While reading some posts on the 1300 beast I came across a good point to mention on fuel tanks . I am sure that no one likes to remove their fuel tank to do a gas/filter replace, but removing the tank, at some point, for inspection along the seams could prevent a leak when your a few thousand miles from home. At 48k I pulled the rear end apart and kept going, removing the tank . The paint had started to flake off from the area of the seams both at the bottom and the top seams. Now I have been lucky enough to have not ridden in the rain much and no serious rust had taken place. But it was worth it to take action and clean it up and repaint the area of the seam with a good enamal paint. And also while it was out give the tank a good flushing out with kerosene or mineral spirits.
( remember the old saying, rust never sleeps ) and ( an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure )
Just thought I would mention this for those of us who get bored with the winter months looking for something to do on thier bikes. Happy Holidays from Gene and Marie Kap.
