09 450 FE Tank Installation

I feel sheepish asking this question, but is there any technique to install or removing the tank on a 09 Fe 450? My reason for asking is that the process seems harder than what I would have thought. I am now over the requirement to take 14 odd screws off the tank in the first place, as opposed to 3 on my old KTM.

My issue seems to be that the tank is getting caught on something (I think the sub frame anchor points on the inside of the frame) making installation particularly difficult. The fit is very very tight and the tank scraps the radiator guards (force accessories) on installation and it takes some force to insert the tank into position. The scraps on the rear of the tank from the anchor points also seem to indicate that the fit is a little too tight.

I've now installed a thermo fan, but it seems impossible to install now as the rear that was (I think) getting caught on the inside anchor point is now offset by the thermo fan so the tank will not slide down any further. Before I totall screwed something up costing me more money I thought I'd check with all gurus on here because it seems to be much harder than I would have thought.

As I said it seems to be hooking on the inside anchor points for the rear subframe and I am tempted to take 5mm off them, because that seems to be all that would be needed. But before I do that I'am seeking advice?

Help!?

Thanks mate, It worked a treat. I had loosened the radiator and mounting bolt, but not enough. It just surprises me that that is what you need to do! Maybe something for the berg engineers to work on?

I've since found out that some early 09 models had an issue with the anchor points of the subframe being to long and rubbing on the tank. The solution is to grind them down, from what I can see that should be about 5mm max. I don't feel like such a boof head anymore. :cheers: