So, just got myself a shiny new 2013 Sportster XL1200X (48), and I'm ready to start the long journey to converting it into a lean mean cafe racer! I've been looking into a new gas tank. the stock 2.1 gal peanut tank isn't going to cut it for very long. The only tanks I've found that are simply bolted on are either from other sportsters (don't look cafe-esque) or are a part of a really expensive conversion kit (lame and too expensive). I've stumbled across Legendary tanks (http://www.legendary-motorcycles.com/caferacertanks.html and also found them on DCC's site bit.ly/10SFoaX). I'm curious how difficult it would be to mount one of these tanks to my bike, and what all that might entail? I'd prefer to not have to manipulate the frame of my bike if since its literally only a few weeks old. Mostly all of the information I can find on sportster cafe's (which isn't a lot) pertains almost entirely to pre-rubbermounted engine models. Not much info on anything fairly new. Any and all advice or experience would be greatly appreciated!
2013 Sportster Cafe Gas tank?
- Thread starter Mayco
- Start date
lingo
social pariah
Your biggest problem is dealing with the fuel pump in the tank. You are probably going to have to find a metal tank to weld the fuel pump mount in to. The next problem is the the main spine on that bike is huge and and has some rake to it. Finding a tank that will fit the bike, that you can fit your fuel pump to, and that you will like the shape is going to be tough. A buddy had these problems with his Sporty. He ended up keeping the stock tank.
Jramos13
Been Around the Block
A cool idea could be a tank that you like, cut in halve front to back, put the halfs low, now you would have the center spine uncover then with sheet metal you can do some top cover that flow with the lines of the tank, your main problem is going to be that center spine with the huge rake, but anything with the right tools and good crafanship can be done!
Good luck, looking forward to see your project coming along!
Good luck, looking forward to see your project coming along!
from my research, custom tanks are kind of expensive. I'm sort of on a budget since I just graduated college and getting married. Don't want to spend most of my bike money on a gas tank haha. Will definitely explore that option a bit more.
the few guys I've talked to said they didn't do tanks for new sportsters though..
the few guys I've talked to said they didn't do tanks for new sportsters though..
kopcicle
antidisestablishmentarian
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=14583
Hit Jr up . He seems to appreciate a challenge . You've been talking to the wrong people
~kop
Hit Jr up . He seems to appreciate a challenge . You've been talking to the wrong people
~kop
VonYinzer
Over 10,000 Posts
As stated... Your main issue is the in tank fuel pump for the FI. A custom alloy/steel tank is really your only good option. Junior (above link) has made at least one tank with the internal pump setup that I know of and it was badass. He's a hell of a fabricator. Unfortunatly, modifying a brand new machine is not going to be cheap or simple, but if you do it one piece at a time and stick to a plan you should be ok. I for one am interested to see what you come up with.
VonYinzer
Over 10,000 Posts
Oh... Just had a thought...
I think (and don't quote me on this please) the new Triumph Bonnevilles (FI models) have an in tank fuel pump. I don't know what the Bonnie frame looks like in comparison to the Sportster (I'm sure its very different) but perhaps a good fab guy could combine the top half of a Bonnie tank and the bottom half of a your Sporty one. I may not be a huge Triumph fan but the lines of the Bonnevile tank scream "cafe racer'. And, you'd definitely have a one of a kind machine.
I think (and don't quote me on this please) the new Triumph Bonnevilles (FI models) have an in tank fuel pump. I don't know what the Bonnie frame looks like in comparison to the Sportster (I'm sure its very different) but perhaps a good fab guy could combine the top half of a Bonnie tank and the bottom half of a your Sporty one. I may not be a huge Triumph fan but the lines of the Bonnevile tank scream "cafe racer'. And, you'd definitely have a one of a kind machine.