Commando Alternative Petrol Tank

aceaceca · Jan 5, 2009

I keep meaning to ask if anyone has researched a non Norton donor bike petrol tank. By researched I mean checked for one of the correct dimensions to fit a Commando. I saw one bike on E Bay with a donor tank. I am not in love with the shape of the Norton tank and mine is slowly being devoured (fiberglass). Don't tell me seal it as I am agin that.
I bet there are some nice tanks available for pennies on the dollar. I refuse to spend a small fortune on a Pakistani steel one or a bodgered up one someone is flogging for $500. Get a reality check!

batrider · Jan 6, 2009

Had the same problem with my fiberglass tank. I found a decent steel tank on eBay a few months ago for $230. It will need painting. The Pakistani tanks have problems from what I have seen written on here.

debby · Jan 6, 2009

Why don't you want to seal your tank? I coated my 750's glass tank with the Caswell epoxy kit and it's held up fine for three seasons now. I expect it won't last forever though, so I bought an original steel tank to replace it. I paid $500 for this one, with the bodywork and primer done. I haven't decided on the color yet, so for now it's sitting on the shelf.

Personally I love the look of the Roadster tank, but if you want custom Evan Wilcox can make anything you want. It won't be cheap or fast though.

Debby

Jason Curtiss · Jan 6, 2009

Speaking of after-market steel tanks, I remember that Norbsa purchased one some time ago. And if I recall correctly, he was going to report on its fit and function after painting and installation.

Anything to report, Norbsa?

norbsa48503 · Jan 6, 2009

Yes the saga continues. I await a replacement tank for the one witch has it's filler tube cocked out of square. They are not in a hurry to provide one but if not for my supplier I would not have one at all. So far promises and emails bouncing all over no tank. If you get one test and check everything for leaks and cap fitment before you do a thing. That is all for now.

ntst8 · Jan 8, 2009

I have seen a Commando with what looked like an old Yamaha XS 1100 tank, no idea on how easy a fit it was though, didn't see the owner.

aceaceca · Jan 8, 2009

Now thats what I am thinking of. There are some nice Jap bike tanks out there and one should be reasonable to get a hold of. I need to take some measurements and go on a junk yard hunt. For someone with a tank off their bike, what are the underside dimensions required to go over the top main tube??? Actually, what is the spread on the front rubber pucks also???

rbt11548 · Jan 9, 2009

aceaceca said:
Now thats what I am thinking of. There are some nice Jap bike tanks out there and one should be reasonable to get a hold of. I need to take some measurements and go on a junk yard hunt. For someone with a tank off their bike, what are the underside dimensions required to go over the top main tube??? Actually, what is the spread on the front rubber pucks also???

Hi, Dia of main tube is 58mm or about 2 5/16th", not sure what you mean by "rubber pucks" if it's the piece of metal that is above the coils and the tank bolts onto at the front, the hole in it is dia 22mm,about 3/4" and whole thing sticks out appprox 70mm, 2 3/4" from each side of the tube, going vertically up from the piece of metal to the main frame tube itop is approx 146mm about 5 3/4", which is quite tall, but you could use a strap like the rear to secure the tank, the distance lengthwise from the steering head to the bit on the main tube where the two down tubes attach at the rear is about 19.6cm, 13 3/4",then again each tank would have its own method of securing , I don't think it would be too difficult a job to find a good and unobtrusive method to secure a tank. A sizes a approx as I did it in a hurry. Good luck There are some nice tanks out there, got me thinking now!

norbsa48503 · Feb 7, 2009

I did get a replacement tank for the one that proved to be less than right. Several improvements on this new tank. The indent around the filer neck is much deeper and more like a stock tank. It came oiled down with no primer in a plastic bag. Well boxed with good foam inserts. I still have to leak test it and fit the cap before paint work is done.
Many thanks to the British Bike Connection for his efforts Jim has stayed right on this for me. One of the good guys out there.
More later.

Hungry J0e · Feb 7, 2009

With the British Pound in freefall, tanks from UK suppliers are becoming an attractive option for buyers in the States...

- HJ

Yellow_Cad · Feb 8, 2009

Worse than just having your fiberglass tank go away is the fact that the at some point in time, and maybe an embarrassing one, you could experience a stuck throttle when the fiberglass from the tank coats the carb slides.

Hortons Norton · Feb 8, 2009

I have the Caswell on the way for my fiberglass tank, I also have a Pakastani tank too, I can tell you the copy of the Roadster tank does not look to be very well made. What I mean is it has a wavy finish to it and will require a lot of work to make it look good. Not that it can't be done, Just I thought for the price it would be a bit better. If I had it to do over I would just buy a good used metal one and then coat the inside with Caswell. After talking with a few people I have decided to use the glass tank with the coating, It has no leaks but I am still going to coat it as I have been told they are fine once coated properly. I will then take the time to finish the metal one and see how it looks. The metal copy does not have the same lines as the real ones and it is not very hard to tell the difference. All I can say is live and learn, Chuck.

BillT · Feb 8, 2009

According to my Norton guy, Roadster AND Interstate steel tanks are now available. He just sent an Interstate tank to a guy in Melbourne (Florida, not Oz)

I agree that these Pakistani steel tanks are not too well made, but I've experienced the 'ethanol effect' on the glass tank, and would recommend it for anyone.

steven wardlaw · Feb 9, 2009

I purchased one of the first pakistani tanks sold on ebay and after several hours of body work and of course cap fitting it works great. The under side of the tank had to be spred about a quarter inch to clear the taylor head steady. I don't think you will find a tank at the price that works any better.

Coco · Feb 11, 2009

Hi Rider tanks are cool. You could go for a flat track style with that or look for a smaller old Wassell banana tank.

There must be some chopper guys in Frisco that could modify a stock tank for less than the cost of a custom tank. Lots of chopper guys respect the Norton name so I doubt they would blow you off. It would probably be a welcome change from doing a Frisco'ed sportster tank on an Evo.

Commando Alternative Petrol Tank

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