Removing Spark Plugs to Rotate Belts

Stupid question here, why do you need to remove the spark plugs to manually rotate the belts?

Going to give it a go this weekend seeing as the bike or me aren't going anywhere for a while!

[slob]

because you’ll find turning the engine by hand waaaay easier without the compression

Ahh yeah good point!

Also is it easy enough to remove the fuel tank? I've not been able to find any videos on it

[Darren69]

Doesn't the S2R have a plastic tank with the fuel plate bolted to it? If it does then you should be able to simply unclip the fuel hoses and disconnect the wires then you should just be able to remove the R clip and slide the hinge pin out.

[manwithredbike]

You won't need to remove the tank to do the belts. If that's what you're doing?

[Luddite]

Originally Posted by rac3r

Ahh yeah good point!

Also is it easy enough to remove the fuel tank? I've not been able to find any videos on it

Remembering my S2R 1000, I don't think you have to completely remove the tank. Isn't it sufficient just to hinge it up (after draining the fuel to avoid straining the hinge). Also, don't rely on the spindly prop supplied, better to use a length of wood or similar (I cut a length of Ø22mm nylon plumbing pipe).

[Nickj]

Very easy..
I'd empty the tank first if you can.
Unlatch and lift the tank.
Remove the thin drain pipes (if they're still there) careful as the plastic fittings the pipes fit onto are not exactly the most robust things.
Remove the fuel lines, these are quick release fittings (if they're still there) and come off pretty easily.
The hinge pin is retained by a single spring clip, pull out the pin and put the tank down somewhere.

Take about 5 minutes or maybe 15 if you have hassles with the fuel line fittings.

My "if they're still there" caveats are because you see some where a previous owner has had problems with the fuel line QR connectors and just hacked them off then replaced with jubilee style clips. Not so good but functional.

Removing the tank is for something else

[slob]

if you just want to turn the engine, you can probably do it fine in (second) gear by turning the rear wheel on a paddock stand,
if you want to accuracy, remove the plugs

[Darren69]

If you've got QR couplings then before reconnecting them I would recommend you smear a little red rubber grease on the o-rings and try not to force them back in too hard. They should seat with moderate pressure and then check for leaks, run the fuel pump and check fuel isn't pissing out everywhere.

Does it matter how much fuel is in there? ie will it come pissing out lol

Thanks for the info Slob, I'll take the plugs out so I can have look at them while I'm at it.

[Darren69]

Jf shouldn't leak much as it needs to be pumped under pressure. You will get the residual fuel that's in the pipes already but that's it. Probably better to get the tank as empty as you can beforehand because a full tank is quite heavy, around 18kg and it strains the tank hinge and makes it more tricky.

Got it. Thanks all for the replies

[alan s4]

Make sure you note the position of the fuel lines for the tank, there is an "in" and "out", don't get them mixed up........learnt from that mistake personally.

[slob]

hinges not so fragile if your S2R has a plastic tank
fuel feed should be labelled M (mandata), return is R (ritorno)
my 1000ie always pours fuel when I disconnect the tank, S2R should have QR couplings that don't leak
give the o-rings on QR couplings a very light wipe with grease or chain-lube to ease the refitting process without damaging them.

...and remember with spark plugs, finger tight plus 1/8 turn is enough