Thruxton Thruxton R Fuel Connector

I used pointy nose pliers and pushed on the "eye" part of a cable tie on the ends and squeezed the "tabs" on the fuel connector to separate.

 

I have had my tank off a few times now and works easily.

 

You’re not alone mate. As hard as I tried on the quick disconnect coupling that is closest to the fuel rail mine would not come off. I twisted, turned and even bought the special pliers made for the job-no joy. So instead of going crazy which at that point was a very short trip I disconnected the one up there by the fuel pump. I used the same technique and that one came off easily.

 

I've not had the tank of the Thruxton, but based ob experience with previous Triumphs these connectors can be difficult, but they seem to get easier with use. On the Tiger XC I used a plastic lubricant spray.

One of the techs at the dealership said that this is a common challenge as the connectors are installed at the factory, but not then disconnected...

 

I concur, these fuel connectors are a right b******d to get off. I've had the same problem with all other fuel injected bikes. I'm sure the designers of these connectors think they've done a great job, but the whole purpose of a connector is that it can be disconnected, otherwise, what's the point.

I gave up on my Thruxton R when I wanted to remove the tank to connect the heated grips. I found I could just prop up the front of the tank and get at the connector. Unfortunately while then tugging the wires elsewhere, the tank simply toppled off the bike (which was up on a lift at the time) and fell about 5 feet straight onto the concrete floor. My brand new Thruxton R. As you can imagine, I was not a happy bunny.

Unsurprisingly the spigot had simply snapped off the fuel rail and after a few choice words I retrieved the tank to discover the seam around the lower edge had been bent on one side at the front and the paint chipped in a couple of places, but the visible surface of the tank was unblemished.

I still don't understand how I got off so lightly but it wouldn't be wrong to say I lay the blame solely on that stupid fuel connector. Had I been able to simply disconnect it, the tank would have been safely on the bench and not thrown 5 feet onto the floor.

Yes I have the special tool to disconnect these couplings, but it's still a major deal and I HATE them with a vengeance.