Air Filter change w/out fuel tank removal?

Does anyone know if it is possible to change the air filter in a 5th gen. without completely removing the gas tank (ie: just in tilt up position)? Just got my K&N filter and was hoping not to have to spend half a day installing it.
Thanks,
Greg

 

Are you intent on doing this?

 

I changed my air filter and didn't remove the tank, just lift it up dude.

 

Okay I went back and read the original question and did'n't catch the part about tilting it up..... I have a question about tilting it.....How the hell do you get the screws out with one hand holding the tank up? it seems easier to remove the tank take out the filter using both hands and not risk you tank flopping off and falling to the ground.

 

I have a 98 and I just propped the tank up with a piece of wooden dowel rod cut to length. I know my CBR has a steel rod for this purpose under the seat, but I honestly cannot remember if my VFR does or not.

 

OK - that's what I did with my R6 as well. When I propped up the tank on my 98 VFR, I was able to open the airbox a bit just to see what kind of air filter it had. I didn't spend a lot of time with it, but it appeared like it would be not easy to get the tank tilted enough to get the air box open far enough to remove the filter.

 

Yup - looks like it can be done with the tank propped up.

 

Take the seat off and you can get the tank up higher. Be careful though, there are a couple of mystery tubes that can pull out if you raise it too high.

I think one tube is the overflow for the tank. Not an expert here...

 

The book on the 6th. gen says support it with the Shock/ swingarm adjusting tool with the extension installed.

 

Ah! I do not have a tool kit.

 

I've had my K&N out a couple of times and never removed the tank, just tilted it up. Not that big of a deal IIRC. This on a '99.

 

You could try! But yes you can. You can also use a truck tie down from the tank to the tail section to hold it up.:smile:

 

I just changed my air filter in my '00 yesterday.

Remove seat.
Remove two bolts at head of tank.
Lift up tank.

If you have tools, use the handle extender/grip together with the spanner to prop up the tank. You'll need to screw back in one of those tank bolts a little bit as a support base for the rounded end of the handle.

If you don't have tools, roll up a towel, lift up the tank and stuff the towel back there. That alone will allow you to reach the four forward screws. Using a stubby phillips driver in one hand and holding up the tank with the other will allow you to remove the three rear screws.

It will help to have a long #2 phillips for the two forward-most screws AND a long magnet or (trust me), you will drop a screw somewhere that requires you to remove a side panel - after burning 20 minutes trying to find the screw.

Job only takes 20 minutes (if you don't drop a screw). :smile:

 

Great how-to post. :thumbsup: I haven't tried the rolled-up towel thing, but might after reading your suggestion. I usually prop up the tank with a rubber mallet - the mallet and handle are the perfect length and don't slip out.

Huge +1 on the magnet idea. It's necessary, as you do not want to lose one of those airbox screws in there. What I do, however, is magnetize the end of the screwdriver so the screws "stick to" the end of the screwdriver during removal and reinstallation. Sears (and I'm sure other hardware stores) sell a magnet set you can run the ends of screwdrivers thru to magnetize them, then run them over the top of the magnet to de-magnetize them afterward (if necessary).

 

Follow up: Installed the K&N Filter today. Total job took 45 minutes, but I took my time, and did some cleaning while I was in there. I used a 12" wood dowel to prop the tank up. I used a telescopic magnet to remove and reinstall a couple of the hard to get at screws on the air box cover.
Thanks for all the help!

 

I just took a small 2x4 block of wood and used it as a gas tank prop. If you need it easier, use two, one in the front, on in the rear.

 

Hello,

On this picture, you see the normal way to keep the tank up :

 

it can be done by jus tiltin the tank,make sure you ave little petrol in tank,and wen your done,the drian pipe from the filler cap is not cough between tank and block.

 

How can you lift the tank this high without removing all the attached lines?

 

ITS ON A hinge so lift it and wedge something solid under it to take the weight of the tank .there is enough slack on the hoses.