Author Topic: Help me pick a tank... (Read 4224 times)

SClay115 · « **on:** February 02, 2007, 02:39:25 PM »

72 CB350 Cafe project, having a hell of a time picking a tank. I'd like to add some more fuel capacity, and would like to be able to find it used(i.e. from another bike, any make or model). Or should I stick with the stocker? This bike is being built from the ground up, so if I need to make mounts or whatnot, I'd be up for it if the tank looked the business. Any suggestions? I know this is a relatively opinion based ordeal, but I'd like to see suggestions if you are willing to give them. Thanks!

Steve

Cowboy · « **Reply #1 on:** February 02, 2007, 02:56:30 PM »

You may be familiar with ProTeal's Project Slim, if you've followed the progress of his build. I have become enamoured with the CB450 tank he used, and I've even bought one for my own cafe project, using a CB350 as the base. The 450 tank is definitely larger, by just over a gallon, (CB350=2.6 gallons, CB450=3.7 gallons) It will require that you relocate the rear tank mount rubber, as the 450 tank is a couple inches longer than the 350.

If you mount this tank on a 350 frame, it will stretch back several inches farther behind the smaller 350 engine than it does in these photos, providing the typical "long tank" look that is a part of cafe racers' visual appeal. (in the photos, it is mounted in it's usual home on a 450 frame/engine) Here's the "look" that won me over:

bill440cars · « **Reply #2 on:** February 02, 2007, 03:35:22 PM »

I don't have one to post right now but, the CB500T gas tank is mounted the same as the 450 and has a different shape. It seems to be popular with some. I'll try to find a picture of one to post for you.

Later on, Bill

SClay115 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 02, 2007, 03:53:15 PM »

Quote from: Cowboy on February 02, 2007, 02:56:30 PM

You may be familiar with ProTeal's Project Slim, if you've followed the progress of his build. I have become enamoured with the CB450 tank he used, and I've even bought one for my own cafe project, using a CB350 as the base. The 450 tank is definitely larger, by just over a gallon, (CB350=2.6 gallons, CB450=3.7 gallons) It will require that you relocate the rear tank mount rubber, as the 450 tank is a couple inches longer than the 350.

If you mount this tank on a 350 frame, it will stretch back several inches farther behind the smaller 350 engine than it does in these photos, providing the typical "long tank" look that is a part of cafe racers' visual appeal. (in the photos, it is mounted in it's usual home on a 450 frame/engine) Here's the "look" that won me over:

Yeah I have been following that, LOVE the look. And when I saw the For Sale ad, I was veerrrryy tempted to load up the wagon and go pick it up. But unfortunately Chicago is a little too far away for me from Florida. But I'd love to see that 450 tank on a 350 frame, would probably do me perfect, as I do want that long tank/short seat style...

Steve

Cowboy · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2007, 11:07:42 PM »

I've got the tank off my 350 at the moment, and the 450 tank sitting nearby. I'll take my camera out to the garage tomorrow and snap a pic for you.

turtle · « **Reply #5 on:** February 03, 2007, 12:50:45 AM »

One of the later (around 1980) style tanks has the flat sided long narrow look that would a suit a bike like this. I tried to find some pics but the Honda Gallery site seens to be down ATM. Here's one of my other half's CB750F2. Some of the smaller bikes in the same range would be good. I am not even going to mention what I think of people who mess with CB350F's.

CBGBs · « **Reply #6 on:** February 03, 2007, 06:17:26 AM »

If you really want a larger cafe style tank go with the early CB750f tank, but I would try the Cb500 twin like bill was saying. I've seen them cheap on eBay. You will have to relocate or fab a new position for the rear mount.

SClay115 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 03, 2007, 06:41:16 AM »

It doesn't seem like there is much of a huge difference between the 450/500 tanks, or maybe they are just dimensionally different and the shapes are similar. Any thoughts on this? And what about a 750 SS tank, any thoughts on how that would look?

Steve

bill440cars · « **Reply #8 on:** February 03, 2007, 06:50:13 AM »

There is a definite difference between the 450 and 500 tanks, as far as looks go but, they should mount basically the same. The 750 tank you ask about is one of my favorites too. It is a great style, IMHO. I'll try to find a shot of the 500 tank, if someone doesn't beat me to it.

Later on, Bill

SClay115 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 03, 2007, 07:03:04 AM »

Quote from: bill440cars on February 03, 2007, 06:50:13 AM

The 750 tank you ask about is one of my favorites too. It is a great style, IMHO.

Later on, Bill

Is the one you're thinking of the one with the whole metal door that opens up to reveal the gas cap and such? Not actually having the cap on the outside of the tank, but behind a small door? I'm trying to decide if I want the cap on the outside, or hidden like the SS tank...Cap on the outside may look more the part, but I'm thinking a smooth backbone line would look tasty too...

Steve

Einyodeler · « **Reply #10 on:** February 03, 2007, 08:19:05 AM »

Here`s what the 500T tank looks like:

bill440cars · « **Reply #11 on:** February 03, 2007, 08:50:54 AM »

Yeah Clay, I'm talking about the one with the gas cap hidden under a door. Both tanks are nice but I really like the SS tank better myself.

Steve, Thanks for posting that tank.

Those are some nice shots of it too.

They really do the shape of that tank justice.
Later on, Bill

Cowboy · « **Reply #12 on:** February 03, 2007, 09:41:22 AM »

That 500 twin tank does look nice. It has a fuel capacity just smaller thant the 450 twin, which holds 3.7 gallons. The 500 twin holds 3.4 gallons

SClay115 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2007, 10:18:34 AM »

Yeah that 500 tank looks sweet, might be sold on that one. Have to start looking around for one.

Steve

Cowboy · « **Reply #14 on:** February 03, 2007, 01:23:37 PM »

Here are the photos I promised, of the cb450 tank sitting on a CB350. Can't close the seat, of course, since the 450 tank is longer. In these photos, that 450 tank is not sitting down completely in the back, as the seat latch and rubber tank mounting pad are in the way, so it should sit about 3/4 of an inch lower when you modify the mounting point.

SClay115 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2007, 01:50:22 PM »

Oh I like the way that thing fits on there. But I like the 500 tank style wise. I think someone up there said they mount the same right? I think I might have found 'the one'.

Steve

Cowboy · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2007, 01:57:30 PM »

I'll bet they do mount the same way. I understand that the cb450 and cb500 use the same frame. I like the "knee cutout" shape on the rear of that 500 twin tank.

CBGBs · « **Reply #17 on:** February 04, 2007, 07:29:12 AM »

Yes, yes. I like that aspect of the tank too, and It might be a little taller which I think is cool.
I have read a post from some guy who said that he put this tank on his 350 cafe so I guess its been done before but I wasn't able to locate this guy for pics. This was all on some other board , not SOHC.

SClay115 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 07, 2007, 07:28:55 AM »

Didn't want to make a new thread on here, so thought I would ask in one I already made. Is there any tank that fits directly onto the 350 frame? No new mounts needed? I got a 750SS tank, and it fits, but the actual top tube of the 350 frame has too much curvature, and contacts the bottom of the tank when in a 'mounted' position. Is there any other tank that I can use for a 'different' look, but with stock mounting?

Steve

CBGBs · « **Reply #19 on:** April 07, 2007, 09:17:11 AM »

There are 4 different styles of CB350 twin tanks 2 CB'c the CL and SL.(?)
I think the CB500t tank is a little longer.

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Author Topic: Help me pick a tank... (Read 4224 times)