1975 CB400F Rear Tank Rubber

[ozzybud]

I am wondering If I am missing something simple here with removal and Installing the Rubber over the rear of the tank on my1975  CB400F?

When removing the tank for the first time a couple months ago i broke the rubber trying to pull it back far enough to clear the Tab .

I bought a new OEM Honda rubber. Putting it on the first time seemed like a super long stretch. Then when removing there is nothing really to grab on to. Using a hook i got it out far enough to get my fingers on it. Seems like the tab on the tank could be a quarter of its length.

Am i missing something ?

On the other Honda models its very easy

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I used a broad cable tie as suggested previously by NJ.
I have left mine in place as it's not in the way.

[taysidedragon]

They're all like that unfortunately.  When I bought my bike the original rubber was quite hard and had been damaged by previous owners trying to get the rubber on and off.
I bought a new one, but still really tough to stretch it over the tank tab. The tab could be a lot shorter, I guess Honda over-engineered the fixing to make absolutely sure it never came off by accident.
I use a spring puller to get mine off or the zip tie method works well.

[Athame57]

When I first got my CB400F2 it wasn't secured the way it should be and I rode around a few months like that too not knowing different. Eventally someone looking at something else for me at the Blackheath Tea Hut showed me how it is done.  I think Honda want to weed out older riders? 

[Bryanj]

No just the weaker ones!!!!!

[Athame57]

No just the weaker ones!!!!!

I bet they have broken a few nails  ..... what should we do, ask Julie? 

[Nurse Julie]

No just the weaker ones!!!!!

I bet they have broken a few nails  ..... what should we do, ask Julie? 

Yes George, I bloody have broken plenty of nails on that pesky thing, hence the cable tie in situ.

[Athame57]