How to Remove a Honda Shadow Gas Tank
by Russell Wood
Maybe you want to restore your older Honda Shadow to its former glory, or you want to trick out your newer bike with new paint and some custom bodywork. Either way, you're going to want to take off the gas tank so you can properly clean and prep it. It's not a difficult process, but it does involve working with gasoline, which can be dangerous if not done correctly.
Step 1
Unbolt the two bolts on the side of the frame using a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Pull the seat up and away from the frame. Unbolt the rear-most section of the gas tank from the frame using a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Step 2
Place a drain pan underneath the gas tank to catch any runoff. Turn the petcock under the gas tank to the off position, and use a flathead screwdriver to remove the hose clamp that secures the fuel line to the petcock. Pull off the line and the vacuum line as well, and allow the drain pan to catch any gas that may run out of the tank and the lines.
Step 3
Lift the gas tank by the front at the handlebars and pull back toward the rear tire, then lift the tank up and away from the motorcycle frame.
References
Things You'll Need
- Open-end wrench set
- 3/8-inch ratchet and socket
- Flathead screwdriver
- Drain pan
Warnings
- Do not smoke or have any combustible material nearby while you work on the gas tank.
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
