harley wrote:
I know with my bike if the screws for the backing plate back off the aircleaner can bounce around, but most people would say WTF before it was hitting the tank. I don't know how that aircleaner is hooked up but I think it is a simailar manner where the backing plate is munted to the aircleaner bracket and the aircleaner cover is mounted to the backing plate. DS
I have recent - extensive - experience with the mounting of carbs/air cleaners. I had my air cleaner cover come loose on me a couple times in the last 2 years - both times right after I did some work on the carb.
I didn't torque the bolt tight enough both times. First I heard a rattling - then I stopped felt around and realized the cover was loose - Pulled over and tightened it. When I got it home I cranked down on it and it was good to go.
My new air cleaner kit and cover came with blue loctite - for all the bolts that hold it on. My first test ride I didn't use the loctite because I had to fix the leaking "L" fitting. Just running the bike up and down the street made the cover loose.
I like MO - but he's not acquired the skills or experience yet to feel/see/ hear problems with his bike - he's still in the "trying not to drop it" phase of his learning curve. It was probably really loose and he just didn't catch it in time to not damage the tank.
I guess if it was a dealer placed item - he might have some type of recourse but in reality a rider should be familiar with their bike enough to catch those problems.
Weljo2001 
