how to open the gas tank

i got an un dented gas tank from a junk yard to replace my dinged up tank
but the gas cap is on it and i dont have the key.
how should i go about removing the gas cap?

 

take it to a locksmith, and while youre there, have the cap keyed to match your ignition key. and maybe get a spare key to boot.

 

Two options come to mind:
1. Drill the lock, or
2. Take it to a locksmith.
Good luck!

 

having a locksmith match the key to the cap is probably the best way.

but... when I got my 550, the cap was rusted stuck, and I had to pry the chrome cover off the cap (fairly easy, screw driver did the trick), then remove the hinge pin (easy as well). I had to "pop" the rest of the cap off the tank, since the locking mechanism was rusted. In your case, if it's not rusted too bad, you can get away with simply removing the tumbler, which IIRC is held in place with a snap-ring. Then some needle-nose pliers should do the trick.

No drilling required, and, if you're careful, it can be re-assembled afterwards.

 

or if you do not really care about the gas cap, get the widest screwdriver that will fit and tap it in then use wrench to turn screwdriver. The cap will not be repairable and you might wind up cussing alot!! Best bet and easiest on your mind, take it to a locksmith

 

give it a few shots of PB-blast a couple days before you take it to the locksmith. my bike looks like it was stored inside, but maybe a moist area. locking latches were sticky. I felt like the ignition key might not have been the right one. Several shots of rust buster and working the key was enough to free it. Yours didn't come with a key - lube it in preparation for the lock picking and the new key.

 

Take it to the locksmith, shouldn't be too expensive and will result in saving an otherwise useful gas cap for a spare. I've spent about 20 minutes raking the tumblers and picking the lock on mine. Saved a trip to the locksmith, but I would not suggest this aproach to anyone save the most experienced "wrencher".