Topic: Help the Newbie pick his tank

[DelbT]

I'm in the early stages of mocking up my build.  I looked at fiberglass and even metal tanks from companies like BCR, but I thought I might try modifying an OEM tank instead.  I went to Slick's Salvage in Mason, MI and picked up a couple tanks for ideas.  Shameless plug, but those guys were really helpful and had a cool selection.

I'm having trouble deciding.  So, I thought I would stick a couple of these out here and get some opinions.  You like one more than the other?  Modifications?  Cut the knee bends in further?  Scrap it and call up BCR?  Thanks.

Here's the stock CB550K tank.


Here's a CX500.  It's sitting a bit high in front, but I can fix that.



Here's a XS750. 


Thanks.

[wannabridin]

if you can get the cx500 lower, i vote that...  it already has the knee indentions, if you're after that look...

just my $.02

[Mach-5(50)]

i kinda dig the xs750 tank myself. maybe its the graphic lines, but to me it feels leaner. and although you did mention the cx tank sitting high, i think the xs tank better matches the height of the the tail section, if that is in fact going to be the final height. making custom touches there is a matter of taste, i.e. indentations for your knees, which i dig.

just in case it matters....

ryan

[BlindJoe]

I vote for the yamaha, the cx looks too much like a turtle shell imho.

[Really?]

Yanno, i am no help here, I like all three differently.

[brady0706]

The cx500 will look good. Does my tank look like a turtle shell? Go for it.

[KB02]

I agree with the CX - as long as you can get it low enough. If not, then the Yamaha tank.

[Otto]

I like the CX tank too, Yamaha second. That Brown original tank looks like it's in nice condidtion. If you are thinking of selling it, let me know. Do you have the brown side covers too? Are you going to use them? 

What bike did the Comstars come off of? Did you have to modify them?

Bob

[DelbT]

Thanks for the feedback guys!  Keep it coming.  I think the CX tank is in the lead at the moment.

I like the CX tank too, Yamaha second. That Brown original tank looks like it's in nice condidtion. If you are thinking of selling it, let me know. Do you have the brown side covers too? Are you going to use them? 

What bike did the Comstars come off of? Did you have to modify them?

Bob

Bob:  Yes, once I've figured out which one to use, the stock brown tank will be available, and it is in great shape.  Just slightly fading on the top.  I will be using the side covers, though.

The frontend is off of an 80 CB650C for the twin brake setup.  The tubes are too long.  I pushed them up to the same point as the 550's and attached my clip-ons to the top.  It's a pretty comfortable riding position.  Unless anyone knows how to shorten the tubes, that was how I was planning on going.

The rear tire is an 18 inch Comstar.  Every Comstar rear I could find was smaller except the 1982 CB450TII Hawk.  It comes with a 17mm rear axle, but if you switch to a 6204 bearing on the smaller of the two bearings and leave out the tube it will convert to the 20mm used by a CB550.

[Otto]

Excellent/ Let me know when your ready on the tank. Also, if the brown side covers you have are nice and you were going ro paint them. I have aperfect set ready for paint.. I mean if your going to paint the brown ones anyway..

The info on the vomstars is great . thanks

Bob

[DelbT]

Excellent/ Let me know when your ready on the tank. Also, if the brown side covers you have are nice and you were going ro paint them. I have aperfect set ready for paint.. I mean if your going to paint the brown ones anyway..

The info on the vomstars is great . thanks

Bob

Yes, I was going to paint the brown ones.  They are not perfect. One has had a small crack in a corner that was repaired pretty nicely.  You can't see it, and it is good enough that I was going to use it as is.  I would have no problem swapping, but I would want you to be okay with the parts first.

[Otto]

Sounds greart. The ones I have are sanded and ready for primer/paint and have no emblems- holes are there, no cracks, all tabs are perfect...

Is it the left or the right that was repaired? Do the have emblems?

Can you please shoot me some of the tank and side covers. I also have a tank from a 74 550, that has been paritally sanded and has a couple dents if you need one. I was going to do the body work and repaint it. It might be best if you weren't going to use it with the HONDA tank emblems, as one of the dents is where the emblem on the left sode was. I was going to repair and repaint for use without the emblems..

If easier for you, PM me your phone and we can discuss it..

Thanks!

Bob

[DelbT]

..

If easier for you, PM me your phone and we can discuss it..

Thanks!

Bob

Bob:

PM'ed you my contact info.  Thanks.

[Really?]

Ok, CX tank with bar reliefs should do the trick!

[DelbT]

Ok, CX tank with bar reliefs should do the trick!

Funny that you mention that.  Even though the CB650C forks are wider apart than the CB550's, they still do bump into the CX tank if I push it right up next to the steering head.  A couple of reliefs might be pretty cool.