Cafe Racer tank leveling question

I am looking to level out the gas tank. I have post a picture of an image of a gas tank for cafe racer I like, any suggestion on the cheapest way to level out the gas tank.

Btw, I have a 1983 Maxim 650 if that helps guys.

Thanks

 

Hi,
depending on the tank you are using you will either make a higher mount to the rear of the tank on the frame or reposition the tabs underneath the tank at the front where it meets the frame rubbers.
Be good to see the tank & frame first that are you are thinking of using.

Col.

 

I am using a stock 1983 xj 650 maxim tank and stock frame.

 

This is what I would like for the tank to look like(leveled). If I do a bigger rubber boot to the frame, I will have a huge gap between the frame and the tank right? Of course this is depending on the gap clearance of the rubber piece I'm using.

 

You'll have to raise the back of the tank unless you want to modify the frame. Of coarse leveling the tank at the top moves the fuel away from the petcock, then you'll have to modify the placement of the petcock.
Unless your set on this, you could put a Seca or Honda CB tank on it without the petcock problem.

 

Those photos are of an XS v-twin yeh?? Not an XJ so dofferent frames & tanks I'm guessing.
I would agree with O+B about finding another tank, may be an easier option to achieve the look you after.

Col.

 

After looking more at the 2nd pic, thats a Virago. The Virago tank may fit your XJ and the placement of the petcock is closer to the front. Might just be the ticket. :wink:

 

Modifying the frame is not an option so my best beat would be rising the rear. But just like you stated I have a petcock issue and I don't want that.

Maybe a CB tank or Seca tank would work. I just have to find one for cheap.

Thanks bro

 

They are Virago

 

Here are some more pics of this Virago. When I first saw this bike I wanted a Virago as my next bike. Then I read about their starter motor problems and am sticking with my XJ instead. But still a phenomenally built bike.

I agree you would be much better off getting a new tank that suited your purpose than trying to change the geometry of the stock tank.

 

Yes sir, those are the bikes I am basing my xj 650.

I just scored a seca tank for $15 bucks, here are the pictures.

 

Now that I got this tank, I need to buy a petcock. I don't want to rebuild the petcock b/c the cost of a universal petcock is half the price for a rebuild kit.

Has anyone used a universal petcock and if so what was the brand, website, and cost?

 

Now that I got this tank, I need to buy a petcock. I don't want to rebuild the petcock b/c the cost of a universal petcock is half the price for a rebuild kit.

Has anyone used a universal petcock and if so what was the brand, website, and cost?

 

Does anyone out there know where I can find a tail fairing like the one in the images above? I found one but its in Euro, wanting something in the U.S.

 

Look at my bike with the stock tank. I loose about a half gallon of space for gas because it will spill out with the rear lowered if I filled the tank all the way. I don't know that I would want to raise the back of the tank. It may look funny. I anything, I'd like to move the gas cap. I'm not going to get into that.

 

The real problem with the universal petcock is fitting it to the tank, will most likely involve modification. Chacal sells a replacement with a installation kit for a fair price considering its made to replace the original petcock. Just click the XJ4Ever at the top right. :wink:

 

If Len doesn't have what you're looking for, try partsnmore.com for universal on/off fuel valves. They also have adapter plates to go with.

 

Got it, I will have to relocate the petcock valve, or find another tank.

 

Has anyone purchased a universal petcock?

 

No one in the forum has not installed a universal petcock?