Join/Stretch Tank

[Gordon]

Thinking of stretching the existing tank on the Yamaha by around three to four inches. Thought I'd get another tank and use it to join it to the current tank.

Need some tips on:
1. There is petrol in the tank. How do I start cutting it or using welding tools?!
2. How do I stretch it?! Or join them?
3. Anything else you need to add!

Stock Tank

Intended Tank

 

[Cafe_to_go]

I would recommend just adding an extension to your tank, see my pictures (page 3). On mine they added about 7 inches, and it's hollow on the underside, the electronics are under the extension. You need to De-fuel the tank before doing any cutting or welding, one way I learned is to remove the fuel, cap and petcock, put it against the exhaust tip of a running car or motorcycle, let it run for about 20-30 minutes and you should be okay to weld or cut.

http://s198.photobucket.com/albums/aa101/CAFETOGO/?start=40

 

[Roustabout]

Check out this stretch:
I had high-sided and tweaked my shoulder. I was having trouble supporting my weight under heavy braking, so I took a toilet roll from the hotel we were staying at, duct taped it in place and extended the tank so I could partially support myself with my crotch : No space to hide any electrics, but in the event that you crap your leathers, you can wipe

 

[Ease]

Crafty.

 

[Gordon]

Nicely done Ease. Its a great idea! And in the event, your electricals are also neatly hidden. I'll go to the sheetmetal worker, and get an estimate of how much he'd charge me for this. I actually have tools in my garage too to perform such welding. Only thing is that the worker in my garage is scared about the fuel inside the tank.

Anyway I can drain the tank of ALL petrol before safely doing any cutting/welding on it?!

 

[Roustabout]

Don't worry so much..... I drained my tank, left it in the the sun for a bit, purged it with argon from my weld gas and started welding ... no problem

 

[Gordon]

The work on the tank has already begun. Got another tank. The tank will be stretched by 5 inches. Will be done tomorrow!

http://s198.photobucket.com/albums/aa101/CAFETOGO/?start=40

Thanks for the idea. Has been of great help. The original tank will remain, the second tank will be an add-on welded to the first tank. New mounting points for the tank and seat will be made.

 

[Gordon]

The tank is done! Was such a tedious job because of certain complications.

Without the clubman

Well lets continue the discussion back to the project thread > http://dotheton.com/index.php?topic=4540.0

 

[Represto]

Whoa! You don't mess around eh? You get down to business.

 

[Tim]

For the ultimate in stretched tanks, check out DME's CB750. That's a stock tank stretched just like you're doing.

 

[Gordon]

When you're doing it the first time its always soo surprising. You have absolutely no idea what would happen next. There has been a lotttt of surgery on that tank. But the end result is nice. I tried to sit on it, and I think I stretched it too much.

I tried riding it without a seat and found that the rear footpegs are too high for comfort. Yes, even if the seat comes its going to be hardly an 1.5-2 inches. I hope the bike doesn't get messed up.

 

[islanddave1]

I would recommend just adding an extension to your tank, see my pictures (page 3). On mine they added about 7 inches, and it's hollow on the underside, the electronics are under the extension. You need to De-fuel the tank before doing any cutting or welding, one way I learned is to remove the fuel, cap and petcock, put it against the exhaust tip of a running car or motorcycle, let it run for about 20-30 minutes and you should be okay to weld or cut.

http://s198.photobucket.com/albums/aa101/CAFETOGO/?start=40

Hello,

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE......................... be careful. Do not trust the car exhaust method.Car exhaust contains unburnt hydrocarbons which are explosive and flamable purging with argon which is an inert gas is the way to go or better yet flush the tank with water then fill with water then start cutting.

Dave

 

[xs650]

You should fill the tank with water,then feed the argon gas into the tank letting it fill the air space with the inert gas. THEN its ok to cut or weld. just water is not enough,neither is just argon or 70/30 .
trust me on this one, i replaced two ceiling lights because of a faster method! and had a very mishapened tank!