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GS850 "L" tank on a "G" question

  • Thread starter Thread starter 99Rocketman
  • Start date Start date
9

99Rocketman

Guest
Has anyone put a smaller GS850 "L" tank onto a "G" bike around here?

The tank I have is 5.8 gallons and I'm looking to mount a smaller lighter tank and I've been told that the "L" tank is 3.8 gallons and might fit.

Any advice in this area would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!
 
It will take some fabrication skills, for sure, but it might be possible.

Your '81 (from a previous thread) tank has a single horizontal bolt holding it at the back. The only 850L tank with a similar mount would be the '80. You would then have to move the tabs at the front that hold the "donuts". Not sure if there are holes in the frame gussets that would show the location, but it's 2 or 3 inches behind the current location.

The '81 tank uses a single vertical bolt at the back, the '82 and newer tanks use two bolts and are larger, at 4.5 gallons.

Yours is an unusual request, as most of the L owners are looking for a way to install a larger tank for more range. :o
You must REALLY like the look of a smaller tank, but be aware that there is still that huge lump of motor below it, it might look a little funny.
Also be aware that, with the average of about 40 mpg on a stock motor, you will be looking for gas every 100 miles, assuming the usual 1-gallon reserve in the L tank.

Lastly, there is one other tidbit to keep in mind: the '80 L tank would include the "dreaded '80 petcock". That little "gem" did NOT include a reserve function, so ignore my previous comment about range. To add insult to injury, there is no lever on the petcock, meaning that if you ever need to use the PRIme function, you have to locate a screwdriver.

.
 
I have an L tank ratted on to a T model.

I had to drill 2 holes through the plate under the front of the seat as the tabs on the tank didn't line up with the holes for the T tank.

I also had to beat the tunnel in the L tank with a hammer to get it to fit over the backbone of the T frame.

I used a petcock with a reserve and a lever.

It sure wouldn't suit most of the very pretty GSes you see displayed here but it suits my dirty, beaten and road rashed rat bike just fine.

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Steel Toed Tank said:
I have an L tank ratted on to a T model.

I had to drill 2 holes through the plate under the front of the seat as the tabs on the tank didn't line up with the holes for the T tank.

I also had to beat the tunnel in the L tank with a hammer to get it to fit over the backbone of the T frame.

I used a petcock with a reserve and a lever.

It sure wouldn't suit most of the very pretty GSes you see displayed here but it suits my dirty, beaten and road rashed rat bike just fine.



You lost the KLR style milk crates?
Click to expand...
 
Try a 750 L tank, it has a valve with a reserve that is a bit forward of the valve on the 80 1100L tank and clears the carbs. The tank is about 1 1/2" longer than the 80 850L tank and a gal bigger, but still only has the single mount in the rear and remains a bit shorter than the G tank.
Good luck.
V
 
Thanks Steve, fuel mileage isn't a big concern with me because I live in a city that I don't drive more than 5 miles a trip. And with riding between cars, in and out of traffic I want this to be as narrow as possible.
 
Thanks for the tip V, I'll look into those as well and see if I can come up with a good option.
 
99Rocketman said:
Thanks Steve, fuel mileage isn't a big concern with me because I live in a city that I don't drive more than 5 miles a trip. And with riding between cars, in and out of traffic I want this to be as narrow as possible.
Click to expand...
That tells me that you are likely in California, but that's OK.

Your gas tank will never be wider than the engine or the handlebars or the crankcase covers on the engine.

When I lived out there many years ago, I commuted from the West Covina area to Lynwood on 60/605/5/7 freeways, splitting traffic as necessary, but I did it on a full-dressed KZ1300. I was not alone with my choice of bikes, either. Others that I saw on a daily basis included GoldWings, Beemers, Harleys and Yamahas (XS1100). None of these are small bikes, but they area all about the same width across the handlebars as a GS550. :D

.
 
You are correct sir! Lovely Los Angeles here... Which everyone seems to be going nuts on these vintage bikes and cafe racers, which aren't really my style. I like hardtail bobbers to be honest. (I'm still in my 20's)

But with that in mind, if I ever try and sell this thing I think I will have a better market for it with a sleeker look to it. That or a scrambler/tracker style...
 
I threw a spare tank on a 79G that I have. Not gonna work for you I think, unless you don't mind fabin a bit. Then you could make the rear mount work, raise the front of the tank to clear the triple and fab the front mount. Would give it a bit of a chopper look. Can't find my camera...grrrr
V
 
willing to trade tanks

willing to trade tanks

I have a GS650GL tank in good condition that I would trade with you for your 5.8 gallon tank. I would want to keep my gas cap since I have the key for it. The tank has two mounting holes at the rear.
 
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