Roadster with Range

rasandler · Feb 4, 2013

Hi folks -

I have a '73 Roadster 850 and at times get frustrated with having to refuel so often. I was wondering if extending my range could possibly be as simple as swapping the tank and seat with the interstate versions. I am guessing that would be way too easy but thought I'd ask.

thanks!

BillT · Feb 4, 2013

in a word, Yes.

Real Interstates had several differences - big tank for range which meant a different seat and grab rail (if equipped). side covers were different, but done for styling reasons I believe, and exhaust was level - rather than upswept - to accommodate putting bags on the bike

Rohan · Feb 4, 2013

If you watch for Interstates around, you'll notice that a lot seem to have roadster sidecovers and upswept peashooters (mufflers).
You'd have to guess that some of those have had Interstate tanks fitted to what was a Roadster model....

Note that the Interstate tank is quite wide, and not the most comfortable if you are not taller than average.
Also the seat puts you up a bit higher than the roadster version.
So some Interstates have been put back to Roadsters.
There are also several versions of Interstate tanks. (size, and steel or fiberglass).

mikegray660 · Feb 4, 2013

yes

Anglophile · Feb 4, 2013

Mine is a '71 Roadster with Interstate Tank and Corbin Seat:

Hobot · Feb 4, 2013

First off almost no one in decades does long distance on factory brick seats though i have endured it. So point being get a long distance seat that fits with IS tank and nothing else to do. Side covers are just styling changes that interchange with most models. I much prefer my IS tank for better knee grip flinging, table top to write on or rest huge tank bag that straps on like a women's garters and can go way away from stations exploring and help others on empty.

lcrken · Feb 4, 2013

You may find the Interstate tank suits you, but you also might not. My street Norton is a MKIII Interstate, and I'm thinking about converting back to roadster tank and seat. The interstate tank puts the riding position too far to the rear to suit me, particularly with the Commandos footrests so far ahead of the riders center of mass. The short range wouldn't affect me much. At my age I have to stop pretty often anyhow, so might as well gas up at stops. The perfect solution might be a modified Roadster tank with more capacity, but I've sketched some of those, and none look right to me.

Ken

Hobot · Feb 4, 2013

Ken brings up the fact one can't hardly change anything on Commando w/o wanting to change something else to compensate. Norton peg position is bad posture even with Roadster tank so definitely try rear sets for long distance comfort. Long distance issue no matter the stock or reset peg is needing to stretch legs out for a while now and then. I'm making provision for foot forward rests instead of resting feet on signal stems or just holding out in the wind. On good roads an IS tank can last hours on end till you merge as one with the Commando trace.

Snorton74 · Feb 4, 2013

lcrken said:
You may find the Interstate tank suits you, but you also might not. My street Norton is a MKIII Interstate, and I'm thinking about converting back to roadster tank and seat. The interstate tank puts the riding position too far to the rear to suit me, particularly with the Commandos footrests so far ahead of the riders center of mass. The short range wouldn't affect me much. At my age I have to stop pretty often anyhow, so might as well gas up at stops. The perfect solution might be a modified Roadster tank with more capacity, but I've sketched some of those, and none look right to me.

Ken

Custom roadster tank with more capacity is what I've wanted for awhile. Interstate tanks just look like a whale. Evan Wicox can make a pretty nice custom roadster tank for about $1,600.00.

Matt Spencer · Feb 4, 2013

Might need a new elastic band .

The Long Range ( fastback ) tank . Below .

Fitted to L R Fastbacks , & Interplods ( some ) .

Various Interplods ( Interpol ) here : commando-interpol-fairing-t14791.html?hilit=interpol#p178368

rasandler · Feb 5, 2013

Wow! Thanks to you all! Great info and things to consider, including my 61 year old prostate. That does impact range too, maybe as much as the tank, as some of you have said.

Thanks again,

Richard

bwolfie · Feb 5, 2013

Matt Spencer said:

That looks like an Electra tank, kind of fits the space quite well, gets me thinking......

JRD · Feb 5, 2013

The "Fastback Longrange" tank is , in fact an Interpol tank (which, in turn, was a Dominator tank top with a Commando bottom), with the Fastback seats "ears" cut off.
source http://www.andover-norton.co.uk/Commando.htm

gory · Feb 5, 2013

think the Electra tank was significantly lower volume than the Atlas.
chap in Canada can do the 'long range tank' - Atlas tank with a fabricated bottom to fit on the Commando frame -
http://www.execulink.com/~rosst/forsale.htm

I, personally, like the way they look.

rvich · Feb 5, 2013

Ross Thompson makes ComAtlas tanks from slimline Atlas tanks buy welding in a Commando bottom. The Electra tanks are shorter by a number of inches.

Russ

willy mac · Feb 7, 2013

Anglophile said:
Mine is a '71 Roadster with Interstate Tank and Corbin Seat:

Is that your oil filter sticking out behind the Z plate?

swooshdave · Feb 7, 2013

This tank is what I believe an Interpol with the radio box removed. I don't know if the grooves on the tank were removed. It wouldn't surprise me.

I believe this is a Long Range tank.

gripper · Feb 7, 2013

The interpol tank and the Fastback long range tanks were a development of the Dominator tank with a different base. they hold about 4 UK gallons. They require careful fitting as they tend to foul the frame tubes going down and back towards the battery tray and can resonate badly.

Anglophile · Feb 7, 2013

willy mac said:
Is that your oil filter sticking out behind the Z plate?

Yes it is. Not the most aesthetic spot but it's convenient for me. The Fram PH6019 and Mann W712/9 are small enough that they don't really interfere with the pillion footrest.

swooshdave · Feb 7, 2013

Anglophile said:
willy mac said:

Is that your oil filter sticking out behind the Z plate?

Click to expand...

Yes it is. Not the most aesthetic spot but it's convenient for me. The Fram PH6019 and Mann W712/9 are small enough that they don't really interfere with the pillion footrest.

Why didn't you put it in the stock position?

Roadster with Range

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