Tank swap

Hello to the people who know more than I do.
I am looking to change tanks on my bike, an 82 XJ650 Maxim, to something larger. I know the tank from a 750 will match right up but I'm having a hard time finding one. What I have found though is a tank from an 82 XJ1100.
So what do those in the know think? Will it fit or do I have to keep looking for the 750 tank?
Much appreciated!

 

The 1100 tank is approx 2-3 inches longer than the 750 tank. It will not work on a 650 frame without major modifications.

Ghost

 

Bummer but much appreciated so I didn't buy one that doesn't fit.
I guess the search continues...

 

I'm sure there's a few 750 tanks available in the ads area of the forums, depends where you are though, if you add the info to your profile it's a help welcome to the forums

 

I've seen a couple of XJ's with V-Star 650 tanks, but don't know if they required mods or how much mods were required. Good thing about the V-Star tank is it has a console for a speedo and indicator lights wich would clean up the handlebars.

 

Okay, to continue showing what I don't know...
How about XS or XV tanks? Are they interchangeable?
And in case I didn't fix it on my profile, I have an 82 XJ650 that I'm just starting to look at making a one of a kind out of. The tank is a start point because I like the larger tank look and I also have a stupid long round trip to work every day. The bigger tank will let me make the trip twice without having to stop on my way home on day two.
Thanks again!

 

Cool that's all showing up good

I like O&B's idea that'd look nice, be worth a few little mods if you liked the look

 

The XS tank has a different position for the front (snap-on rings) and the rear connector, but could be modded to fit.
The Xv has a different rear connect on early models, I have heard of 85 models used on XJ's. Ask Hogfiddles to make sure, he knows a lot about XV's.

 

The XV tank is much narrower at the tunnel and will not sit down onto the maxim frame without modifying the tunnel. The tank itself, capcity-wise, is not too much different from the XJ version of it, and in my opinion is not worth the effort. The tank contour is a little wider at the top front, and I think it would look really nice on the XJ if someone wanted to spend the time to cut up two tanks and graft the bottom tunnel section to an xj tank.....but I'm not gonna go through that.

I have just made arrangements to pick up a V-star 650 tank on thurs afternoon. So, in a few more days I should be able to drop it onto a maxim frame and see what is needed. I will try it on a 650 maxim, and Iwill also try it on a 700 frame, and see how things look there, too.------

dave F

 

Hogfiddles, you'll have to let me know how the V-star tank works out and what kind of modifications you have to make. The idea of that tank with the speedo mounted on it instead of on the handlebars definitely appeals to me but I have no idea where to start. I'd love to see some pictures of how it turns out too if possible.

 

We shall find out......slowly. I'll be putzing with it for awhile......have to find out a few things:

1. where to re-route a cable operated speedo
2. what wires I need and/or don't need
3. what gauges to use

etc.......

That will all come down to what time is available........if, and when-----

Dave F

 

Ok...........so, the V-star tank

(this is all preliminary info for a 700 airhead/X potential tank swap)

Is not much different in length BUT

1. the tunnel is MUCH wider
2. the hooks for the tank rubbers are much bigger
3. the rear mount is totall different
4. if the rear mount is lined up, the front looks a little far from the crown
and
5. the tank sits right on the valve cover

6. if the tank is pushed forward where it doesnt sit on the cover, it contacts the horns. At THAT point.....
7. the turnsignals just barely clear the tank, and the crown also barely misses it.

It's NOT a quick mod. I'm going to have to think, play, etc....

One thing I DO see, is that because the tunnel is SO wide, it MAY allow for extra room underneath for repositioning wires, etc.......

8. the tank I just bought came without the center console so I couldn't position it with that in place. I would imagine that it would not go as far forward as I moved it, which will limit just where it CAN go.

9. the tail of the tank is quite a bit wider than the seat, but I didn't see that as being to great of an issue. I think that's going to be more an issue of re shaping some foam, etc....

We shall see what slowly transpires.

dave

 

If you want to do something original, i've been following a guy on youtube and he has been building a custom cafe using a forbidden cycle. Probably one of the most extensive foam to fiberglass builds on the internet.
Presently he is in the middle of fiberglassing a seat and tank, and this guy shows you how to do it. He has literally shown every detail, we aren't talking some wonky using a knife and carving into foam on one side then sanding down the other. The guy builds jigs and fixtures. Ones that anyone can build, check it out on the tube its hack aweek. sabre project.
As of today there are six episodes....