Gas Tank Adjustable Bump Stop and Rubber Bushing Replacement

 

Here's a quick DIY for those of you who have lost your OEM gas tank bump stops. 

For the longest time I was hearing a rattling sound coming from underneath my gas tank but I couldn't place my finger on where the exact location the sound was coming from. 

Judging from the scratches on my frame (left image) I could see that the tank was in fact coming in contact with the frame under my weight while in the riding position. After a quick inspection , I initially thought that the two fasteners that secure the gas tank to the frame was the issue since there was no space to provide a lift or gapping if you will. So with that in mind and short on time I ran out and bought two round rubber grommets about 3/4's inch thick from my local ACE hardware store and placed them in between the frame and two feet locations where the fasteners go. This should provide a good spacing while absorbing vibration I thought to myself. The following day I proceed with my daily ride to work and low and behold!.. the rattling was still there. WTH!

A bit puzzled at this point I went through the rest of my week gritting my teeth, listening to this god awful ratting, scratching, eating away at my bikes frame, and when the weekend finally rolled around, I immediately cracked open that bad boy and gave everything a good thorough inspection and to my surprise, I finally noticed that one of my bump stops, which supports the weight of the tank and rider, was missing. 

Removing and using the remaining bump stop as a reference, I once again ran down to my local ACE Hardware and began rummaging through the rubber grommet boxes and where I was able to create my own adjustable bump stop.

This issue intrigued me so much that I just had to make a video about. It's just one of those things that is so simple yet easily overlooked.  Below is the parts list from ACE hardware if you ever find yourself in need of one.

ACE Hardware parts list include:

• 2 small rubber bushings: part#495784
• 2 M6 bolts (front of tank): part#290015
• 2 M10 bolts + 2 jam nuts (thin nut style):
• 2 Well Nuts: part#3330 
• Total cost= $24.

This DIY shows how you how to recreate your own adjustable bump stops to give your gas tank additional clearance from the frame. I also added 2 additional rubber Bushing to the two mounting points at the front of the tank so that the entire tank now floats on rubber.

Gas Tank Adjustable Bump Stop and Rubber Bushing Replacement