ARMA
Registered user
I think I've finally found the proper solution for my bike. I've found a small tank and I'm in the process of designing brackets and mounting it. It's going to hold 3 or 5 litres but realistically i don't see the point of 3 so i'm going with 5 which takes me over 200 miles plus reserve which is enough for me (just).
Mounting it is the next thing so i'd like some feedback. I'm planning to make enough mounting brackets that I can sell some so I'd like to know what people would prefer.
Ok, the unit is 4.75 inches deep and roughly 10 inches high and wide and will feed directly into the breather so it will be a proper tank extension. The width is unfortunate as it makes mounting on these tiny bikes tricky so i've narrowed down my options.
1) Most obviously on the right side opposite the exhaust where the X-tank fits. This is the neatest fit and is closest to the fuel system. The downside here is if you fit luggage then it's in the way. If you don't need luggage then you probably don't need the range either.
2) I think a little differently so this one is a little odd. My next possibility is under the number plate. It will fit here but will need a new hanger to take the weight. This puts a lot of weigh in the wrong place for the structure but it doesn't foul the addition of panniers. If panniers are fitted it will brace to the cross bar with a universal bracket. If no panniers then it will vibrate a lot but otherwise should be safer than it sounds.
3) At the front of the engine. It could sit directly at the front of the frame as low as it can go. It won't foul a Country wheel but will have to take additional measurements against a Challenge but it looks ok preliminarily. It will need a whole new bash plate built around it to protect it which is not really a problem. The problem is that down here it will be fiddly to fill up. It's also a long way from the fuel system but not far enough to be a major issue. This does seem to be the neatest way to fit but is played off against the akward filling. this method also means you cannot fit Hepco Becker engine bars although SW Motech ones should be ok. (nobody seems to fit them anyway).
4) Front left side of engine. It's a slightly clumsy fit but does not actually stick out very far, no further than the rad guard. Balance is unlikely to be effected adversely as the bike is naturally single exhausted with weight on one side and the panniers are usually eccentric too. It will need to be protected by a metal shield for safety although the tank is extremely tough. It's an odd solution but probably the best balance for usability although it is slightly ungainly. Carrying the fuel low will be best for handling and the odd distribution will be offset by the fact that the system will drain the auxiliary tank first. This method could be further offset by mounting a tool-tube to the opposite side of the bike.
5) On the upper "tank". This is a slightly less ideal solution which means the unit would need to be removed for filling. That's not a major problem and may even be a benefit if you only want a boost for occasional trips. The other downside is the plastic panels around the airbox where the tank normally is would have to be drilled to accept a rack. Personally I'm putting a rack on mine anyway and you can't really store much else here but some people might prefer not to drill their bikes.
6) Last method is to sling it under the exhaust can. Again this makes it difficult to fill but there is just clearance in the gap and it allows full use of panniers. It does however make it an awkward setup if you're not using luggage and it looks... well... terrible. This is possibly my least favorite method as it fouls for filling, adds stress to the subframe and weight to the wrong side. The only benefit is the weight is carried low and it's still possible to fit luggage.
Ok, if people could give their opinions that would be very helpful. So far I have a cardboard mockup of the tank and have tried mounting this. My favourite is method 4, it seems the neatest, doesn't add weight to the weak subframe and allows any luggage fit you like. It's not wide and feels the most sensible, is easy to fill and it even looks kind of cool in an odd way.
Hopefully this should be available to fit to your bike for around £200 in total including mounting kit, tank, filling kit and shields and protectors which is a hell of a lot cheaper than the X-tank and the Touratech monstrosity which turns a neat and pretty machine into a tractor. Any opinions more than welcome.
Mounting it is the next thing so i'd like some feedback. I'm planning to make enough mounting brackets that I can sell some so I'd like to know what people would prefer.
Ok, the unit is 4.75 inches deep and roughly 10 inches high and wide and will feed directly into the breather so it will be a proper tank extension. The width is unfortunate as it makes mounting on these tiny bikes tricky so i've narrowed down my options.
1) Most obviously on the right side opposite the exhaust where the X-tank fits. This is the neatest fit and is closest to the fuel system. The downside here is if you fit luggage then it's in the way. If you don't need luggage then you probably don't need the range either.
2) I think a little differently so this one is a little odd. My next possibility is under the number plate. It will fit here but will need a new hanger to take the weight. This puts a lot of weigh in the wrong place for the structure but it doesn't foul the addition of panniers. If panniers are fitted it will brace to the cross bar with a universal bracket. If no panniers then it will vibrate a lot but otherwise should be safer than it sounds.
3) At the front of the engine. It could sit directly at the front of the frame as low as it can go. It won't foul a Country wheel but will have to take additional measurements against a Challenge but it looks ok preliminarily. It will need a whole new bash plate built around it to protect it which is not really a problem. The problem is that down here it will be fiddly to fill up. It's also a long way from the fuel system but not far enough to be a major issue. This does seem to be the neatest way to fit but is played off against the akward filling. this method also means you cannot fit Hepco Becker engine bars although SW Motech ones should be ok. (nobody seems to fit them anyway).
4) Front left side of engine. It's a slightly clumsy fit but does not actually stick out very far, no further than the rad guard. Balance is unlikely to be effected adversely as the bike is naturally single exhausted with weight on one side and the panniers are usually eccentric too. It will need to be protected by a metal shield for safety although the tank is extremely tough. It's an odd solution but probably the best balance for usability although it is slightly ungainly. Carrying the fuel low will be best for handling and the odd distribution will be offset by the fact that the system will drain the auxiliary tank first. This method could be further offset by mounting a tool-tube to the opposite side of the bike.
5) On the upper "tank". This is a slightly less ideal solution which means the unit would need to be removed for filling. That's not a major problem and may even be a benefit if you only want a boost for occasional trips. The other downside is the plastic panels around the airbox where the tank normally is would have to be drilled to accept a rack. Personally I'm putting a rack on mine anyway and you can't really store much else here but some people might prefer not to drill their bikes.
6) Last method is to sling it under the exhaust can. Again this makes it difficult to fill but there is just clearance in the gap and it allows full use of panniers. It does however make it an awkward setup if you're not using luggage and it looks... well... terrible. This is possibly my least favorite method as it fouls for filling, adds stress to the subframe and weight to the wrong side. The only benefit is the weight is carried low and it's still possible to fit luggage.
Ok, if people could give their opinions that would be very helpful. So far I have a cardboard mockup of the tank and have tried mounting this. My favourite is method 4, it seems the neatest, doesn't add weight to the weak subframe and allows any luggage fit you like. It's not wide and feels the most sensible, is easy to fill and it even looks kind of cool in an odd way.
Hopefully this should be available to fit to your bike for around £200 in total including mounting kit, tank, filling kit and shields and protectors which is a hell of a lot cheaper than the X-tank and the Touratech monstrosity which turns a neat and pretty machine into a tractor. Any opinions more than welcome.
