dumb question: fuel tank prop rod?

i was swapping in my K&N air filter today (yay!) on my 'new' 2004 VFR and found myself REALLY wishing i had a fuel tank prop rod. i searched under the seat, but i've been known to miss obvious things before. can anyone help me out?

Mike

 

Did you look in your tool kit? If you can't find it, use a 2x4 about 1' long. It'll do the same thing. Maybe your tools are missing?

 

The prop rod is the 2 piece spanner wrench used to adjust the rear spring tension in your tool kit. It is also used as a prop rod for the tank.

 

hmm. ok, i have the tool kit, and it does have the spanner wrenches. where exactly do i put them to use them as a prop rod?

Mike

 

Owner's manual has a picture that will show you better than words can describe.

 

Here you go.....

 

As suggested, the custom 2x4 works better. The rigged thingy in the tool kit is kinda flimsy.

 

hillbilly piece of wood=crude!

precision cast -alloy piece of original Honda toolkit imported from Japan, used as pictured in the Bible=elegant, very elegant indeed!

 

Typo or Bad Translation?

Did anybody read the caption in the photo? .....temporarily install the either of the bolts..... That's some great translating!

I saw that the first time I raised the tank on mine too....then I reached over to my workbench, grabbed a scrap piece of 2x4- and Presto!...a tank prop!

 

Well, I thought you needed to put a tank bolt back in. The hollow end of the handle goes over it(I leave the bolt sticking up about an inch) and keeps the bottom from sliding out and letting the tank fall. I agree it seems a little shaky but I've never had a problem with it. I've seen other tank supports made out of everything from 2x4's to pvc pipe with custom tips that match the holes in the tank.

Action

 

Yeah, once you put the handle of the "prop rod" over the bolt head, it is actually surprisingly difficult to dislodge. The tank isn't exactly stable, it will rock around, but not fall off, and shouldn't get in the way as easily as a 2x4.