My Drifter is a 1999 with the smaller tank. I have been looking at options for increased fuel capacity. Has anyone ever put a larger tank on their Drifter? Anyone know what tank options are available that do not require any major mods to the bike?
There was a place that was doing tank enhancements but it was close to $1000.00 per gallon. There is a site for add on tanks.
I've seen auxiliary tanks, but there are usually two main issues that come up with them. First is where to put one. Eliminating the goats bladder and then locating it there with some heat shielding seems about the bast place I've seen. The second problem is that with fuel injection, the fuel system is pressurized, so that needs to be contended with.
I wonder if someone sells something like drop tanks they use on fighter planes.
called jerry cans.......lol........I used one on my trip back from Drift In and left it with a road crew once I was done with it and did not need the space taken up. But I am sure now that my 2 red cans will get me through most any place to a fuel point. This summer I will test that idea out.
Is the Ratman going to the Drift in this year?
Uncle Ronny I'll be going to WI this year.
I had hoped someone might have done a conversion putting a larger Nomad or other Vulcan tank on and could provide instructions. Not a big issue just exploring options.
Hi Washbrook,
I followed the topic with interest for curious things and saw on the UK forums an identical question. A fellow countrymen of yours had his tank enlarged. Nobody came up with a straight answer and the subject seems to have difficulties walking ever-since. After undoubtedly great trickery and expenses. When something like that was possible to exchange between bikes, it is likely some-one would have come up with it.
The one gas tank with seemingly similar attachment, later year Drifters, already has electronic speedometer and different cowl for the greater size dash. The Drifter has the pump inside the tank and you would not want to miss out on that one either. What you might really want is a newer ride. Gain 4.23 to 5 Gallon on later R1 models and with compliments from Japan.
http://vdogforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1049
This advice is not for the faint of heart. I got into the electronics and induction system on my R-1 and managed to improve fuel mileage from around 40 to almost 50 under normal circumstances, and over 50 (as much as 52) in higher altitudes...my push me soon light used to come on at 140 miles exactly, now it comes on around 170, and I routinely ride 185 miles on a tank, and still have a gallon left. Enlarging the tank might be one solution, but improving mile per gallon performance is, I think, a better overall goal. ON this same subject (almost), the stock exhaust is more fuel efficient at higher speeds than the Cobra peace pipe...I had a chance to test this theory last summer......at lower speeds (50-70 mph) they are the same.
Thanks for all the comments and feedback.
I am not surprised that there is no easy option, I lived in hope. Troll, I am not that mechanically minded so I will have to pass on working on the electronics and induction system. I regularly get between 135 mpg and 145 mpg depending upon the wind and my right foot. I am going away in March and will need to cover 187 miles between fuel stops which prompted looking at options including the tank size. I guess carrying a small fuel container will be the only viable option.
Washbrook, I came up with this idea after seeing on the adventure touring bikes in a magazine and it has proven its worth twice since.
cost less then $100.00 CDN and is good for 66 oz of fuel. for more fuel yes a samll plastic can is what might be needed, and I have done that and then after I emptied the fuel I gave the can away to a young lad, because I did not want to haul it anymore....
There have got to be cheaper options right and you gave away twice CDNRatMan? I honor you.
Smaller bottles for USD 7,23 including shipping: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Petrol-Diesel-Kerosene-Alcohol-Liquid-Gas-Tank-Fuel-Storage-Bottle-Safe-AF-8UF2-/252124469764?var=&hash=item3ab3ca1a04:m:mTtU8WA6jzBWQ2jy4LLHanw
Make them icy cold and stick them in your pockets or tape them to your bike since bottle holders are bigger and also much more expensive. In any case, whatever you do, please push containers to the ground when filling them up at the gas station to avoid static spark and explosion. When at the gas station I sometimes see people filling soft drink bottles. As long as there is no PVC involved obviously, it could be worth testing. Do not underestimate fumes and gasses.
What millage have you got Washbrook? 145 Mpg was telling me next to nothing.
I usually get between 200.& 240 ish from a tank depending upon headwinds. An upcoming trip requires 300 between fuel stops. Thanks for the link, I will put it on my list to consider.
here are a couple of links....
http://www.twistedthrottle.ca/twisted-throttle-s-msr-30oz-fuel-bottle
http://www.twistedthrottle.ca/twisted-throttle-tool-tube-w-mounting-kit
this might help you....
Washbrook: here's another option, again much cheaper than a bigger tank. This is what I did for my 1500 -- mounted these fire extinguisher harnesses on the engine crash bars:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M9IHRP2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00
I can put them on in 3 minutes, for a long ride, then take them off and keep them in the hotel room if I want to.
Then I bought 2 quarts of Trufuel. http://www.trufuel50.com/
It's ethanol free and stabilized for several years shelf life. I bought these this past spring. I figured if I don't need it next year, I'll just dump it the tank for winter storage that winter, and then I can use the cans over to re-fill with pump gas the following spring. There are several brands of ethanol-free fuel being sold by the quart now -- all kinds of premixes for 2-cycle motors, and also non-oil version for the 4-strokes.