Using ABS space for extra fuel?

[Grey Sickle]

this may be impractical (ie stupid), but has anyone modified the fuel tank to use the space that the ABS would sit...(on non ABS bikes of course), or installed a small tank that is plumbed into the main tank, this would give an extra 5 liters at least...

 

[ahebron]

I put my external fuel filter there, I suppose it acts like an extra tank

Adrian

 

[Hay Ewe]

yeah I considered it but the cost of another tank was prohibative. would cut a tank and insert panels and the like to fill the space and there for increse the volume

then I thought of more practicle things like putting a compressor in there and spare parts that you wouldnt need often (oil sight glass etc) but good to have on board.

in all my planning for the trips I have done, distance between fuel has been negated by stops - maybe I havent gone far enough.....

Hay Ewe

 

[sproggy]

I thought about this but because of the siting of the fuel pump/filter plate on the inner face of the tank it wouldn't work as you describe. A variation on the idea would be to move the battery forwards up against the ECU and then box the underside of the tank at the rear, behind the pump/filter plate where the battery used to sit.

But that would give maybe 2 litres extra - only another 20 miles. It would also impair access to the battery considerably. And.....when Adventure tanks are so easily available if you want extra capacity what's the point in messing around welding and re-spraying a standard tank?

I reckon a better use of the ABS space for those of us who don't have it is to house a waterproof tupperware box containing essential spares - rear drive bearing and seal, alternator belt, hall sensor etc. That needs no chopping or welding, makes good use of the space and also keeps those spares safe from weather, washing, accidents and thieving hands while also keeping them on the bike at all times and readily accessible by undoing just one bolt.

 

[ianboydsnr]

Mine also houses the fuel filter

 

[King Rat]

If you want more fuel capacity I can recommend the Touratec 41 litre tank. I have an adventure 1150 with 33 lires (although you can only get about 30 in there from dry) which gives about 300 miles between fill ups, going easy you can get 320, and a standard 1150 with the 41 litre tank = 450 miles between fill ups! The balance of the bigger tank is much better too, it might be the longer legs of the Adv, but the standard bike with big tank is so easy to push about, even fully loaded, heavy yes, but better balanced.

 

[sockpuppet]

Put your spares in there. Free up space in the pannier. Ideally only spares such as fuel filter, hall sensor or others that need you to remove the tank anyway.

 

[Timolgra]

Just because there's a space there, doesn't mean you have to fill it

On long offroad trips I carry spare tubes there or even my spare air filter which is bulky and light.

I don't believe there's any need to mount an external fuel filter anywhere.

Possibly the best bet would be to alter the size of the ABS mountings and shift your battery there leaving space at the rear of the tank to shove 'things'