Vibrating Fuel Tank

[Coast Rider]

Tank vibrates all the time, thinking I am missing the fuel cushion.  Attempting to replace the front fuel cushion on my '96, any info as how to do it would be great, can't find a reliable mechanic yet.

[Kasumi]

Not owning a GS but on most other bikes. It should have rubber trims, which wrap around the lip of the bottom of the tank for where it rests on the frame, also a rubber washer on the frame where the tank bolts to it (usually under the front of the seat. Also where the tank slots into the top of the frame (near the handlebars) there should be rubber trims around the slot(s) With all these and the tank secured properly it shouldn't vibrate. So long as you have a few simple tools you shouldn't need a mechanic. Take the seat off, look around the edge of the tank at the bottom, if there appears to be missing trims im sure there is somewhere to buy them, just replace.

[Codger]

I solve the problem by riding all the way forward with my nads against the tank and keeping the RPMs at 5,000.

[Kasumi]

Do the GS's not come with rubber trims to stop the vibration? If not, take the tank off, i would think it would be a bolt or two under the seat at the base of the tank then lift the tank up and slide it back until it comes out. Find some rubber trim which will go on the lips on the bottom of the tank where it touches the frame, then a fairly thick rubber washer which will go around the holes where the tank bolts under the edge of the seat, Also put some rubber washer things inside the slots where the tank slots in at the top. Bolt it all back together and hopefully no more vibes

[MarkusN]

The GS tank is borne by a rubber pad gripping around the front frame, two rubber pads stuck to the rear; it has rubber trim along the lower edges.

It is also notorious for resonating around 5000 RPM.

[Egaeus]

I solve the problem by riding all the way forward with my nads against the tank and keeping the RPMs at 5,000.

[Kerry]

For those not familiar with the '89-'00 models, there is a rubber cushion under the front of the fuel tank.  It pushes onto the frame from behind, and is glued (!!) in place.  It comes off way too easily as you remove the tank.

Here is how Suzuki solved the problem in the '01+ models:

[Coast Rider]

I solve the problem by riding all the way forward with my nads against the tank and keeping the RPMs at 5,000.

Tried that already, no luck

[Coast Rider]

For those not familiar with the '89-'00 models, there is a rubber cushion under the front of the fuel tank.  It pushes onto the frame from behind, and is glued (!!) in place.  It comes off way too easily as you remove the tank.

Here is how Suzuki solved the problem in the '01+ models:

Thanks,  I'll try to attach it with a screw, let you know how it goes.

[Codger]

my method doesn't reduce vibration, it gives it a purpose.

The rubber cushion should clean up a lot of buzz.  Practically all of the tanks have a ~1 hz harmonic around 5K.  So you will always have some residual in that region.

[The Buddha]

Yea the chick man ... they dig that ... yea ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[Coast Rider]

Took the tank off and the rubber cushion was hanging underneath,  the idiots used rubber for lining cabanet shelves when they couldn't find the cushion and the spill over fuel hose was not connected.  Put the rubber in place drilled a hole and screwed it on attached the hose.  Getting ready to take it for a ride now .  Is there a rubber molding that goes along the sides of the tank or is it just metal on metal???

thanks Kerry

[Kerry]

"Yes" on the rubber molding.  See item 3 / 6 in this MrCycles diagram.  See also the 2 little foam cubes (item 10) that are - again  - glued in place on two flat spots of the underside of the tank.

For pricing, see the FUEL TANK (MODEL R/S/T) area for each vendor on my Parts Fiche Catalogs page.

[Coast Rider]

Kerry,

Have they modified the way the cubes are attached on the new 500s?

[Kerry]

Gulp!  I'm sorry - I don't know.

[Alphamazing]

Kerry,

Have they modified the way the cubes are attached on the new 500s?

Weather stripping adhesive.

[rangerbrown]

mine rattles too. and had all the padding.

[Coast Rider]

Well took it for a ride and their is no vibration anywhere, Thanks everyone for all the input, the 500 is back on the road.