Old CB tank option for CB450 Cafe or go new fiberglass?

[timdaugherty]

I've browsed the Internet and salivated over all the cafe style tanks out there. Tons of fiberglass goodness just waiting for a potential buyer. However, I'm wondering if there are any thoughts to swapping out my original CB450K6 tank with another from an older or newer Honda. What are your thoughts? I've seen some that have some very nice lines that, albeit not exactly compared on my bike, appear to be good candidates.

Looking for your thoughts on what tanks you might use (stock...no stretching or welding).
Looking for your thoughts on what problems I might face going this route.
Looking for, well, any thoughts on the subject!

Thanks in advance.

Tim

 

[bjonesin]

I'll start by telling you that I haven't every had a fiberglass tank. I have thought about it and tried to research it. Im not an expert and should probably keep my mouth shut but this is the internet. Conventional wisdom says that gas is corrosive and will eat through the tank if not properly sealed. It also says that in the event of a crash o it is more likely to leak fuel from cracking. There are some neat looking metal tanks but cost is a factor. Most people are comfortable withI having fiberglass. Hope this helps a little

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[Big R]

+1. Fiberglass can have plenty of issues. Sean from RocCity can make a custom aluminum tank, but it's about double the cost of a quality glass tank (but impervious to gasoline).

As far as what other tanks will fit, it really is about how much work you're willing to do. The only tank guaranteed to fit is stock.

 

[Brian lee]

I was looking for one for months for my sr then i just decided to dish my stock tank. Im starting to like it. That is always an option

 

[timdaugherty]

Thanks all! Great information so far. Brian, I saw your pics the other day and it sure gets the creative juices flowing. At this point, though, I don't know that I'm heading in that direction.

What I was thinking was something like a CB400 tank (that seems a little longer and boxier). I didn't know how much work it would require and, without having one on-hand to see what it looks like on a 450 frame, wasn't sure if the scale was going to be correct.

Tim

 

[Brian lee]

Cool good luck man

 

[cjrenick]

Check out the GS450 E or S I think is the models. I feel these are probably the nicest stock tanks for a cafe racer. I have not found one though that was not way over priced. Brian your tank looks great. I am thinking of doing this to my tank, but a little nervous to start hammering on it.

 

[Brian lee]

Check out the GS450 E or S I think is the models. I feel these are probably the nicest stock tanks for a cafe racer. I have not found one though that was not way over priced. Brian your tank looks great. I am thinking of doing this to my tank, but a little nervous to start hammering on it.

this was my first time and i was nervious. I just took it slow

 

[bradj]

Pm me what you would like to change about your tank with pictures mabie i can nake your tank what you want

 

[neevo]

Do you have a welder?

Take one shitty tank:

Add an angle grinder and chop side scoops and cut and shape replacement panels:

Cut tank in half:

Panic, your waaaaaay out if your depth, man up and shape middle sections:

Crack out the welder:

Water test it, find out it leaks like a sieve, then learn how to weld properly!!!!

Mines water tight at the moment waiting on some fuel lines and an R1 racing filler cap to be welded in.

 

[timdaugherty]

Awesome ideas...thank you all! I'm thinking I'll bang my tank and see how it goes. I've got a few other projects going on the bike (isn't that how it always is?) and have a little while. Until then, I'll keep looking for a candidate that might have some better lines. The existing tank has some dents and issues that, once I get in there, could be smoothed and fixed. Looks like I've got some good options.

I do wish I knew how to weld. Honestly, I've looked for a local class but they are all drawn towards people going into industrial jobs. Hell man, I just want to learn how for my garage. I see a welder in my future...trial by fire...er...electricity.

Thanks!

Tim

 

[Flugtechnik]

FYI, the Honda 750 tanks won't fit over the 450 spine without tunnel modifications. I tried.


END OF LINE

 

[neevo]

I see a welder in my future...trial by fire...er...electricity.

Do it! The best bit of gear I ever bought. So versatile and allows you to do so much on these bikes. Cheap DC TIG's can be had for peanuts too, just can't do Alu (SS is a great alternative though).