:  Taking the tank off isn't that hard.  Take your time....read shop talk....or buy a manual.  The petcock just unscrews from the tank.  Easy to do.  And yes, that would be an excellent time to replace the air filter.