Noticed while riding over the weekend that my tank has about an inch of play in it side to side at the front end.  I assume thats a bad thing and its a little unnerving.  

I ordered a service manual, but it hasn't arrived yet.  Anybody have a quick rundown of where the mounts are, how to tighten them, and what tools I'll need?  

Its a 93, and stock as far as I can tell.

Thanks much.

Check the rubber mount on the front of the tank, The tank is bolted on by 2 bolts, one on each side by the front of the seat, just hooked on the front.

I think the little rubber boot might be missing.  Look at the picture below right in front of the handle bars.  Little black boot.  The only other thing is the 2 bolts holding the rear of the tank in place.  To get to them remove the seat, remove the plastic, and you should see the two bolts right at the back of the tank. (under your knees when you sit on the bike)

http://www.gstwin.com/images/how_to/carb&valve/3sm.jpg

I have at least half of a tank of gas.  

Will I need to drain hoses, remove petcocks and whatnot to check this out? (I've seen the instructions in the FAQ's for carb cleaning and whatnot)

I guess I'm hoping there's enough slack for me to lift it up and take a peek without going thru all that trouble - As a newbie, it seems a wee bit complicated.

Should be plenty of slack to check it.

You should be able to shut off the petcock under the tank by peeking under the tank and using a really long screwdriver to shut the valve off.  Then un-hook the hoses.  Minimal drainage.  Then at the junction of the down tubes and the steering tube, you should see the rubber pad the front of the tank sits on.  If you don't see one, you don't have one.

take two beer cans, smash flat, place under tank.  won't really help your problem, but will rattle around alot and make new noises so you won't even be worried about your tank moving .

I had the same problem, the front of the tank would wiggle around, bout an inch each way.  The rubber thing mentioned earlier was missing.  So, I took the tank off (with a couple tools you can do this even when it's full, not that tough) and wrapped masking tape all around the c-shaped thing where the rubber thing used to be.  Put the tank back on and presto, no more wiggling. Yeah it's ghetto but that's ok    

jeff

fuel tank cushion Part number 9.

I just replaced mine.  Lost it after messing around with the fuel tank.

Payed $3 - $4 bucks at my local Suzy dealer.  They give me good service on small replacement parts.  I think they know that I like the Boulevard cruiser.

Thanks much folks. I'll post another reply once I get a chance to check it out and have some resolution.

I am constantly in awe at the amount of knowledge here and the willingness with which everyone shares it.  I knew this site existed before I bought the bike, and it made the decision alot easier for me.

-- Mike

Any guesses as to what I found?  

It was a piece of sponge, wrapped in electrical tape, wedged above the piece that slides under the frame.  This also explains the 1/8 inch gap where the frame would like to meet the tank on its little rubber strip.

Methinks that correcting the vibration, noise, and unsettling movement is worth the $4.  

And an excuse to partially disassemble the bike was priceless, although my first attempt at the centerstand was a little scary.

Thanks again all.

Any guesses as to what I found?  

It was a piece of sponge, wrapped in electrical tape, wedged above the piece that slides under the frame.  This also explains the 1/8 inch gap where the frame would like to meet the tank on its little rubber strip.

Methinks that correcting the vibration, noise, and unsettling movement is worth the $4.  

And an excuse to partially disassemble the bike was priceless, although my first attempt at the centerstand was a little scary.

Thanks again all.

Ah the centerstand!  Many posts on that.  It requires very little effort if you do it right.  Modesty forbids naming some names, but I've known guys who had a bike for a year before they figured out how you put most of your weight on the stand (with one foot), and the bike will mostly lift just by that (as the stand "rocks" it), and a slight pull up gets it where you need it.  But it helps to have a spotter the first few times, to get comfortable.  Sounds like whoever fixed your tank probably fixes the weight machines at some gymns I've been in.

--Mike D.

could that loose bolt in the front of the tank be causeing the vibration in the front of the bike that i hear when i shift or am cruiseing down the road.  :dunno:

I'm having somewhat of the same problem. My tank is loose at the front, but instead of moving a lot from side to side, I can pick the front up about a quarter of an inch off of the frame. Yes, the rubber piece is there.

I guess it's not a big problem. More of an annoyance when going over any type of bump and you can hear the front of the tank bouncing off of the frame. What do you guys think I should do to fix the problem?

Mine is a vibration that gets worse at higher speeds and rpms, and the tank moves noticeably side to side when I push my knee against it while turning.

Note its not a bolt, just a piece of metal that slides under the frame.

Its really easy to check - just remove the seat, side panels, and two tank bolts per the above post, and slide the tank back and upward to take a peek.  

Ordered mine from my dealer, 5 business days and $6 later It'll be cured.

ill have to look into that when i get home man thanks for your help.