starting without the gas tank

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  • eran_k
    • Feb 2026

    #1

    starting without the gas tank

    I'm about to start my bike for the first time after a big project.
    i would like to start without the gas tank to have more room to work on adjusting stuff etc
    any ideas on how to do that?

    Eran
  • cowboyup3371
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    • Apr 2010
    • 13996
    • In Ohio Now

    #2
    Find a lawnmower gas tank and connect it to the carbs with a hose as a temporary tank. Plug off the vacuum line
    Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

    1981 GS550T - My First
    1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
    2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

    Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
    Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
    and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

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    • tkent02
      Forum LongTimer
      Past Site Supporter
      • Jan 2006
      • 35571
      • Near South Park

      #3
      Any container will work. I use an old fuel bottle for a camp stove, others use containers made of PVC pipe, or any metal can with a fuel tube soldered in place. Hang it at about the level of the gas tank when it's mounted. Too high and it will effect tuning.

      You can also set the bike's gas tank off to the side on something the right height like a ladder or a big box, use a longer fuel line. I don't like that one because I'd probably knock the tank over. One more option is to run a line from the fuel tank on another motorcycle parked right next to it.
      http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

      Life is too short to ride an L.

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      • 1_v8_merc

        #4
        I don't use a tank, just a few feet of clear tubing. You'd be amazed how long a bike can run on just 1 or 2ft of hose. Just use duct tape to stick the top piece of hose to the handlebars or where ever.

        Comment

        • koolaid_kid

          #5
          I use a radiator overflow tank I purchased at a local auto store. Has a cap and everything. The one thing you do not want to do is to elevate the tank higher than the stock fuel tank. This can exert excess pressure on your needle and seats and possibly cause them to leak.

          Comment

          • loud et

            #6
            This high tech funnel system is my go to set up.

            This was when I first got my 1100 E running after I rebuilt it.
            (Love the sound of the vintage Kerker) **CLICK FOR VIDEO***
            Last edited by Guest; 02-15-2014, 11:55 AM.

            Comment

            • MrFreeze60

              #7
              I do love the sound of those Kerkers. I'm hoping to find a set for mine.
              I had a set on a 72 Honda 750 and they sounded so sweet.

              Comment

              • tatu
                Forum Sage
                Past Site Supporter
                • Jun 2010
                • 3175
                • UK

                #8
                Originally posted by tkent02
                Hang it at about the level of the gas tank when it's mounted. Too high and it will effect tuning.
                Originally posted by koolaid_kid
                The one thing you do not want to do is to elevate the tank higher than the stock fuel tank. This can exert excess pressure on your needle and seats and possibly cause them to leak.

                I don't think this is correct.
                A pound of fuel is a pound no matter how high it is off the ground.
                sigpic

                Don't say can't, as anything is possible with time and effort, but, if you don't have time things get tougher and require more effort.

                Comment

                • eil
                  Forum Sage
                  • Dec 2012
                  • 3062
                  • SE Michigan

                  #9
                  I bought one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Sho.../dp/B004NV42PQ

                  But many of the methods mentioned above will work just as well.
                  Charles
                  --
                  1979 Suzuki GS850G

                  Read BassCliff's GSR Greeting and Mega-Welcome!

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                  • posplayr
                    Forum LongTimer
                    GSResource Superstar
                    Past Site Supporter
                    • Dec 2007
                    • 23673
                    • Tucson Az

                    #10
                    Originally posted by tatu
                    I don't think this is correct.
                    A pound of fuel is a pound no matter how high it is off the ground.
                    It is called head, the higher the tank the more pressure at the bottom. The same resins that water is stored in water tanks. It increases the pressure at the outlet.

                    Comment

                    • posplayr
                      Forum LongTimer
                      GSResource Superstar
                      Past Site Supporter
                      • Dec 2007
                      • 23673
                      • Tucson Az

                      #11
                      Originally posted by eil
                      I bought one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Sho.../dp/B004NV42PQ

                      But many of the methods mentioned above will work just as well.
                      So did I , with all the tools you need to work on a bike this one might be expensive but it still doesn't cost that much and it is real convenient.

                      Comment

                      • koolaid_kid

                        #12
                        Originally posted by posplayr
                        It is called head, the higher the tank the more pressure at the bottom. The same resins that water is stored in water tanks. It increases the pressure at the outlet.
                        Thank you for explaining.

                        Comment

                        • cutlass79500

                          #13
                          Originally posted by eil
                          I bought one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Sho.../dp/B004NV42PQ

                          But many of the methods mentioned above will work just as well.
                          I have the same one works great the shut off valve does not like ethanol in the gas tends to leak thru the handle. Non ethanol gas does not. Guess the alcohol thins the gas. I use mine all the time works great just a pain to fill not enough hands to hold it and pour
                          lol

                          Comment

                          • tatu
                            Forum Sage
                            Past Site Supporter
                            • Jun 2010
                            • 3175
                            • UK

                            #14
                            Originally posted by posplayr
                            It is called head, the higher the tank the more pressure at the bottom. The same resins that water is stored in water tanks. It increases the pressure at the outlet.
                            No, to increase 'head' you would need to add more fuel, not put it higher, a pound of fuel is a pound of fuel, to increase 'head' you would put two pounds of fuel.
                            sigpic

                            Don't say can't, as anything is possible with time and effort, but, if you don't have time things get tougher and require more effort.

                            Comment

                            • ART

                              #15
                              Originally posted by tatu
                              No, to increase 'head' you would need to add more fuel, not put it higher, a pound of fuel is a pound of fuel, to increase 'head' you would put two pounds of fuel.
                              If that was true there would be no water towers.

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