K75/100 gas tank insulator

[cayuse60]

Can anyone tell me if it is necessary to have the rubber insulating unit under the gas tank? It does not appear to be listed as an available part anymore.
tia---tim

 

[beemer01]

Insulation

Yes - if you're discussing the rubber 'horse shoe' that separates the tank from the frame, it serves a number of purposes, not the least of which is the vector engine heat away from the rider.

 

[98lee]

I'm not that sure it is required if you have the aluminum and fiberglass 3 piece heat insulation glued to the under side of the tank. None of my 3 K75Ss ('87 &'88s) came with the rubber and a friend's '89 K75C does not have it as well.

It is not listed as available in the microfische.

To me it looks more like a sound/vibration insulator between tank and frame that was added in later years. Anybody got the real answer and history??