Author Topic: remote oil tank (Read 3362 times)

wannabridin · « **on:** January 25, 2010, 09:27:44 AM »

hey guys. i'm going to be starting my build soon (a 76 750K) and i would like to know about remote oil tanks. i would love to clean up the under seat section and have it be empty. i already know i'm going to run my electrics in the cowl behind my seat, so that's not a problem, but i need to know about how to relocate the oil tank. has anyone done this before on a cb? i've seen benjies setup, seen below, and it's ok, but it really crowds the back of the engine more than i would like. this was sparty's build right? any thoughts or ideas/pictures would be great! i swear i've seen some guys on here that have done that with a 750 before... thanks a bunch!

lrutt · « **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2010, 09:39:22 AM »

2 options, carve out a section of the gas tank and mount oil up there, ala most old HD's etc., Create large backbone that will hold 4 qts and put it there, ala old Triumph OIF bikes, create an oil tank that will fit under swingarm, behind the motor ala HD FX series bikes I believe. All 3 of those will keep it out from under the seat. The gas tank option would be cleanest and if you go with a larger sized tank that is cafe style anyhow, you really don't loose much. That would be the way I'd go.

wannabridin · « **Reply #2 on:** January 25, 2010, 09:42:22 AM »

hmmm, see i'd rather not really cut into the tank that much... i'm using an earlier model F tank on there because i like the lines and size more than that K tank, but i agree that would be the best bet. i guess i'll just clean up the tank as much as i can, maybe recess it into the frame a little bit so it sits more flush with the frame and narrows down the bike. then i'll just leave the other side open. it's tough to have EVERYTHING i want with the build!

wannabridin · « **Reply #3 on:** January 25, 2010, 09:43:40 AM »

maybe i can weld some cooling fins onto the tank (it is steel right?) to give it a more racey look and providing some functionality?? HMMMM, i like the sounds of this idea!! thoughts?

the architect · « **Reply #4 on:** January 25, 2010, 12:04:03 PM »

I grappled with this same issue. This is what I ended up doing:

If you weren't 4 hours away, I'd be glad to show it to you in person.

I did so many different designs and mock-ups before I settled with this one.

For my next cafe bike, I'll specifically pick a bike that does not have a remote oil tank (like a CB500/550).

wannabridin · « **Reply #5 on:** January 25, 2010, 12:45:27 PM »

damn,

that looks good!! so did you just end up making a completely new one and reusing the threaded part and cap? it doesn't seem like there's any bit of the stock piece left.

i'm really digging my finned idea, i think it'd look #$%*in and it would aid in oil cooling. i could just weld some fins on to the tank with some thicker sheet metal that would stick out about and inch or so, have them contour to the shape of the tank and frame... thoughts???

MCRider · « **Reply #6 on:** January 25, 2010, 12:59:44 PM »

Architects pictures are cool. The 4 mounting tabs with the front plate of the oil tank create a frame gusset in a very strategic place, directly above the swingarm pivot. The fit should be as clsoe as possible, architect may not have even had that in mind when he did it. I've been thinking about that. Per frame guru foales.

My idea was for more of a flat box oil tank but laying in that same area with a emphasis on the gusseting aspect of it. That is, a real tight fit.

An "X" between those 4 tabs with a spot weld at the crossing would make a strong gusset too, but might as well use the tank.

I had a tank made for a project I never finished. 12 years ago or more. I'll dig it out for pictures, Downsized the battery box too for a kick only cafe racer.

wannabridin · « **Reply #7 on:** January 25, 2010, 01:08:03 PM »

sweet MC!! i can't wait to see that!! i've toyed with the idea of an oil cooler/batt box combo too, but i never liked the idea of hot oil surrounding my battery.

i'm probably going to go kick only with one of Rob's amazing tiny gel cells, and then use one of his or fish head's oil coolers. haven't decided yet as to that aspect.

mlinder · « **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2010, 01:20:54 PM »

I always thought it would be cool to make a thin, aluminum underseat oil reservoir shaped like your cafe seat, contoured to the frame, etc.

The pic below would give you a little over 4 quarts.

ev0lve · « **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2010, 01:36:34 PM »

Thought I had some pics of a guys bike where he had a cylindrical oil tank mounted beneath his pods but I can't find it. Anyone have a link to that or pics?

Also, any reason not to do it that way other than having to ditch the airbox?

wannabridin · « **Reply #10 on:** January 25, 2010, 01:36:52 PM »

that would be cool!! i thought oil tanks needed to be a little deeper than that though. could that cause pooling problems? or would it matter since the oil will be flowing all the time? nice idea, i had something kind of like that in my head, but i couldn't get the idea out on paper....

MCRider · « **Reply #11 on:** January 25, 2010, 01:41:17 PM »

Here tis, 12yrs of rust and all:

Silhouette of narrower battery box:

This project to be attempted after Phaedrus is done, is code named "FreeBird" for 1970s, Lynerd Skinerd reference. It will have no attention to cosmetics. The oil tank/battery box was conceived b4 trick batteries, but I think I'll stick with it. It won't accomplish the open look many are going for. But it will tuck everything in flush with the frame rails on both sides. an inocuous alum plate or even a piece of rusty metal screen can be used for sidecovers.

I'm thinking of the CycleX open concept alternator, an open Voxonda dry clutch, no countershaft cover, like that. Lots of rattles and spinning open machinery like an old thresher machine. Get yer pants legs caught.

With a sleeper, hi rev screamer motor. Still a 750cc though as its kick only and my knee only has so many left in it.

mlinder · « **Reply #12 on:** January 25, 2010, 01:41:42 PM »

Quote from: wannabridin on January 25, 2010, 01:36:52 PM

that would be cool!! i thought oil tanks needed to be a little deeper than that though. could that cause pooling problems? or would it matter since the oil will be flowing all the time? nice idea, i had something kind of like that in my head, but i couldn't get the idea out on paper....

You could deal with pooling by doing a little work on the inside of the tank. Just as it is drawn up there, yeah, there's be pooling.
Easy enough to fix, though, with a little bit of work.

wannabridin · « **Reply #13 on:** January 25, 2010, 02:04:29 PM »

MC,

i too ahve thought about the idea of using small opening mesh to cover the side cover areas, maybe use some dzus fasteners to keep everything tied down and aid in quick removal for oil changes... i DO like the cyclex open charging system, but i dunno about for a bike that could potentially be a daily driver. lightened and kick only, sure, but fully open? maybe for a later build, that's like $350 that could go towards other things after you factor in the lightened rotor. but the dry clutch, 1500000% yes!!! o MAN i'm excited for that!!!

cool oil tank though, for what it is, i dig it!

MCRider · « **Reply #14 on:** January 25, 2010, 02:12:56 PM »

Quote from: wannabridin on January 25, 2010, 02:04:29 PM

MC,

i too ahve thought about the idea of using small opening mesh to cover the side cover areas, maybe use some dzus fasteners to keep everything tied down and aid in quick removal for oil changes... i DO like the cyclex open charging system, but i dunno about for a bike that could potentially be a daily driver. lightened and kick only, sure, but fully open? maybe for a later build, that's like $350 that could go towards other things after you factor in the lightened rotor. but the dry clutch, 1500000% yes!!! o MAN i'm excited for that!!!

cool oil tank though, for what it is, i dig it!

Phaedrus is the daily driver. FreeBird is the Sunday morning chasing the chickens backroads bike.

Note the oil tank drain is on the left, not right for sidestand oil changes, as the centerstand goes to the scrap gods. Might use a saucy half sidecover on the left, cover the electrics, leave the oil drain exposed.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #15 on:** January 25, 2010, 04:41:00 PM »

Actually, I like Garrett's finned oil tank idea, the OEM oil tank is a nice looking jigger, so some horizontal fins made from 2 or 3mm thick strap spaced an inch apart with the ends bevelled back into the tank, with a similar home made sidecover on the other side would look really cool, you could even get them chromed for some extra "bling"!

I've been trying to figure out what to do with a pair of slab sided aluminum sidecovers Sean Condon sent me for his F2, and I think some aluminum "fins" will really set them off! Cheers, Terry.

wannabridin · « **Reply #16 on:** January 25, 2010, 05:30:16 PM »

BAM terry!! now i want to copyright my idea so i can have worldwide protection!! looks like i'll have a fun little chore to make it unique!

i wonder about doing some small mesh screen on the left side to cover that area... i bet that would look sweet!!! maybe some small fins on top of the mesh?? OH WEE, the ideas are flowing!!!

nokrome · « **Reply #17 on:** January 25, 2010, 05:38:27 PM »

this is what i came up with

Don R · « **Reply #18 on:** January 25, 2010, 10:26:56 PM »

Yamiya's got some finned side covers. I don't like em myself. Maybe without the logo. Some of their custom stuff is a little over the top. It's like they have to use one of everything they have.

nippon · « **Reply #19 on:** January 26, 2010, 12:06:47 AM »

Always a good idea is to protect an aluminum oil tank with rubbers against vibrations between tank and frame.

nippon

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Author Topic: remote oil tank (Read 3362 times)