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[RayG]

I was told by more than one person to not follow the manual to remove the gas tank on my 08 SERK.  I just had it lifted to replace the ignition switch.  I need to remove it to replace the seals to my 66mm throttle body.  The throttle body is so loose I can easily move it up & down with one finger.   Even with the tank removed it looks like I will have to make a short Allen wrench due to the small grooved area to get the Allen in.  Any advice on the tank and the work to the throttle bodies would be greatly appreciated. 

I have already been told if you can't even take a tank off why proceed?  Well I'm just about done with having anybody work on my bike due to numerous small things like a loose exhaust, air cleaner loose etc.  I could write a book.  Counting on my brothers once again.

Thanks 

[Twolanerider]

There's not any "trick" or shortcut to removing the fuel tank.  Yours is easier than older bikes as you don't have the external fuel crossover line.  So for you it's just unook everything at and under the dash, lay the dash back out of the way, unhook the fuel line at its coupler beneath the tank, take out the bolt at the rear and the two at the front and lift the tank off the bike.  It really isn't a daunting task.

The two bolts on the left side of the throttle body are accessed easily enough with a standard allen wrench.  The two on the right side are best done using a long ball headed allen socket.  If you're unfamiliar with them the pic below will illustrate.

[98fxstc]

Usefull to cut a length of allen key about 1" and use with 1/4" wrench where access is difficult.

[RayG]

Thanks, that pretty much was I was told.  When I remove the TB I'll post pic's of the limited space for the Allen head.  I do have the same tools you posted it just doesn't look like it will clear.  Hope I'm wrong.  Should get to it Mon or Tues.  Hoping to make it to 80,000 miles this year then it's back to another long winter. 

[johnsachs]

I do 2 things when that situation arrives.
1 - Put the allen head bolt in a lathe, and taper turn the OD of the bolt head. 15* will do it.
2 - Lightly grind the 2 existing reliefs on the throttle body for more clearance.
John

[RayG]

After looking at it more closely I have to agree with John, a regular Allen head will not fit.  It looks like the S&S did grind a very small relief area in the body for a wrench but it is still too small.  I may be able to remove it since it is loose but installing it properly is a different story.  I'll contact S&S today for any helpful info.  Will a clean up of the area with emery cloth and replacing the O-Rings be the right way to go?  I have about 20,000 miles on the 124 and had the leaking gaskets replaced last year. 

Thanks

[Ed Ramberger - One_Screamin_Eagle]

There are several ratcheting tools available for that job specifically.  Also the Yost wrench is invaluable. 

https://www.denniskirk.com/H28700.sku?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse&gclid=COGf8f73sMACFWELMgod8QoAvA

[chaos901]

The '08 tank is much easier to remove than even the '07, really not difficult and I found the procedures in the manual to be correct.  The only trick is to be certain to take the pressure off the fuel line by removing the fuel pump fuse and running the engine some, but that is in the manual. 

As others stated above, you can find a tool specifically made to remove the couple of allen bolts that are hard to get if you look on-line.  Not sure where I got mine but George's Garage is a good place to start.

IMO

[Coyote.]

Change the TB bolts to hex bolts while you have it off. Then it's a POC next time.

[Cvostu]

Way easier now than it used to be.  The quick connect fuel fitting makes it so much easier.