Convoluted Tube (Fuel) Failed

(June 18, 2015) As if to prove everything on my bike will fail at some point, the “convoluted tube” inside the gas tank, which carries gasoline from the fuel pump assembly to the fuel filter canister, came loose, apparently from age-induced fatigue. That’s what had me stranded in Fuquay-Varina, NC last Saturday morning. The guys at Jockeys Cycle ordered me a new one from Drag Specialties and I was riding again today. They took care to use really good clamps to secure it.

Here’s a great writeup on a do-it-yourself replacement of the fuel filter that gives you a good look at the tube that needed replacement: http://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/355156-06-ultra-fuel-filter-replacement-how-to-w-pics.html. In the series of photos provided by MR VTX, you can see where the tube is clamped to the fuel filter canister. That’s where my tube let go, leaving me with zero fuel pressure.

The photo, top right, is Kevin holding one end of the old tube for you to see, protruding from the top of the tank. The photo below is of the new tube he and his team installed this afternoon.

Now, maybe, I can get some long-distance rides in before the summer ends. I feel like it’s almost over even though technically, it hasn’t even started yet!

Keep the shiny side up!

-The Long Rider