The rubber center piece just keeps it from flopping down when you get over 100-120MPH.
Helps keep it snug against the tank.
If you really want it tightened up some put some silicone in the two slots.
that'll hold it snug after it dries, but you'll still be able to get it off when you want to.
Well, I do not understand why I had to practically yank it off (really tug at it) the first time I removed it.
However, I still want to see if I'm missing a clip or something. I took some pictures. The first one is of the two tabs, that the Bearclaw attaches to. As you can see, there are holes in the tabs. Is there something missing, like a clip (which clamps over the holes)?
Your pictures look just like mine, I don't believe you are missing anything.
The bolts do most of the securing. Did you try just kind of holding it in place and tightening the bolts? I install and tighten the front bolt 1st, then push the claw up into the tabs and hold it in place while installing and tightening the rear 10mm bolt. They never look like they are secure if you stare at it too long and the gap at the top is quite large, but it holds. About all you can really expect the rubber to do is keep it from pulling away from the tank at speed. I bet you got it right the 1st time and then stared at it too long just like I did the 1st time.