Brick Fuel Tank Post Clips? Get Rid of Them?

[jay1622]

I learned a great deal watching his videos during my rebuild. He recently released this one regarding a stuck starter relay, but I was very interested in what he had to say about the fuel tank post clips. Take a peek at the following vid (the whole thing is worth the watch), but listen to what he has to say starting at 2:14 regarding the clips. Thoughts? Oh, if you've never watched one of his vids, he's a tad edgy; personally, I love him!

[Martin]

Obviously has not lost any hard to replace expensive side covers off a K75s. The tank can bounce up over speed humps and any other large bumps allowing the top edge of the side cover to free itself. Resulting in the side cover making a bid for freedom.
Regards Martin.

[Laitch]

Most riders might be well downrange from ignition after they hit anything hard enough to do that which Chris describes in the video. Chris has some sound reasoning connected to his techniques; however, in this case—and this being the US of A—this dangerous state of being would have made its way through the courts by now and bank accounts of litigants and their counselors would be have increased exponentially courtesy of BMW. The Nannies of the EU certainly would have spanked somebody by now, too.

In addition, the use of these clips provides an exciting element of danger that motorcycling lacks.

[Motorhobo]

Boy did he look creepy with his Trump hairdo. Glad he embraced his MPB and joined the human race.

[Chaos]

I feel vindicated.  I lost the clips decades ago and now realize the great wrench is the sky was looking out for my sorry ass.  Chris Harris is the BMW purist-snob antidote. 

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I too have been agonizing over not being able to get those damn clips back on the posts. 

Fortunately, for some reason the clips are still easy to remove and replace on my K75S which is the only brick that needs them to hold the side covers in place.   

Martin, wouldn't it be simple to make a lanyard to keep them tied to the bike like the RS owners use to keep wayward mirrors from getting away?

[Laitch]

I feel vindicated.  I lost the clips decades ago and now realize the great wrench is the sky was looking out for my sorry ass.  Chris Harris is the BMW purist-snob antidote.

My good man, if you can't afford to replace the clips and lack the capacity to appreciate their part in the brilliant engineering scheme that is the BMW classic K series perhaps you should own a lesser bike rather than the K, besides the Ural I mean.

[Martin]

Gryph I don't intend hitting anything. And if I do hit something hard enough for that to happen I don't think I will still be with the bike. I've heard of quite a few brick accidents and none have ever fire balled.I will goggle the fire ball rate. However a mate used to loose side covers on his K75s quite frequently, I had to stop and pick them up ( three times). And at my time of maturity (age) I am feeling a bit rebellious Viva La Revolution.
Regards Martin.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Martin, there was a member here a couple years ago who I think had just finished getting a brick on the road when he was involved in an accident and had his bike completely destroyed in a fire.

Personally, I am not concerned about a fire from cracking the tank.  However, there is not enough time remaining in this life to be bothered with trying to get those clips in place.  I am glad to know that without them there is  a chance of losing side panels, so I think I'll be making some lanyards for peace of mind.

[Martin]

Gryph I've never had any trouble getting the clips on and I have a piece of wire with a hook at one end and a loop at the other end. It resides under the seat sandwiched between a piece of Velcro. It is also handy for removing the other "C" clips on the seat hinges. Interesting to hear that one Brick did fire ball was it due to the tank clips do you know?
Regards Martin.

[Brick_hack]

Heh, I was actually just about to punch the "Purchase" button on Hermy's BMW for two new clips because mine were missing. I think I won't now.

[Chaos]

Heh, I was actually just about to punch the "Purchase" button on Hermy's BMW for two new clips because mine were missing. I think I won't now.

Thanks to this fine forum another brick saved from certain cremation!   Loose the clips, don't fry to a crisp!  :giggles

[Brick_hack]

Thanks to this fine forum another brick saved from certain cremation!   Loose the clips, don't fry to a crisp!  :giggles

Final drive failure then?  :clap:

[The Mighty Gryphon]

My money is on a fuel line failure.  This is what happens when a 30 year old line finally falls apart from ethanol rot. 

On a separate note, in doing my maintenance last winter I discovered that I had 3 fuel line hose clamps loosen up last Summer.   I can't remember if they were "official" BMW or some that I had gotten at the local NAPA store. 

If you haven't checked yours lately, it might be a good time to see how tight they are.

[Martin]

From now on I will carry a loaf of bread and some sausages just in case. 

[F14CRAZY]

From now on I will carry a loaf of bread and some sausages just in case. 

You didn't end with "Regards, Martin"

[F14CRAZY]

Yeah my bike didn't have those clips and I'm not worried. Makes getting the tank on and off easier. No issues with it bouncing or moving around either.

And replace all your fuel lines if you don't know when they're been replaced. Make sure to use hose made for high pressure fuel injection. I'd suggest using new fuel injection clamps too

[Martin]

You didn't end with "Regards, Martin"

Sorry too busy thinking about sausages which I not supposed to eat. :musicboohoo:
Regards Martin.
Regards Martin. To make up for the missed one.  :2thumbup:

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Martin, do you know how your body rewards you for eating all those heart healthy foods???


Cancer.

[Martin]

What makes you think I eat healthily. On Friday, dump day you get the occasional sausage sizzle run by a local charity.  And it is my civic duty to support local charities, even at the risk to my health.
Regards a charitable Martin.

[Filmcamera]

Martin your dedication and selfless civic mindedness are an inspiration to us all. 


Go forth and eat sausages and hang the consequences


Regards an inspired Jonathan

[Nine80seven]

Never owned a K75 so, the only fastener holding tank on frame are two friction snap clips?  And rider is supposed to ride around with no clips?  And the bike will burn or not burn if in accident?  Will the tank fly off on impact?  Rupturing the hoses? What did I miss?