I would like to install a paper element fuel filter between the tank and the petkock assembly. The filter must be designed for a non-pressurized fuel system. It will have 5/16" male fittings on each end. Is there a product out there? Clymer suggests th AC GF453, but I've never been able to find one. ???

After installation of this filter, I could eliminate the screen inside the tank. This will make the petkock removal much easier when I have to remove the tank. I have not been able to remove this tank without  draining it and removing the petkock.

I really would like to be able to shut the fuel off at the petkock. Suzuki what were you thinking? ???

you can go to Home Depot or Lowe and look at the lawnmover's fuel filter. Just look for one that will fit into our Savage's fuel hose. BTW you don't have to remove the petkock to get the tank off, you just try pull the straight back until it hit the frame (Hint-cover your frame with duct tape or something tough and thin) then push the rear of the tank to the left to get more clearance between the petkock and the the frame, at this time it is to pull the tank aft completely off the bike.

Unfortunately for some LS650's the tank cannot be removed without draining and removing the petc0ck first ... mine being one of them ... tried every which way to remove the tank without doing this, but no dice ... some peculate that it may have something to do with slight tolerence differences in the frame construction from bike to bike or the position of the petc0ck is slightly off on some bikes as well ... all possible since the LS650 isn't a High-End machine.

Things the designers should've done right from the get-go ... bar mtd. speedo with tripmeter and a cylinder head that allows easy access to the spark plug (then no need to remove tank!)

i dont get it ?why do you HAVE to remove the petc0ck?
not to remove the tank.. as you straddle the machine pull back and to your left, yes youll scratch the frame a bit, a black magic marker keeps the rust at bay.. this works on my 06 and my neighbors' '96, i cant find any mods in the service manual that suggest any changes in the frame/tank configerations that would make it necessary to pull the petc0ck to remove the tank...
if youall talkin bout somtin different disregard my post.. 8)i got a $2 filter from the local non make specific dealer
will not remove the factory screen its more insurance...

I understand there are variances & maybe you are going at it right. It took me a coouple of stabs at it after reading that it IS possible. First get those rubber grommets out from under the back of the tank. Then raise the back of the tank & look at the rubber mounts in the slots up at the front.( The speedo & fuel line & vac line off, natch.) Work the tank back & feel around( lift & push left gently & mess with it) hopefully there is a place where it will clear. The left push was pretty hard the first time I did it. Either I got used to it or I just naturally found the easiest place for it to clear. There may be a problem with the casting of the fuel valve?. Next time it's out maybe you could "clearance" it with a file..Maybe ..

I sure hope it works out for ya, cuz I have had to remove the tank several times lately. I would sure hate it if draining the tank was a part of it still. Did that about 5 times.. Yukkk

Kind of interesting to read how some of ya'll are having so much trouble getting the tank off. The tank on my 2000 comes straight off after moving it back just a little to clear the mounts in the front.

Last time I pulled the tank on my '02 I greased the rubber mounts with silicon "O" ring lube. Made removing the tank a lot easier, it's still a PIA but now I'm not adding to all the scratches on the frame. Still it is tough to get the tank off the bike .