Is there a rule about gas tanks?

[Big IV]

I wanted to clean my air filter, so I had to lift the tank. I was just standing there staring at it. My Dad walks by and asks, "gonna pull the tank?" I nodded. He laughed, "you've got a full tank don't you?" I nodded. Is there a rule that I can only pull the gas tank off when it is full? Because I never seem to need to pull it empty. Five gallons of gas is not light when you're trying to not scratch a tank.

I was going to ride home and bypass the gas station after work yesterday because I knew I was going to be giving the bike the once over.  On the way home I realized I wouldn't make it home, so I had to stop and get gas. I absent mindedly topped it off out of habit.

It has always been that way. The XS11 almost always had a full tank when I needed to pull it too.

[DeathWishBikerDude]

I always pull the tank with as little fuel as possible.
 

[DFragn]

I have a 5 gallon can & siphon for just that reason.
I've pulled it full, but much prefer taking a few minutes to pull out the bulb siphon ('cause I don't like drawing fumes or fluid) & gas can.

I don't drain it completely, just enough where the full weight won't teeter out of control and into the bars or something if I'm careless, because my bars are fairly congested with tank scratching items.

[doubletee]

Somewhat of a thread hijack, but I've been meaning to pull my tank and replace my air filter. Is it as tough to get all of the lines hooked back up as some of the horror stories I've read? I'd really be pissed at myself if I couldn't get things put back together and missed some riding time because of it. 

[SgtBunny]

I am going to have to pull mine when I get home to run my wiring for my horns and zumo.

Right now it is full as well so I plan to take it out and ride her hard for an hour or so then drain the rest.

I'm just not looking forward to the petcock and all the other crap to unhook.  

[Normandog]

Somewhat of a thread hijack, but I've been meaning to pull my tank and replace my air filter. Is it as tough to get all of the lines hooked back up as some of the horror stories I've read? I'd really be pissed at myself if I couldn't get things put back together and missed some riding time because of it. 

If I can do it, anyone can do it. I've had my tank off 3 times now. Twice it was a pain in the butt getting those hoses hooked up. Once, (ironically the 1st time) it was a piece of cake.
When reinstalling be sure to keep a finger over the vent tube so you don't get a siphoning action going on. don't ask how I know this. 

[Big IV]

but its not that bad. Even full of gas it could be worse.
The petcock is at the rear of the tank, where the frame splits around it, so it can be a bit of a tight reach. But it honestly isn't that bad. Not as easy as my XS11 or my CB750, but not as bad as a sport bike.The gas hose could stand to be a bit longer and make it a little easier.

[doubletee]

Thanks for the responses, guys! I'm now a little less apprehensive about taking on this task. 

[Big IV]

Doubletree,
the procedure is fairly simple. it can be a pain to reach. If you're nervous go ahead and call a buddy over to give you a hand. Two sets of thinkers is better than one.

[DFragn]

Somewhat of a thread hijack, but I've been meaning to pull my tank and replace my air filter. Is it as tough to get all of the lines hooked back up as some of the horror stories I've read? I'd really be pissed at myself if I couldn't get things put back together and missed some riding time because of it. 

Not hard at all to reconnect any of the lines. A long pair of needle nose pliers come in handy.
The only one I've had a tough time with is the vacuum line to the petcock. So, I replaced it with new line about 3" longer so I can do it easily while holding the rear of the tank up. It doesn't kink on me.
Moist won't have a problem. Mine grew tight because of all the accessory leads an an additional accessory vac line running right along the right side of my petcock.

[rmrc51]

I've replaced my petcock with a Pingel that has no vacuum along with a quick disconnect fuel hose. Makes taking the tank off MUCH easier!

And I definitely would either ride her until she's almost empty or siphon most of the gas out. Those tanks can be heavy and throw you off balance a bit.

[fudgie]

Thanks for the responses, guys! I'm now a little less apprehensive about taking on this task. 

If you make a fist and set the rear of the tank on it, you can use your other hand to hook up the lines. Its easy. You'll remember where the lines go. I always have a full tank. Set the rear of the tank on something as to not set it on your petcock. Alot of times if the gas is low I will set it up on edge.

[John Schmidt]

I have a piece of 2x4 about 4" long and put it under the rear of the tank to hold it up. Makes it easier for me. Plus, when I still had the stock petcock I replaced the vacuum hose with one a couple inches longer. It allows you to raise the tank and actually see what you're doing on the right side. Just be sure to dress the hose so it doesn't get kinked or pinched.

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Everyone should get a quick disconnect.
One of the best $20 upgrades i've made.
No fiddling with hose clamps once installed.
Pop off the connector,disconnect the vent line,and two bolts from the tank.
Makes life so much easier.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fuel-Line-Disconnect-Kit-Version-2-for-Honda-Valkyrie_W0QQitemZ230331963839QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item35a0dad9bf&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[Udo]

I was more then once in the same situation, full tank needs to be pulled. I bought a electric gas pump for cars (Solex rotating pump), inserted it in a small box, 2 long hoses, some wiring, a switch. Now, i have a electric fuel pump device...no more problems....i let it pump the complete gas in a canister, and, after the work, back in the tank....

[Gear Jammer]

Everyone should get a quick disconnect.
One of the best $20 upgrades i've made.
No fiddling with hose clamps once installed.
Pop off the connector,disconnect the vent line,and two bolts from the tank.
Makes life so much easier.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fuel-Line-Disconnect-Kit-Version-2-for-Honda-Valkyrie_W0QQitemZ230331963839QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?

hash=item35a0dad9bf&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

AMEN on what he said about quick disconnect hose. 

[fudgie]

Everyone should get a quick disconnect.
One of the best $20 upgrades i've made.
No fiddling with hose clamps once installed.
Pop off the connector,disconnect the vent line,and two bolts from the tank.
Makes life so much easier.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fuel-Line-Disconnect-Kit-Version-2-for-Honda-Valkyrie_W0QQitemZ230331963839QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item35a0dad9bf&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

How is it for being 'leak proof'? Any possibility of leaking? My mind says less joints means less leaks.

[Tundra]

+1 for quick-disconnect  If you keep your Valk, you'll have your tank off many times and kick yourself each time and wish you did this sooner. Tank off annualy for air filter cleaning/changing, tank off for de-smog, tank off for vacuum leak repair, tank off for modifications, wiring airhorns, wiring accessories, wiring lights and on and on and on. Very inexpensive and will make you smile it's so easy    Fudgie, as far as leaks, It comes with the Viton o-ring. impervious to heat and fuel. Red-eye will give you extra o-rings at purchase. You can also purchase more, hell you can replace it every time to take it off for that matter. Everyone I know that uses them swear buy them. No leaks, no problems.

[Doc Moose]

evilBay vendor bumped his price up, musta seen an increase in demand after these posts! 

He was originally about $18, now he's at $20.49.  He also used to advertize:
This part sells for $18.99 elsewhere on the internet.  May check out those sites he lists.   

Caveat Emptor.

[Valker]

Somewhat of a thread hijack, but I've been meaning to pull my tank and replace my air filter. Is it as tough to get all of the lines hooked back up as some of the horror stories I've read? I'd really be pissed at myself if I couldn't get things put back together and missed some riding time because of it. 

If I can do it, anyone can do it. I've had my tank off 3 times now. Twice it was a pain in the butt getting those hoses hooked up. Once, (ironically the 1st time) it was a piece of cake.
When reinstalling be sure to keep a finger over the vent tube so you don't get a siphoning action going on. don't ask how I know this. 

You shouldn't get any kind of siphoning action off the vent tube unless someone plugged the "T" in the line. It is there to prevent that exact thing.

[franco6]

sure, first turn the petcock off! a long thin philips, large long needle nose, apice of 2-4 and afew fingers! + an out of the way stand for the tank.dont forget the 2 bolts. its easy, enjoy Fred

[houstone]

The first time is a bit ginchy, but after a couple more, it's a piece of cake!   These are all great hints/tips, 'specially the (2x4) block to hold it up from the frame while connecting/disconnecting hoses. 
Just like most things, really, the more you do it, the easier it gets...
Guess I'll find out soon if that applies to mounting tires, too!