Member Contributer TriumphTraitor 56 Posted February 21 Member Contributer Share Posted February 21 The locks downs have me going crazy these days finding any excuses to tinker. In the process of doing a full PAIR delete and prepping for heated grips. I decided to make a prop rod for the gas tank. Honda's solution of using the chain tensioning tool just seemed silly to me. Bent up some 3/16" rod, added a rubber bumper and presto. Simple prop rod that fits perfectly with the tool pouch in the bike 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Magneto 26 Posted February 21 Share Posted February 21 Suzuki has similar design to yours and it was provided standard on my SV1000. There was slight Improvement compared to your design, a loop at the end of the prop that would go over stem nut providing positive location of the prop. Once I installed fender eliminator spot for it under seat wast lost, so it was the prop somewhere in vastness of the garage... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Member Contributer Terry 612 Posted February 22 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22 A similar item is standard fitment on my ST1300 and clips onto the undertray beneath the seat. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Member Contributer TriumphTraitor 56 Posted February 22 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 22 2 hours ago, Magneto said: Suzuki has similar design to yours and it was provided standard on my SV1000. There was slight Improvement compared to your design, a loop at the end of the prop that would go over stem nut providing positive location of the prop. Once I installed fender eliminator spot for it under seat wast lost, so it was the prop somewhere in vastness of the garage... That's actually where I got my inspiration from. My old SV650 had a prop rod similar to what I am assuming you had on your SV1000. I have a GPS mount attached through the center of my stem nut, so I couldn't use the stem nut. Bonus is though, the ABS lines and the tank fastening bosses give a pretty secure spot to put the end of the rod. 49 minutes ago, Terry said: A similar item is standard fitment on my ST1300 and clips onto the undertray beneath the seat. Once it gets warmer out, I may try to find a more elegant way to mount it somewhere Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Member Contributer boOZZIE 140 Posted February 22 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22 The rubber bump looks fairly stable but what about a welded washer and then using the tank bolt in place, just incase I knock it, I mean you knock it, ok ok I've knocked the prop once or twice. lol 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Member Contributer raYzerman 74 Posted February 22 Member Contributer Share Posted February 22 My tank prop consists of a length of 1 x 3 wood with two pins to fit in the frame holes and one pin to fit in the tank tab hole (optional, use two for the grommet holes). Made a similar one for the FJR, much shorter. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Member Contributer TriumphTraitor 56 Posted February 23 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 23 2 hours ago, raYzerman said: My tank prop consists of a length of 1 x 3 wood with two pins to fit in the frame holes and one pin to fit in the tank tab hole (optional, use two for the grommet holes). Made a similar one for the FJR, much shorter. I was using a scrap piece of wood at one point, but in my move it got lost in transit, and I did want something that would look factory under the seat so it wouldn't get lost again. Boredom has me tinkering under the "hood" more often than not these days 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Magneto 26 Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 Block of wood works well but it is not stowable in a bike like prop. In the garage I use rubber mallet up side down to hold the tank so missus think I know what I am doing....😀 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Member Contributer raYzerman 74 Posted February 23 Member Contributer Share Posted February 23 My wooden creations are for shop use only. I haven't had occasion to lift the tank on any bike while on the road, but if I did, I'd make a steel rod. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Magneto 26 Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 2 hours ago, raYzerman said: My wooden creations are for shop use only. I haven't had occasion to lift the tank on any bike while on the road, but if I did, I'd make a steel rod. Titanium 😀 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Member Contributer TriumphTraitor 56 Posted February 23 Author Member Contributer Share Posted February 23 1 hour ago, Magneto said: Titanium 😀 For racing applications, of course! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Member Contributer Stray 139 Posted February 23 Member Contributer Share Posted February 23 I’m with Magneto - rubber mallet/dead blow hammer in the garage. Never had cause to lift the tank on the street but if I did there’d be some scrap of wood or similar about. I do love your ingenuity though, TT. Simplicity and elegance in design are hard to achieve at the same time. You’ve achieved them both with your Tank Prop Rod! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fabio222 19 Posted February 25 Share Posted February 25 This is a great idea. Last February, as I was tackling an issue with mine, I didn't realise that you could leave the tank bolted at the back (the hinge). The tank fell... I think people heard me shout for miles around. Thankfully, somehow, the tank was only barely scratched on a bit you can't even see really. Miraculous. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Member Contributer adkfinn 80 Posted February 25 Member Contributer Share Posted February 25 Nice job. I just use a framing hammer or other long handled tool that is within reach, works fine for me. I haven't ever needed to lift my tank out on the road, where having a little rod like this would be super handy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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