I am planning on purchasing and installing a Stage 1 (PN: 29260-08) on my 2012 Road King. According to the instructions online, I need to remove the gas tank. On earlier models, I never had to do this. Do you REALLY need to remove the tank or can I install it without removing the tank like I have done in the past?

 

I loosened the two front mounting bolts for the tank, removed the rear bolt, lifted and held up the rear end of the tank with a roll of duct tape. Pretty easy.

 

+1 If I remember right they tell you to remove the tank to make it easy to get the stock backing plate off.

 

On my 2012 SG, did the same thing I did on my 2008 Road King, never loosened the tank on either one ..........

 

I you use the ness big sucker, the install is simpler, the throttle body brace AND the tank stay in place- although if you are clumsy a pice of cardboard taped to the tank where you are working will make easy.

ness big sucker with chrome backing plate ( H-D is cast grey) and washable oiled filter ( H-D is paper) is about $120 on ebay from easternpc

the chrome backing plate better complements and black motor with chrome covers

Mike

 

+1 to that. Super simple and I love the chrome back plate on my '12 RKC.