Tank and Side Covers - What Fits What?

I almost hate to ask this question because the answer is probably somewhere on the site, but I doubt it's in a single place.

Has anyone ever compiled a list or table of what year tanks and side covers fit what year frames? And, what changes to seats and other components might be required?

I have a 72' Roadster that needs a new tank, it has the dreaded fiberglass tank now. Given the price of tanks and side covers, I would sure like to know what fits..... for example, will a 850 Roadster tank fit a 72 frame? What about the side covers?

I appologize if it's been covered comprehensively in a post somewhere. Point me there and I'll go back to lurking.

Thanks,
Rod

Rod R said:

I have a 72' Roadster that needs a new tank, it has the dreaded fiberglass tank now. Given the price of tanks and side covers, I would sure like to know what fits..... for example, will a 850 Roadster tank fit a 72 frame? What about the side covers?

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Yes, an 850 Roadster tank will fit the 72 frame. Both Roadster and Interstate side covers will also fit. The seats are a different story as around that time they changed and early seats don't fit later frames and vice versa. Interstate seats are around 4" shorter at the front than Roadsters to suit the bigger tank.

Mick

Thanks ML. I did know that the Interstate tank required a different seat..... I have a 75' Interstate. For that reason I am not going the Interstate route with the 72'.

I would like a cool alloy tank for the 72', but I am having trouble locating one that does not have a 18 month lead time. Cost is also a factor, they don't give those away. I am prepared to pay for one, but I would like to get it for an arm or a leg, not an arm anda leg.

I seem to find 850 parts more readily than 750 parts, but wanted to be sure they would fit, without modification, before paying the price these things are going for these days. I wish someone had solved the fiberglass problem, but what I read suggests that in the best case fiberglass owners report, "So far so good". For what high quality paint jobs are going for, I'd just as soon do that one time.

Still looking for tank, side covers, alloy tank.....

thanks
Rod

ML said:

Both Roadster and Interstate side covers will also fit.

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Any R/H 850 Roadster or Interstate panel should fit a '72 model, and an 850 MkI or MkII L/H side panel should also fit a '72 model, however a L/H panel from an 850 IA, IIA or MkIII model wouldn't fit without some modifications to the panel mounting arrrangement.

I fitted a whole set of Fastback bodywork (tank, seat, oil tank/battery box, side covers, rear tail section, back fender...) from an unknown year to a 1974 frame. With a bit of machining, I also fitted the early style headlight ears to new style triple trees.

Jean

Hi- I have a guy here in Los Angeles who runs an excellent little shop called The Garage Company. He made me a terrific deal on a used but excellent steel roadster tank that was really straight, no dents at all. He also has a lot of interesting and quirky stuff, does a lot of customs and cafes, and he may have some alloy tanks around. Call Yoshi at 310-821-1793- tell him Eric Day sent you. He does a lot of internet business as well. Very, very nice man and will be very honest with you and give you a square deal. Good luck!

Thanks Eric !! I'll call him tomorrow.

Rod