How To Remove a Dirt Bike Gas Tank

Removing the dirt bike gas tank makes regular maintenance easier, especially when you need to access the cylinder top area. It is also a good idea to remove the fuel tank for deep cleaning the dirt bike to prevent corrosion and dirt buildup under the tank.

To remove the dirt bike gas tank, you first need to remove the seat. Next, remove the top plastic set and radiator shrouds. Finally, disconnect the fuel supply and unscrew the final bolt holding the fuel tank in place. You can now remove the gas tank off the dirt bike.

Next, let’s go over the 5 steps it takes to remove the gas tank in detail.

Remove a Dirt Bike Gas Tank With 5 Steps

Dirt bike with dirt bike gas tank removed on a center stand
Dirt bike with the upper radiator shroud plastics and gas tank removed.

Step 1: Remove the Seat

Let’s begin by removing the seat off the dirt bike. Firstly, the dirt bike seat is usually held in place with a screw on both sides on the dirt bike. In addition to this, some models may have the screw or a clip under the seat inside the fender. The front of the seat usually is held in place by a slide in bolt on the dirt bike gas tank and a groove in the seat.

Rider removing the dirt bike seat and unscrewing the rear seat bolts
Removing the seat is necessary to access the gas tank and remove it.

After removing the screws, slide the seat towards the rear of the dirt bike and it should lift off easily.

Step 2. Remove Plastics From the Dirt Bike Gas Tank

Now, depending on what you plan to do next, you may not need to remove the dirt bike plastics from the dirt bike gas tank. Instead, you have the option to only remove the bolts that connect the plastics into the radiator shrouds. As a result, the plastics will lift off with the gas tank. But in our example, we will remove the plastics completely to be able to clean the gas tank easier.

Removing bolts from the plastics on a dirt bike
Radiator shroud plastics can be left on to the tank and removed with the gas tank.

Remove the screws holding the plastics on the dirt bike gas tank. The bolts are aluminum and screw into the gas tank plastic material. Be careful when removing and putting them back and do not over tighten.

Step 3. Remove Plastics From the Radiator Guards

Next, locate and remove the screws that connect the plastics into the radiator guards. Depending on the guards, you may need to remove the guards completely or just open the bolts on the outer side.

Removing radiator guard bolts to free top plastic set
Radiator shrouds connect to the plastics and need to be removed to enable gas tank removal.

After this, the plastics should be free and you can remove them from the dirt bike.

Enduro bike on a center stand ready to remove the fuel tank.
Tank ready to be removed from the dirt bike.

The dirt bike is now stripped of plastics and the seat. Next we can focus on disconnecting the fuel line and finally removing the dirt bike gas tank.

Step 4. Disconnect the Fuel Hose

With fuel injected dirt bikes, the fuel hose usually has a quick disconnect clip in the middle of the fuel hose. There should be a metal clip that you push and it breaks the fuel line.

In carburetor dirt bikes, you have a simple fuel hose and possibly a fuel filter. I usually remove the fuel hose directly from the carburetor side that has the small clamp holding it in place.

Disconnecting the fuel hose for the gas tank on a dirt bike
Don’t forget to disconnect the fuel line.

Shut off the fuel valve if you have one, and remove the clamp holding the fuel hose in the carburetor. Pull the fuel hose off the carburetor. Sometimes the fuel hose is stuck and may be difficult to pry off. In this case, find a large flat head screwdriver to help remove the fuel hose.

Step 5. Remove the Gas Tank

Finally, locate the bolt that is holding the dirt bike gas tank in place. Basically most gas tanks are held in place by a bolt in the middle of the gas tank on the top side.

Removing the top center bolt holding the tank in place
The bolt is typically located in the center of the gas tank.

Remove the top side gas tank bolt. After this the tank is free and you can remove it from the dirt bike.

Dirt bike gas tank and plastics on the ground
All done!

Afterwards, place the dirt bike gas tank on the ground. Additionally, place it into a position where the gas cap is not leaking fuel via the vent hose. You can now hand wash the gas tank and the plastics from dirt and debris.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dirt Bike Gas Tanks

How many gallons is a 250 dirt bike?

Most dirt bike has tanks will hold about 2.5 gallons or 9.5 liters of fuel.

How many gallons does a 450 dirt bike hold?

Most 450 dirt bikes are MX or motocross dirt bikes and they hold anywhere between 1.6 – 2.5 gallons or 6 – 9.5 liters. For example the 2024 Yamaha YZ450F holds 1.638 gallons or 6.2 liters.

How do you carry extra fuel on a dirt bike?

You can install up to two hard case fuel bottles to the front or next to the front plate or front light. Strap the bottles to the upper fork legs between the triple trees an support the weight with a mounting bracket to secure in place.

Can I put regular gas in my dirt bike?

In most cases yes, but do not forget to add 2 stroke oil for 2 stroke engines and maintain recommended minimum fuel octane level for the dirt bike to operate properly.

Conclusions

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to remove your gas tank safely and quickly, without causing damage to your bike or spilling fuel. Remember to take proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring that your workspace is well-ventilated, before attempting to remove your gas tank.

With a little bit of practice and patience, you’ll be able to remove and reinstall your dirt bike gas tank with ease.

Additionally, if you’re experiencing any issues with your fuel system, such as clogs or leaks, it may be necessary to remove the fuel tank in order to diagnose and repair the problem.

By learning how to remove your dirt bike gas tank, you’ll be better equipped to handle any maintenance or repair tasks that may come up in the future as many of the maintenance tasks, such as replacing a spark plug, are much easier when the tank is off.

You should also consider removing the tank for deep cleaning after a muddy or dusty ride days. Once the tank is off the dirt bike, cleaning the motor and top side is much easier.

Keep on chugging out there!

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