More fuel capacity?

[stevew]

My "touring " bike is an old 1997 Kawasaki VN1500-C2 (cruiser) fitted with a screen and some big Kappa panniers. Most things work for me so I'm happy with the bike, except for one thing.............the tank capacity, it's miniscule with a range if about 100 miles! I have seen the Tour Tank type thing from the USA but they are expensive and a pain to get here. So I'm thinking that there may be an answer here in the UK. Does anyone know, or have any ideas, what i can do to extend my range? I would like to roughly double the fuel storage so that would mean another 15L but anything would be good!
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Maxsym 400i 2013, Sterling 125 2017, Honda Wave110i 2014,
Orpington
The opposite of bravery is not cowardice, but conformity. Robert Anthony

[ToGGoT]

Right,

As far as my understanding goes (And anyone feel free to correct me on this!) the law in the UK is that you can carry, in a vehicle, in addition to the fuel tank, either 2x10L metal fuel containers, OR, 2x5L plastic fuel containers.

So, potentially you could figure a way of carrying 2x extra 10L metal fuel containers (And i'd definitely want to try and balance the extra weight if possible - especially if the containers aren't baffled, and keep it away from the exhaust)


I don't know about the legalities of running a "fuel cell" as a second tank, but i cant imagine its straightforward.

ToGGoT
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2005 BMW R1150R

[RideLimousin]

Could you wait for a 2nd hand fuel tank to come up on ebay USA and have it shipped over?

Might be the best bet....
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[map]

It might be worth looking through the American forums and sites as they often do the extra fuel tank thing.

Maybe more for the Ironbutts guys but you might find something for a cruiser.

Just a thought
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[stevew]

Thanks for your thoughts so far.
Found this on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160733461315?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
And it's size is 410mm long x 260mm wide x 210 mm high.
Might be the answer if I can fabricate a suitable rear rack, run a fuel line and fit a fuel tap.
I see it as a sort of "half way house" between just carrying a plastic 1 gal petrol container like you get in a garage and the full Tour Tank monty which will cost lots!
More thoughts are always welcome!
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Maxsym 400i 2013, Sterling 125 2017, Honda Wave110i 2014,
Orpington
The opposite of bravery is not cowardice, but conformity. Robert Anthony

[Casper]

If you are keeping the bike long term why not get a 2nd hand tank. Take it to a chop shop and get it split and extended. Work out your MPG and work out how many litres you need for around 200 miles and tell the chop shop what you want. You have room to extend the tank upwards at the seat end and possibly widen an inch at each side tapering to the front. It may not be cheap but if you tour a lot it may be worth it and when at home doing your normal riding you can revert back to the original tank.

[stevew]

[Kickstart]

[stevew]

[Kickstart]

Hi

Yes, if you want the hassle of that and don't forget to switch the tap at the right time.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[stevew]

I know it's a bit of a faff but it's only once in a very long ride!!
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Maxsym 400i 2013, Sterling 125 2017, Honda Wave110i 2014,
Orpington
The opposite of bravery is not cowardice, but conformity. Robert Anthony

[parkmoy]

I think you need to consider what might happen to the auxiliary tank in the event of being rear ended or any sort of accident which might split it. You don't want to end up with a fireball.

[jetski]

I would be more inclined to use a metal can. even if I had to manually top up the tank with it. having a plastic can sounds a little dangerous to me

[bognorgaz]

You could always start smoking, that way you wouldn;t mind stopping for fuel because you'll want a fag!

[map]

[stevew]

[c-m]

Stopping is all well and good, but when touring you could easily not be able to find the next fuel station, especially if you're not in a built up area, or western country.

a 200 mile tank range is probably the minimum for serious touring
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[Alpha-9]

Jerry cans full of fuel in your boxes?
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Fzr-600 1999

[stevew]

[ToGGoT]

I think you're going to have to make a decision here.

Either:

Shell out, and buy a 2nd hand tank that you can have enlarged (I agree with you, 12ltr capacity is very poor...), and put up with the fact that if you ever sell the bike you'll have to get another tank (Mind you, buy a bike with a bigger tank, and its less of an issue)

Or:

Fit some sort of secure mount for a 10l metal fuel can somewhere that allows you to pull over and top up your main tank when you hit reserve - Another 10l almost doubles your tank range anyway, and this way you dont need any complicated plumbing, etc.

Or:

Get someone to fit a separate reserve tank, plumb it all in with some sort of tap arrangement, and get good at tap switching. Be aware though, that your auxhiliary is unlikely to figure on your fuel gauge, and any alterations to the existing tank is going to limit resale potential on the bike, moreso if you aren't going to sell the auxhiliary tank with the bike.


I know having convenience is nice, but bar far the cheapest solution is to carry a fuel can like this one

ToGGoT
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2005 BMW R1150R

[Pete.]

Fit a tank from another bike with larger capacity. My mate fitted a VFR800 tank on his bros to double the range.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Polarbear]

I would definitely go down the bigger tank route. There are just too many variables and risks involved in the second tank, plus you are taking up carrying capacity with the second tank.

You have 2 choices it seems to me, buy or have a larger tank made for your bike or buy a proper touring bike with a decent range.
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[Peirre oBollox]

[stevew]

[barrkel]