GS700E - Cal. vs. non-Cal. Tank Differences

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  • kirkn
    #1

    GS700E - Cal. vs. non-Cal. Tank Differences

    Like the title says, what are the differences between a non-California tank and a California model tank, to account for the different capacities? And, are the two tanks otherwise interchangeable?


    I've now put 3 "fill-ups from reserve" on my '85 GS700E which I bought a year ago here in FL. Each time has taken approx 2.7 ~ 2.8 gallons. At first, I thought this seemed way low and thought maybe some PO had put in a different petcock with a taller pickup pipe or something.

    However, I just was paging through my GS Supplementary Service Manual, and I realize that the CA tank has a listed capacity of 3.8 gallons, with a 1.05 gallon reserve. Non-CA lists 5.2 gallons with that same 1.05 gallon reserve. So, now I'm wondering if my bike is/was a CA-model.

    Next time I go on reserve, maybe I'll go back home and drain the tank dry into a container and see how much is left. If I get a gallon, I'll know. If I get something like 2 ~ 2.5, I'll know that, too.

    When I had it all apart for engine out, I didn't notice any air plumbing or anything, so it's got me wondering...

    I hate having to fill up at 115 miles, vs. the 175 or so possible from a non-CA tank.

    So far, I'm getting ~43 mpg, so that's nice.

    Kirk
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    • Charlie G
      Forum Guru
      Past Site Supporter
      Super Site Supporter
      • Feb 2009
      • 6440
      • Siskiyou county
      #2
      I would be really surprised if a California tank lost that much volume for smog equip. A half a gallon seems alot to me. Sounds like a typo somewhere. I don't know the particlars for this bike, but early ( Ca.) smog equip for other bikes consisted of a tank vent hose into a charcoal canister to prevent vapors escaping into the atmosphere. 5.2 gallons sounds way to big for a 85,GS 700e tank. My 2 cents

      cg
      Last edited by Charlie G; 07-19-2011, 07:41 PM.
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        • kirkn
          #3
          Yeah, Charlie, that's all the equipment listed in the supplement - a vent hose on the tank and vent hoses on each carb Tee'd into a charcoal canister. But that same supplement lists those numbers.

          I know my carbs don't have any extra vent hoses, and the only hoses on my tank are the 'overspill' hose from outside the filler opening and a drain hose from the area of the level sending unit. Both those drain hoses just dump free back down alongside the airbox.

          Hmmm.....

          Maybe I DO have an oddball petcock in there...

            Comment

            • Griffin
              Forum LongTimer
              Past Site Supporter
              • Sep 2003
              • 14205
              • Danville, IN
              #4
              I've owned my GS700 since it was new, and I've NEVER been able to get more than 4.0 gallons into it, and that is after riding on reserve for 30-35 miles. Generally, once it goes on reserve, I can put about 2.8-3.0 gallons in it if I find a gas station immediately.

              Suzuki lied about the tank capacity. I don't think it's bigger than 4.2 gallons, at the most.
              GS450E GS650E GS700ES GS1000E GS1000G GS1100G GS1100E
              KZ550A KZ700A GPZ750
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                • kirkn
                  #5
                  Originally posted by Griffin
                  I've owned my GS700 since it was new, and I've NEVER been able to get more than 4.0 gallons into it, and that is after riding on reserve for 30-35 miles. Generally, once it goes on reserve, I can put about 2.8-3.0 gallons in it if I find a gas station immediately.

                  Suzuki lied about the tank capacity. I don't think it's bigger than 4.2 gallons, at the most.

                  Hey, thanks for that, Griffin. That's just the kind of owner first-hand knowledge I was looking for. I suspect you're right - that capacity is not 5.2 at all. Maybe 4.2... I'm going to do the 'drain the tank dry' thing next time it goes on reserve. Then I'll know.

                  Thanks for the info.

                  Kirk

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                    • trippivot
                      Forum Sage
                      Past Site Supporter
                      • Aug 2006
                      • 2815
                      • Des Moines , IA
                      #6
                      I know that a ca tank has extra hose fittings for evaporative emissions.

                      1 has a blue sticker/mark and the other has a red sticker/mark.. as well as the overflow..

                      plug the red vent the blue, that is the secret if you remove the charcoal canister.
                      SUZUKI , There is no substitute

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                        • kirkn
                          #7
                          Well, the tank must be around 4 gallons.

                          Bike went on Reserve, so I drove home a few miles and drained out the rest of the tank. There's just a tiny bit left that I can hear trickling around in there. Anyway, a little over a gallon came out.

                          So, assuming it takes the 'usual' 2.8 gallons, plus the gallon or so "reserve" leaves about 4 gallons. Oh well. Still, it's kinda nice knowing pretty accurately how much fuel I've got left when it goes on reserve.

                          My favorite was that little Ninja 250 I owned - it had a 5 gallon tank and routinely got 70 mpg!! Plenty of range.

                          Kirk

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