Bigger Fuel Tank

Hi there

What about cutting out the top black part of the fuel tank, lifting it about five to eight cm, filling the gap with a similar metal and I am sure that will be between two to four litres extra?

Anyone up to something like that? :comp13:

Easier to buy a different bike.

GerhardVFRRider

Hi there

What about cutting out the top black part of the fuel tank, lifting it about five to eight cm, filling the gap with a similar metal and I am sure that will be between two to four litres extra?

Anyone up to something like that? :comp13:

That's a lot of work, plus cutting and shutting a gas tank requires a lot of skill if one expects the mod to result in a leak free gas tank in the end. The welds would need to be flawless!

GerhardVFRRider

Hi there

What about cutting out the top black part of the fuel tank, lifting it about five to eight cm, filling the gap with a similar metal and I am sure that will be between two to four litres extra?

Anyone up to something like that? :comp13:

It's funny, I was thinking the exact same thing the other day. There was a guy on the FJR forums that did that with his FJR tank. He cut off the top and added some metal in the middle. It was a lot of work but the end result was good, and it goes to show that no matter how big the tank, someone always wants more...

Here you go.

[image: P1050365.JPG]

There are several setup's at this site.

http://perry-visorviewpoint.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-auxiliary-fuel-tank-for-long.html

Warchild added aux fuel on his blackbird on the passenger area.

As far as skill, if Orange County Choppers can cut and weld tanks that do not leak, I am sure an auto body shop with any skill can do it. The guys that weld on the oil pipelines can do 80 or 90 welds a day and might have one leak.

Just be sure to purge the tank well before welding.

Actually modding the tank would not be hard for someone who has made custom tanks for choppers and cafe bikes before.

spinalator

Warchild added aux fuel on his blackbird on the passenger area.

As far as skill, if Orange County Choppers can cut and weld tanks that do not leak, I am sure an auto body shop with any skill can do it. The guys that weld on the oil pipelines can do 80 or 90 welds a day and might have one leak.

If Rick ever left, OCC would be in a lot of trouble.

Clint

spinalator

Warchild added aux fuel on his blackbird on the passenger area.

As far as skill, if Orange County Choppers can cut and weld tanks that do not leak, I am sure an auto body shop with any skill can do it. The guys that weld on the oil pipelines can do 80 or 90 welds a day and might have one leak.

If Rick ever left, OCC would be in a lot of trouble.

Is that show still on TV ? I thought it was cancelled ..

pretty sure it got cancelled... it should have been called "the rick and vince show" they did all the bike building, not really sure what the other guys did.

Thanks! Here in South Africa a bigger tank is not really necessary as all our fuel garages are within 200 km of each other. Just annoying to stop so often.

I'm late in here. Has anyone suggested looking through the Iron Butt website? I believe there's a link to 1 or 2 companies with stock models and custom work. The FJR mentioned was perhaps the late John Ryan's. At his services yesterday there was a serious contingent of Long Distance motorcyclist's, plus a commensurate number of custom tanks. BTW: 2 very good looking 5th Generation VFR's were there.

When I used to run longer miles, in the dark, a 4 liter fuel bag in the tank bag with a lap top pressurizing it, worked great. I tapped into the unpressurized side of the fuel return and used a hemostat as a valve. Good fortune, R3~

BTW: That 'thing' carrying flammable liquid and hanging off the back at bumper level, scares the beejeesus out of me. And a fuel tank at tail trunk ;level is hardly better. You don't ever want to be in a liquid fueled fire.

GerhardVFRRider

Thanks! Here in South Africa a bigger tank is not really necessary as all our fuel garages are within 200 km of each other. Just annoying to stop so often.

In NZ it is rare to have go even that far between fuel stops, but I am with you, who wants all their stops to be at fuel stations and not other places.

Here is my approach, get a small, light plastic siphon and travel with guys with the bikes that have uber large tanks ... Then you can easily risk doing 290 kms and laugh at the servo that you were nearly out of gas ... BMW adventure bikes with the big 33 litre tanks are best ... Buy them one free tank load at the start of the trip and they might stay with you for 4000 kms .... Awesome insurance ...

Is there a way to rig a small bottle/canister under the left bag similar to what I have done on my 5th gen here? This one liter bottle is my emergency and stove fuel.

Out West in the USA, tank range is a big deal sometimes and several times I have been faced with 200 miles between petrol stops. I always carry a siphon hose as well and usually ride with ST oil tanker bikes.

Or gas tankers. 33 litres is 8.8 gallons

BonusVFR

Is there a way to rig a small bottle/canister under the left bag similar to what I have done on my 5th gen here? This one liter bottle is my emergency and stove fuel.

I'd like to see a couple better pics of your mount there myself. I also carry a 1 liter aluminum can full of fuel when I'm traveling, but it takes up valuable luggage space. That's a right clever idea.

better check with DOT on that !!!

I used a 2L fuel bladder in the tank bag for a night time run I did occasionally. Fuel was either not always available or I would rather not stop. Connecting the line from the bladder to a 'T' on the return fuel line to the tank, after the back pressure valve worked fine. A Hemostat was the on/off. My lap top in the tank bag, did some pressurizing. After ~100 miles open the Hemostat. R3~

DD ...here is another shot of the "Tool Tube".

I think I got these at a hardware store but they are available from Twisted Throttle. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/twisted-throttle-tool-tube-w-mounting-kit . The one liter MSR bottle fits perfectly. I mount them on my SW Motech racks.....there was not enough room to put them inside the racks.

I see that I have another flask in one of my bags but that is for me not the bike.

[image: Posted Image]

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BonusVFR

DD ...here is another shot of the "Tool Tube".

I think I got these at a hardware store but they are available from Twisted Throttle. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/twisted-throttle-tool-tube-w-mounting-kit . The one liter MSR bottle fits perfectly. I mount them on my SW Motech racks.....there was not enough room to put them inside the racks.

Nice! I already have that exact MSR bottle. That's what I normally carry *in* the luggage. I like that. I think I might have to get one of those.

You could always rig a fuel canister out of the "dummy" side of some Leo Vince pipes ;)

Well I have done it. Cost me R3000 (US$300) for metal work and R2250 (US$225) for paintwork.

I have not filled it up but they assured me that it will take between 4 and 6 more litres.

Is that a airbag. How much extra fuel ? 3/4 gallon . Excellent idea .. Looks dam good ..

Better hope Dutchy dont see it >>>>

Holy Capetown! That is impressive work!

Switchblade, 4-6 litres = roughly 1- 1.5 US gallons.

That's exactly what I was talking About, enlarging the stock tank.

Looks good.

Volfy

Holy Capetown! That is impressive work!

Switchblade, 4-6 litres = roughly 1- 1.5 US gallons.

LoopRider

GerhardVFRRider

Thanks! Here in South Africa a bigger tank is not really necessary as all our fuel garages are within 200 km of each other. Just annoying to stop so often.

In NZ it is rare to have go even that far between fuel stops, but I am with you, who wants all their stops to be at fuel stations and not other places.

Here is my approach, get a small, light plastic siphon and travel with guys with the bikes that have uber large tanks ... Then you can easily risk doing 290 kms and laugh at the servo that you were nearly out of gas ... BMW adventure bikes with the big 33 litre tanks are best ... Buy them one free tank load at the start of the trip and they might stay with you for 4000 kms .... Awesome insurance ...

Switchblade

Or gas tankers. 33 litres is 8.8 gallons

BMW adventure bikes with the big 33 litre tanks are best

The Beamers tanks have 33 litres ...

GerhardVFRRider

Well I have done it. Cost me R3000 (US$300) for metal work and R2250 (US$225) for paintwork.

I have not filled it up but they assured me that it will take between 4 and 6 more litres.

Well I'll be very interested to hear how much fuel actually goes in there. Just from your pics, it's tough to imagine that hump holding five liters give or take. It just doesn't look that big. I'm envisioning a two liter Pepsi bottle vs your new tank top. Let us know once you've filled it.

i just fill up every time i have to pee....there's no way i'll ever run out of gas

lshark

i just fill up every time i have to pee....there's no way i'll ever run out of gas

As I get older, my prostate is almost always ready for a pit stop before my bike is.

For me, another 1/2gal wouldn't be bad. Any more than that, it's extra capacity I won't ever use. Couple of times I went more than 150 miles before stopping I did only to test out the fuel tank's range. Probably rode past at least 4 gas stations in the last 30mins each time. Had to over-rule my protesting right wrist while I was at it.

This is a very sporty sport tourer... not a grand touring mile eater. It sure as heck not a GS meant to conquer Kilimanjaro.

8 gal tank on the VFR1200 would be like beautiful huge breasts on a prima ballerina. Lovely to have... but gets in the way for what she does best.

Thanks for all the nice replies, when I got it back from the shop they told me that they put R50 fuel in (not much at R13.75 a litre). I assumed that it had about two litres left when I filled her up and it took 20.82 Litres. So the capacity is around 22 Litres. It should be able to take more but I think there is an air bubble just before the cap (seat side). If you look carefully at the pictures you might notice that.

22.00001835L to 5.8117899994364 Gallons.

AWESOME absolutely the BEST mod for the 7th GEN. !!!!

Very useful, but not so nice, in my opinion.

Not for me, puts the extra weight, right where you don't want it.

hvfrdave

Not for me, puts the extra weight, right where you don't want it.

The "extra weight" I would worry about is when I am pushing the bike, uphill, to the petrol station.

5.8 gals would definitely give it the range I wish it had. But as others said, it's not particularly attractive, and puts that extra 6 or 7 lbs up awfully high. Pity they couldn't expand the sides of the tank under the plastic side panels. The weight would be lower and you wouldn't see the cosmetic change.

This is what I like, the tank with the 2 side panels in one single piece.

This will increase the capacity, make easy to lift the tank and simplify the cowl.

A full plastic tank will do the job.

Has anyone tried fitting the VFR1200X Crosstourer tank?

I know it won't be a straight swap and will require other bits, but it is 21L so must be worth a bit of investigation.

Anyone had a look at this?

crakerjac

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that's the most hideous looking thing i've ever seen.......

Why wouldn't you just get a couple of Rotopax fuel packs and the mount for a Givi type rack? Or do what folks did in the old days - use one gallon bleach bottles (because they are usually the thickest).

Has anyone mounted fuel bottle to the underside of the factory bags? Would fit well?

DOT won't be happy with the bleach bottles....very illegal....i'm a CDL driver....i''ve dealt with them...big trouble for that sort of thing

I wouldn't do it - people who've toured Alaska on KLRs and BMW GS's and such do it. Probably not a lot of DOT checking for it up there.

dalesvfr

I wouldn't do it - people who've toured Alaska on KLRs and BMW GS's and such do it. Probably not a lot of DOT checking for it up

no DOT check crossing the border ???? it's not as much about getting checked as it is dying in a fireball

I didn't say crossing a border. I know people who rode trails or toured Alaska and have used a bleach jug. I didn't say I condone it recommend it or plan on doing it, but when you have a two hundred mile stretch between gas stations the next day and you only have a 170 mile tank range, you do what you do.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/05/21/tips-for-carrying-spare-gas-on-the-trails/

My point was there are alternatives to that monstrosity on page two. A Rotopax would be my choice.

I couldn't help but notice a distinct lack of interest in my CrossTourer tank suggestion which is somewhat surprising since it may well offer exactly what everyone on this thread is asking for.

Anyway, I looked into it a bit further and it looks quite promising. The air box is the same on both bikes, so the underside of both tanks would match. Also, the front tank mounts would appear to be the same. So where does that get us...

No current info on rear tank mount, but I suspect it will fit. Then there's the air intakes. These are the same, but there'd be no plastic side panel to cover them and blend into the fairing, so something would need to be done there. Finally, the CrossTourer tank is a fair bit taller and that may cause a problem with the handlebars, but that needs testing to finally determine if it is a problem. Then there's overall appearance. Whether it would look ok would be up to the individual, but you can't have everything.

So, it seems to me it would be worth pursuing. Anyone got both types of VFR and could check?

One more point about using the CrossTourer tank is fitting the seat as they are slightly different at the front. That would also need to be tested, but it is possible that the front of the F seat could just be scrunched to fit, it is kinda flexible after all.

We need someone to try this out.

BiKenG

I couldn't help but notice a distinct lack of interest in my CrossTourer tank suggestion which is somewhat surprising since it may well offer exactly what everyone on this thread is asking for.

Anyway, I looked into it a bit further and it looks quite promising. The air box is the same on both bikes, so the underside of both tanks would match. Also, the front tank mounts would appear to be the same. So where does that get us...

No current info on rear tank mount, but I suspect it will fit. Then there's the air intakes. These are the same, but there'd be no plastic side panel to cover them and blend into the fairing, so something would need to be done there. Finally, the CrossTourer tank is a fair bit taller and that may cause a problem with the handlebars, but that needs testing to finally determine if it is a problem. Then there's overall appearance. Whether it would look ok would be up to the individual, but you can't have everything.

So, it seems to me it would be worth pursuing. Anyone got both types of VFR and could check?

One more point about using the CrossTourer tank is fitting the seat as they are slightly different at the front. That would also need to be tested, but it is possible that the front of the F seat could just be scrunched to fit, it is kinda flexible after all.

We need someone to try this out.

You can be the first, but who really wants to butcher a good 1200.

The handlebars are the big problem for the use of Crosstourer tank.

There is a big interference and then you have to change completely the handlebar.

dalesvfr

I didn't say crossing a border. I know people who rode trails or toured Alaska and have used a bleach jug. I didn't say I condone it recommend it or plan on doing it, but when you have a two hundred mile stretch between gas stations the next day and you only have a 170 mile tank range, you do what you do.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/05/21/tips-for-carrying-spare-gas-on-the-trails/

My point was there are alternatives to that monstrosity on page two. A Rotopax would be my choice.

Rotopax is a slick solution.

With my KLR in Alaska I packed two MSR bottles plus stove fuel if things were really bad. Most folks up there who do a long run with temporary gas just use an approved plastic fuel container ( One gallon or so) that you can buy at almost any gas station . They just strap on top when not in use. You fill it up just before an 'anticipated" long run without gas and then empty the contents after 60 miles or so to minimize the container risk. I had one 250 mile run without gas in Alaska but did not use the emergency gas.

I always carry at least a MSR bottle on tour. I have been over 200 miles several times without a gas station to include Nevada and West Texas.

If you go to the ironbutt site I believe they have links to fuel tank fabricators who specialize in motorcycles, including adding a 'spacer'.

The FJR mentioned earlier may have been *John Ryans'. His fuel tank was similarly modified.

Years ago I used a bladder cell inside the tank bag. Tubing to the non-pressurized side of the fuel return line (not a VFR). IIRC it carried a bit more than a gallon and was enough for a frequent trip @ the time. the bladder didn't need a vent. A laptop provided pressure. A hemostat was the valve..

A really long time ago I extended a bmw airhead tank by cutting the original tank straight down ~3" behind the fuel cap and within an inch of the bottom. Then horizontally back over the fuel taps, then straight down again. With another matching tank I adjusted the cuts to make the final tank ~ 3 inches longer. It worked well, and looked 'factory', but was not worth the headaches.

We each assess our risks. I would not use a fuel tank as a push bar for the next fool that rear ends me.

*If you've not heard of John Ryan You'll find information on the Iron Butt site regarding John's many record setting long distance motorcycle trips.

October 13th marks the date that John, riding his FJR, was hit from behind and killed. A rather good book was written about John by Melissa Holbrook Pierson. It is titled; "The Man Who Would Stop at Nothing". ca 2011 w.w. norton & company. Ms. Pierson also wrote; "The Perfect Vehicle". ca 1997. again w. w. Norton.

New here, but I have been riding 47 years, 37 different bikes. Noticed this thread and figured I should post what I just did to mine.

https://sites.google.com/site/vfrkurt/home/VFR1200LongDIstance

Interesting ideas.

whats with the big disappointment with the fuel tank capacity/range across the 7th gen VFR community??! really

whats so bad with a ~200km or so fuel range anyway regardless of the engine's size or the fuel tank capacity

i do understand that long range is nice in long trips and touring, but stopping for gas every 2 hours isnt too bad really, specially when riding a bike that's not as comfy as a goldwing anyway.

i'm getting around 280-330km on a tank in my 5th gen vfr, and used to get +400km a tank on my previous bike (Suzuki V-strom 650), and now have a ducati monster which can barely cross 200km on its 14L tank and still dont find that a big deal or a huge disadvantage :comp13:

raoufhakam

whats with the big disappointment with the fuel tank capacity/range across the 7th gen VFR community?! really whats so bad with a ~200km or so fuel range anyway regardless of the engine's size or the fuel tank capacity

On my 5th gen, I would get to about 180 miles until the last bar. On the 6th gen, pretty much the same. If I was really flogging the bikes, I would get down to 150. On the 7th gen, I get to 120 miles and it is blinking. Fuel economy so far has been 33-35mpg. It's a bit of a hassle when you are out in the middle of nowhere and you fill up everytime you see a gas station just in case you don't see another one when you may need it.

7th gen tank - 4.9 US gal

5 & 6th tank - 5.2 US gal

They are really that far apart in capacity, but the fuel economy difference makes that difference rather significant.

marriedman

raoufhakam

whats with the big disappointment with the fuel tank capacity/range across the 7th gen VFR community?! really whats so bad with a ~200km or so fuel range anyway regardless of the engine's size or the fuel tank capacity

On my 5th gen, I would get to about 180 miles until the last bar. On the 6th gen, pretty much the same. If I was really flogging the bikes, I would get down to 150. On the 7th gen, I get to 120 miles and it is blinking. Fuel economy so far has been 33-35mpg.

I bought my new, 0 mile 12' VFR1200 on Oct. 10. After riding it 820 home I started tracking the mpg on fuelly. First 3 tanks with my normal commute.

192.8 miles @ 46.3 mpg

211.7 miles @ 47.7 mpg

213.8 miles @ 49.7 mpg.

I expect those numbers to get a little better once the motorcycle is broken in. As usual, the horror stories of bad mpg are overblown and have more to do with factors not dependent on the motorcycle.

swimmer

I bought my new, 0 mile 12' VFR1200 on Oct. 10. After riding it 820 home I started tracking the mpg on fuelly. First 3 tanks with my normal commute.

192.8 miles @ 46.3 mpg

211.7 miles @ 47.7 mpg

213.8 miles @ 49.7 mpg.

I expect those numbers to get a little better once the motorcycle is broken in. As usual, the horror stories of bad mpg are overblown and have more to do with factors not dependent on the motorcycle.

Swimmer, have you calculated speedo error, or might you be using a GPS-based odometer?

I bought a zero mile '13 and on the tire it came with my speedo was close but about 2% off (I don't recall in which direction).

Also don't forget that tire pressure affects speedometer.

Bizbat

swimmer

I bought my new, 0 mile 12' VFR1200 on Oct. 10. After riding it 820 home I started tracking the mpg on fuelly. First 3 tanks with my normal commute.

192.8 miles @ 46.3 mpg

211.7 miles @ 47.7 mpg

213.8 miles @ 49.7 mpg.

I expect those numbers to get a little better once the motorcycle is broken in. As usual, the horror stories of bad mpg are overblown and have more to do with factors not dependent on the motorcycle.

Swimmer, have you calculated speedo error, or might you be using a GPS-based odometer?

Yes, the speedo is quite accurate and the odometer is short by a little over 1%. So, in reality my mpg figures are slightly better than posted but, close enough.

I know your gallons are different from ours over here (the proper ones) but I recently rode my brand new 2014 1200F on my 85-mile commute to work and back.

On my 08 6th Gen, the same 170-mile journey, taking a very similar time, uses around 17 - 17.5 litres which is just under 45mpg which would give an empty range of ~210 miles. I have to push the 6th Gen harder to do the journey in the same time.

The 1200 went to 155 miles before the last bar flashed and then the speedo told me I had 30 miles remaining so an empty range of ~185 miles. I was enjoying the ride, pushing on a little but not having to wind it up anywhere near as much as the 6th Gen.

That's not so much of a difference to be a concern to me.

YMMV.

I have the early model, says the tank can take 18.5 litres. I can get close to that without having run dry, 17.9 the most I put in once. Touring, solo, full panniers and top box. Gets 280-290 km if I leave it that long.

I normally fill up around 250-270. Just seems to be when everyone else is stopping or where a logical gas station is. Rare in NZ to have a stretch longer than that without a fuel station on the route.[image: post-23773-0-10162200-1432416244.jpg]

LoopRider

I have the early model, says the tank can take 18.5 litres. I can get close to that without having run dry, 17.9 the most I put in once.

:blink: Brave soul.

I've pumped slightly more than 4.25 gallons (out of supposed 4.9) ONLY on a couple of occasions. They were early on when I was testing the fuel gauge. 150 mile (less than 4gal typically) range is more than plenty for me.

Got this on my bike. 500+ miles - easy.

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There are a couple of stretches of Nevada that I want to have some extra fuel, so I have ordered one of these Reda Innovation gas cans that fit perfectly in one leg of the Giant Loop Great Basin luggage I plan on using this summer. 1 more gallon = easy feeling in the long and lonely :cool:

http://giantloopmoto.com/products/great-basin-saddlebag/

http://giantloopmoto.com/products/reda-innovations-1-gallon-gas-can/

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Two different tanks? I wonder if they're interchangable.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/twisted-throttle-tool-tube-w-mounting-kit

What about this under a trunk if anyone has that equiped? I should take measurements, but I think it would fit above the tail light

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The Tool tube works for me.

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I set a new record yesterday for me, and probably the VFR1200 universe with a 230.4 mile tank.  MPG was 51.8 with .3 gallons displaying as remaining.

swimmer, 6/3/2016 at 6:23 PM

I set a new record yesterday for me, and probably the VFR1200 universe with a 230.4 mile tank.  MPG was 51.8 with .3 gallons displaying as remaining.

Dude, how?! Downhill with a tailwind?!

2 minutes ago, marriedman

Dude, how?! Downhill with a tailwind?!

No, with ECC.

I'm so glad you said that, my wife is literally sitting next to me and that is a nice little factoid to share with her to help win her over to giving me permission to buy the ECC!

Eric was the first person to receive the ECC form me  :happy:

Cruise control will always help to reduce the millage - no, I'm not trying to get more customers - simply telling the truth  :pinocchio:

You know where to find me if you need one Paul.

that's cool if you don't mind the guys in the Prius blowing the horn and flipping you off as they pass you

3 hours ago, marriedman

Dude, how?! Downhill with a tailwind?!

That tank was only commuting to work which is about 6 miles of in town riding with a few stops and about 18 miles of highway at ~67mph, each way.  Flat terrain. Hot temperatures, OEM touring screen and the ECC all help with getting good mpg.

Artfulkatana, 2/3/2016 at 6:17 PM

I   

Artfulkatana, 2/3/2016 at 6:17 PM

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/twisted-throttle-tool-tube-w-mounting-kit

What about this under a trunk if anyone has that equiped? I should take measurements, but I think it would fit above the tail 

FWIW, I found the tool tube HERE.  A third of the price of TT. 

Made my own from drainage pipe, but for 5 bucks...

Did add a lock, just in case as I stored my tent poles in it.

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I just did my 200th tracked fill up.  My lifetime mpg avg is 49.6mpg and my average distance per tank is 205.5 miles.

Volfy, 2/16/2014 at 2:13 PM

Holy Capetown! That is impressive work!

Switchblade, 4-6 litres = roughly 1- 1.5 US gallons.

That is sweet, it seems no matter how I ride or how many times I top off the tank I am always about 1/2 gallon short of gas.