Hi, Quick question - how easy is it to remove the tank? I don't need to but thought I might look underneath! Don't have a manual!! Thanks! Neil
Dead easy. Remove rear seat unit. The tank fixing bolt then lift the back end of the tank, disconnect the electrical connector, fuel fixings, breather pipe and job’s a good un. Unless it’s an E model with the different fuel lines/connectors. Always easier to do with less fuel in the tank.
Be careful not to twist the QD fuel connectors. Push the clip in and pull straight down/off. Easiest to see from the right hand side of bike.
You need the chrome plated steel fittings. I've pulled my tank about 10 times in the last few years and they are still as good as the day I fitted them. Lubricate the orings on the way back in.
Well (inevitably ) I managed to break one of the fittings! At least I now understand the fixing system. How I do I get the metal jubilee clip thing off? I've never seen that design despite breaking things for 40 years..... Recommendations on stronger fittings welcomed!
I don’t want to say it but I’m going to. Told you so. @Exige will sell you replacements. Hacksaw the ear of the clip off. New clips from Ducati are a couple of quid. While you have the tank off check the state of the air box sealing rubber. Mine was shot when I did it. C£50 for a new one.
in light of the broken fixing, nearly said it earlier - wish I had now, I always encourage people who have never removed them before to swivel the connector, albeit carefully.. You get an idea of the direction it needs to come out, you find out if it's slightly binding if never been removed/not removed for a long time and you find the "sweet spot" where the connector swivels easiest if the hoses are stopping it from being "in repose" and all this will help before you start to then go for the removal with clasp pushed in. Sometimes it even helps to swivel while removing connector and if it's still binding you can work some rubber grease in and around the coupling mating face. All too late now, never mind.
After the horse has bolted...I recommend using a block of wood to hold the back of the tank clear of the frame. Then one has two hands to gently undo the wiring, breather and fuel couplings.
I see you are out of stock of the male connectors. Any update on expected in stock mid-July? Cheers Neil