Frame bolt removal

[haggis95]

How to remove frame torque bolts?

I'm putting on the Heed crash bars, but need to remove some frame bolts. However my hands are too big to get a wrench behind to hold onto the nut. Any suggestions?

[Bixxer Bob]

Realistically, you have to take the tank off.  It can be done with stubby spanners but you can't get then torque the bolts up correctly once the bars are on.  Tank off seems scary if you've not done it before but once you have, you'll realise it's the easiest way to do a lot of the jobs on a Tiger.

[haggis95]

You're right it does seem scary! But thanks for the advice.

[Bixxer Bob]

Once you've done it a couple of times  it's ten minutes tops.

You'll see it written in other places, but things to remember:

If possible do it when the tank is nearly empty.

Have somewhere cleared to put it down before you pick it up, especially if it's got a lot of fuel in it.  Wandering around the garage with a plastic tank containing 20kg of fuel isn't funny.

Don't leave it off the bike a minute longer than necessary or you'll find it difficult to line up the mounting bolts.  Plastic tanks are flexible to say the least.  I prop mine up on a couple of blocks under the mounting points which seems to work.

Right, having said that:  seat off, disconnect battery and remove. 
Three screws to remove each indicator assembly then unplug and put somewhere safe.
Remove screws that retin the black side panels; pull back to unclip and put somewhere safe.
Remove three battery box retaining screws, lift box half way, unclip 30 amp fuse from the left side and remove completely.
Unclip fuel hose,  power cable and two drain hoses.
Remove two mounting screws; one at the front, one at the back.
Lift the tank rear first till it just clears the frame.  It'll most probably catch slightly.  As it clears the frame, reach under the right side and unplug the fuel sender (this is where three hands would be nice but it's doable with two).
Wiggle it backwards and it'll come free.
Put it somewhere safe.

Now you can survey the wonders underneath 

[haggis95]

Great tips thanks!

Rushes off to put tank on mounting blocks!

[PeteH]

Don't worry too much if the tank doesn't quite go back on as planned....secure the rear bolt, then using a stout piece of timber lever the front of tank until the holes line up....worked for me

[haggis95]

Thanks for that tip.

While the tank is off I replaced the spark plugs and ordered a k and N air filter.

In the meantime, while I'm waiting for it, now I can see all the space in there I'll re-route the R/R I bought as a replacement last year.

[Timbox2]

Thanks for that tip.

While the tank is off I replaced the spark plugs and ordered a k and N air filter.

In the meantime, while I'm waiting for it, now I can see all the space in there I'll re-route the R/R I bought as a replacement last year.

Just watch you dont misplace the little foam gasket between the IACV and the airbox when you put it back together.

[haggis95]

Thanks - I noticed that.

[blacktiger]

Once you've done it a couple of times  it's ten minutes tops.

10 minutes???? Your clock needs a new battery. 

[blacktiger]

Just watch you dont misplace the little foam gasket between the IACV and the airbox when you put it back together.

Some small/tiny bits of "Blacktack" underneath the gasket will hold it in place and squish enough when you bolt everything down.