Larger tank options

[Nortim]

I've searched, and not found, other than that this question keeps getting asked over the years. I absolutely love the look of the roadster tank on my 71, but hate the limited range. I have a cheap fiberglass Interstate tank from ebay for longer rides, but I hate the look, too blobby. I want a larger version of the Roadster, flatter sides and knee indents. Yeah I know, they made a 'long range' version with an Atlas tank. Good looking bikes, but I dunno, that doesn't really look like a Commando to me.

Other than paying someone (this guy? http://wilcoxmetal.com/england.htm) $2k to make me a custom one, which isn't in the budget, what are my options? The mid-70s BMW tanks (like the R90s) are a lot closer to the roadster than the Interstate is, has anyone fitted one? Alternately, any idea on the fuel capacity of a Norvil-style tank? Kinda like this one, if I were brave enough to buy a painted tank from India. https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Norton...850032?hash=item420a9c31b0:g:MI4AAOSwt8JdqAQ0

 

[kommando]

You want an Interpol tank, an Atlas top on Commando base with either a radio cut out of screw inserts to support radio, much rarer version but clean of cutout/screws is the Fastback LR (long range). Will put pics up tomorrow, size is midway between Roadster and Interstate.

 

[baz]

Maybe one of these Indian tank manufacturers could be persuaded to make a wide roadster tank?
I used to have a fastback tank on my commando but when it melted I had to fit a roadster tank
I really miss that extra capacity

 

[Matt Spencer]

http://www.bernardhooperengineering.co.uk/bhe.htm

 

[Nortim]

From what I've read and seen the Interpol and the LR fastback tank were pretty similar, not really what I'm going for but the best option so far.

http://www.bernardhooperengineering.co.uk/bhe.htm

Not sure what I'm looking for, don't see any tanks on that page.

 

[kommando]

Interpol Tank with radio cutout, cutout is lined in waterproof cloth. Tank bag used to fill cutout held in with magnets, Interstate seat with repositioned mounting ears to fill gap as the tank is shorter than Interstate. A roadster seat moved back does not fit properly due to its bent base, the flatter Interstate base does, you could rework the roadster base but I had both and went the lazy route.

The Interpol do come up on UK ebay very infrequently but over the years I have bought 3 and never paid more than £60 but also seen them posted for ridiculous high prices too.

 

[baz]

Interpol Tank with radio cutout, cutout is lined in waterproof cloth. Tank bag used to fill cutout held in with magnets, Interstate seat with repositioned mounting ears to fill gap as the tank is shorter than Interstate. A roadster seat moved back does not fit properly due to its bent base, the flatter Interstate base does, you could rework the roadster base but I had both and went the lazy route.

The Interpol do come up on UK ebay very infrequently but over the years I have bought 3 and never paid more than £60 but also seen them posted for ridiculous high prices too.

That's interesting
I have only seen the LR type tank with a fastback seat with the ears cut off
I have a LR tank I might have to get myself an interstate seat and copy your setup
Cheers

 

[holtcorseaux]

That's interesting
I have only seen the LR type tank with a fastback seat with the ears cut off
I have a LR tank I might have to get myself an interstate seat and copy your setup
Cheers

Hi I have a Comatlas tank 18 Liter which gives good range. I am not sure how it differs from the LR tank, however it fits exactly the same as 850 Roadster and the Roadster seat fits with no modification.

best of luck, have a good day,

Martin.

 

[baz]

Hi I have a Comatlas tank 18 Liter which gives good range. I am not sure how it differs from the LR tank, however it fits exactly the same as 850 Roadster and the Roadster seat fits with no modification.

best of luck, have a good day,

Martin.

As far as I know all the Interpol/long range/atlas type commando tanks are all the same shape??

 

[kommando]

Correct, all 3 tanks are based on Atlas top pressing welded on to a base to suit the Commando frame. The one criticism of the Factory tanks made by Homers vs the Ross Thompson Comatlas is the base is not one piece pressing on the but a welded up series of flat plates giving potential for rust to get a hold. Never seen a Comatlas in the flesh to compare, maybe it's shorter by cutting back or used a short Atlas tank I am not aware of.

 

[baz]

Correct, all 3 tanks are based on Atlas top pressing welded on to a base to suit the Commando frame. The one criticism of the Factory tanks made by Homers vs the Ross Thompson Comatlas is the base is not one piece pressing on the but a welded up series of flat plates giving potential for rust to get a hold. Never seen a Comatlas in the flesh to compare, maybe it's shorter by cutting back or used a short Atlas tank I am not aware of.

The type I have has the 4 threaded dowels welded in the top for a tank rack
It has 4 fuel tap fittings I assume it's a police tank?
I used to have another long range tank without the tank dowels in original British racing green that I assumed was one of the rarer long range options offered to the public?

 

[kommando]

I am reached the limit of my knowledge .

Never come across the 4 fuel tap fittings, maybe 2 were just for a cross piece so both sides fed the reserve tap so not need to tip bike for 'Second' reserve.

Your second tank does fit being an LR.

 

[baz]

I am reached the limit of my knowledge .

Never come across the 4 fuel tap fittings, maybe 2 were just for a cross piece so both sides fed the reserve tap so not need to tip bike for 'Second' reserve.

Your second tank does fit being an LR.

The extra tap bosses may have been added by somebody?
It's a long time since I have seen that tank so I can't remember if it looked factory or an alteration
I'll dig it out an put a photo up
I wish I still had the brg one but that was over 30 years ago and I thought at the time it was new old stock
Cheers