Fuel tank sizes?

M

michaelbikin

Member
I am thinking about getting a larger fuel tank, which will help me not worry as much when going long distances, and I won't have to fill up as often, but I am currently getting about 25 miles per fuel tank (I believe I have a 1.5 liter fuel tank on my bike). So, I was wondering, are there any downsides/negatives to getting a larger fuel tank? Is it safe to have almost a gallon on the bike? Also, should I get gel packets or something to reduce vibration on the fuel tank?
 
Go as big as you have room for. I typically use motorcycle fuel tanks that exceed 2 gal. No need to worry about "gel packets" (not sure what that is), just run as big a tank as you want/need.

Check around and see if there is a motorcycle salvage yard near you. You'll have plenty to choose from and only have to worry about how to mount them to your bike.

Tom
 
I would answer that there is probably a greater chance of fire disaster, but with any tank we live with that chance all the time- still a smaller tank could minimize trouble. When I thought about going longer distances- finding some distant used car for instance and going to pick it up, cause I almost never go farther than a 6 mile round trip in my area-

I considered taking some extra fuel along in a plastic bottle, I could dump into the tank when needed and then dispose of- simple!

there are 2.5 liter and gallon tanks (4 liters I guess) but that's going to add weight and then more likely get in the way of your legs if you pedal.

A 1.5 tank was standard with kits before I started back in 09, and then the larger 2.5 was more common for a time but now they've gone largely back to the 1.5. I like a smaller tank myself, and with baskets front and back and a trunk bag otherwise- and I usually wear a cycling jersey with the three back pockets, carrying another liter or so in an empty soda plastic. At 61 my MB mileage is dwindling considerably .

The other option then is a rear rack mounted tank and I think they hold more than the smaller front tanks. I'm still waiting for a small plastic tank that would fit a cruiser frame in the usual old tank way, but the oil controlled forces are not letting that happen. Industrious shop boys haven't graduated to "Plastic" I guess or just want more power and more fuel.
 
Same here, I prefer the smaller 1.5 liter tanks but my trips are usually short so the smaller tanks suit me just fine. There are some cool looking moped tanks on ebay but they can be pretty pricy. I'm also looking at tanks from older 50 to 70cc dirt bikes since they can generally be had for around $50 to $70 or so off ebay. The Suzuki jr50 tank looks pretty good on a bicycle frame and I've seen both the plastic and the steel ones on ebay for a fair price.
 
I just got a dirtbike tank from CL. It's so big I can't use it. It's at least 2 gallons, maybe more. I looks laughably huge so it's going on ebay.
 
I always carry two stroke oil (synthetic) with me in pre measured pill container. I just pull up to the gas station, pump in my gas, and pour in the oil and replace tank cap. Then I do about a dozen stops with the front brake of about 8 inches, then shake the bike side to side a few times. I've never had a problem except for once when I forgot to close the petcock at the tank. And that over-rich problem only lasted a few minutes.

I believe the synthetic oil mixes much easier than dino although I've done the same with it as well. This method works best if you don't wait until your tank is almost dry before gassing up.

I'm sure some would disagree with this method but it's worked for me for over three years. I always check the tank before I head out and get an idea of how far I can go before refueling. It depends on how far away from any gas station you might expect to be.
 
Chaz said:
I always carry two stroke oil (synthetic) with me in pre measured pill container. I just pull up to the gas station, pump in my gas, and pour in the oil and replace tank cap. Then I do about a dozen stops with the front brake of about 8 inches, then shake the bike side to side a few times. I've never had a problem except for once when I forgot to close the petcock at the tank. And that over-rich problem only lasted a few minutes.

I believe the synthetic oil mixes much easier than dino although I've done the same with it as well. This method works best if you don't wait until your tank is almost dry before gassing up.

I'm sure some would disagree with this method but it's worked for me for over three years. I always check the tank before I head out and get an idea of how far I can go before refueling. It depends on how far away from any gas station you might expect to be.
Click to expand...

I see nothing wrong with this as long as it gets thoroughly mixed in. I've thought about doing something like that, but I don't use my bike as main transportation and literally have only ran out of fuel twice! One was at a meet on a long journey and the other was me just not paying attention.
 
There aren't many tanks available at 'bicycle part' prices.
I have a 2 liter tank, it measured out to 68 ounces. The bike gets really good mileage cruising along easy. I don't bother to fill it up. I put in about 1/2 to 3/4 of a tank and check the level before each ride.
It seems big enough since I only go 5 to maybe 12 miles on a ride.
A long, narrow tank would be ideal for long-range riders. 1 1/2 gallons would take me at least 160 miles, at half throttle (about 24mph).
My old carcass couldn't take the abuse. I'll keep the little one.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top