Tank install troubles - upper tank-mount bolt

[Jiberwacker]

Has anyone else had trouble getting both the upper and lower tank-mount bolts in place when putting the tank back on.  Once i get the tank into proper position in the rear under where the seat goes, i can't get the upper tank mount bolt in.  It sits just a tad too far forward and all the tugging and pulling i can muster won't get it in straight.  Any ideas?

[walker]

try putting the front one in - only about 3 turns (just enough so it won't fall out). Then thread the back one in about half way - tighten the front a little bit, then tighten the back one down all the way. Then finish up the front.

or the other way.

If the tank is full, or off the bike for a bit, it seems that it may change shape slightly.

Just don't tighten one side all the way down before starting the other! Also, doing the front first, I have found it easier to move the back into place, versus trying to move the front bolt hole into place.

[Jiberwacker]

Thanks.  I'll try some of those ideas.  Fortunately there is only about a gallon of petrol in the tank so i don't think that is creating the problem, but one never knows.