Topic: 73' Honda CB500 Four k2 Gas tank removal help.

[Shtonecb500]

I just registered and first time bike owner.

Some background, purchased a 1973 CB500, two different owners, second owner purchased the bike in 74 and has had it for the last 42 years.

Previous owner provided service records, extras such as fairing and hard saddle bags. The bike has very small amounts of rust that I will be cleaning up today, bike is in perfect working condition with 27k miles on it. No issues.

I want to remove the gas tank and strip and repaint it, there was some spilled gasoline on one side of it and it stripped away the original paint about the size of my palm. I searched online but was only able to find a CB450 gas tank removal instructions and not sure if its exactly the same.

Is there something on here providing instructions for this process?

[Denver_Larry]

If you open the seat you will see how the tank is secured at the back.  Make sure the fuel petcock is in the off position and lift the back of the tank up.  Hold the tank up a bit and remove the fuel line from the petcock, be prepared with a rag as you'll likely drip a bit of gas.  Now that the tank is free of the fuel line you can remove it completely.  Continue holding the back of the tank up a little and slide the tank towards the rear of the bike.  Tank off.

[b52bombardier1]

Yes, yes, it is very easy and DL above is exactly correct.  Just don't lose that rectangular rubber mount.  It'll reinstall just as easily.

Consider cleaning and lining the inside of the tank while you have it out. - I'm a believer in the "POR 15" urethane liner for this.

Rick

[calj737]

Just to expound on Larry's guidance, the front of the tank has 2 inner "C" brackets that are resting on rubber bushings. These are a friction fit. Raising the rear of the tank (by as much as 45*) allows you to slide the tank rearward and off those rubber bushings.

But the inside scoop is the rubber mounting tab under the seat as Larry said. Some tanks "might" have a bolt through them at this same location, so do check for that too.