How do you remove gas completely from a 2001 1200 XLC? It looks like you can drain from the peacock(Reserve/Off/On) area. If this is the area to drain completely, how do you remove the clamp on the fuel hose? It looks like its one of the Harley manufacturer clamps. Are you supposed to cut the clamp? And will I need a vacuum device to start the fuel to drain? or can I just try to start the bike, and shut the engine right off?

 

You will have to cut off the crimp clamp and then replace it with a regular worn screw hose clamp.
The petcock is vacuum operated, so you'll need a vacuum source (a vacuum hand pump works fine) to get the fuel to flow from the petcock.

Or, you can run the fuel level down low, and just take the tank off and turn it upside down and drain it. It's only 2 bolts, a fuel line & 2 vacuum hoses (one is just a vent hose) to remove. Probably a 30 minute job.

 

Don't forget the static ground at the bottom end of the tank connected to the frame! I did that taking it off when I was replacing the rocker box gaskets and nearly ripped it off and dropped it because I forgot it was even there. oops...

 

+1. its pretty easy to do.

 

When I emptied my tank I used a kerosene hand pump, Costs $5 and does a quick and clean job.

 

After you drain your tank fire it up and burn off all the residual gas remaining in the fuel line, if carborated running it will empty the float bowl.

Also disconnect your battery too. Lots of little items draining the battery even when not on or running. Plus I believe there is a requirement to disable the bike this way, and not just by removing the key.

And if there's a windshield involved you may want to take it off and pack it safely separate.

 

You could take you take your petcock/fuel filter assembly off/out while tank is off the bike. My 05 had an inset portion where the vent comes up in filler neck that would not allow me to drain all mine out of the filler hole, when I needed to for paint. You can check your fuel filter while its out.