Gas Tank Modifications

[Redflames02]

Another option would be to change the tank. That's what i did on my HD. There are some great tanks you can buy if your looking for that stretched streamline look. The cost would not be much difference & you wouldn't have to worry about any problems. Once the take is in place there are many low profile seats that would flow into your tank. Personally i would not modify a tank. The results would not be as good as a new custom complete tank. You would also be able to choose how you wanted the gas cap to look.

John

 

[vision]

...Personally i would not modify a tank. The results would not be as good as a new custom complete tank.

John, I am with you on 90% of that post but I dissagree with the statment above. The reason many guys choose to modify is so that they dont have to cut the mount tabs off the frame, re-weld them in a new location and then powdercoat or paint again. There are bolt on options for a Harley but as far as I know there are zero bolt on custom tanks for Big Dogs unless BDM follows Harley standards and I don't think they do (at least not in the cases I have seen).

The other nice thing about modifying a tank is that if you ever need to switch back to the factory style tank it is about a 15 minute job not a whole new process.

 

[Redflames02]

Vision you have made a very good point. My only experience involves changing tanks on Harley Davidson models. As long as you have a person with the skills to modify the tank it can be done. I just would hate to ruin a good tank.

Reaper your gas tank looks awesome as well as the paint.

John

 

[Reaper]

Hi vision,
First, welcome to the site great to have you here. Thank you for the comments, I appreciate them. In my case, when I was at the dealership I saw a Bulldog, and thought that tank would be perfect for the Ridgeback, as I did not like the look of the tank that came with my bike.
So I asked the owner of Gateway Bigdog if it would be possible to put the Bulldog tank on my bike, and they investigated it, and said yes, but with some modifications to make it work, and fit properly. That was it, they ordered one, and went to work on it.
I didn't go with the Bulldog tank just to keep the bike Bigdog, it was I just loved the look of the tank so much, and the way it was going to flow with the rest of the bike, and I think it does very well, even more that the stock tank it came with.

Man they sure did a nice job. The tank looks great but I guess I am never gonna be able to understand the allure of sticking with the same brand. All bikes are made of components and most (if not all) of those are sourced out to different companies right? Frame here, motor there, trany and primary from 2 morre compaines. The "factory" may go with one brand of ignition one year then switch next year...makes it a shadowy line between when something is factory and not. Anyway enuff of my rant.

Bottom line is Reaper your tank looks killer, it goes well with the lines of the bike and it was no doubt done right so that is the most important thing.

 

[Reaper]

Hi Nomad2day,
Thank you, I appreciate it. Actually the owner of Gateway Bigdog also owns a custom fabrication company that does custom fab work for jet airplanes, so all the mod, and fab work was done at that location. They said they would like to do more of those tanks, so I can put you in touch with them if you, or anyone else is interested.

Reaper,
Gateway did a awesome job bro.....
The scoot looks great. Did not know until now that you have had your tank modified.....:2thumbs: :2thumbs:
With the paint job you have it is easy not to notice with the exception of the cap relocation....

Seeing yours re-enforces my thoughts that the tank can be modified for what I want "capacity" and still flow with the bike nicely.

Who did the work for you there or was it just farmed out by Gateway?
Neil

 

[Reaper]

Hi Redflames02,
Thank you, I appreciate it.

Vision you have made a very good point. My only experience involves changing tanks on Harley Davidson models. As long as you have a person with the skills to modify the tank it can be done. I just would hate to ruin a good tank.

Reaper your gas tank looks awesome as well as the paint.

John

 

[vision]

Reaper - It sounds like you have a pretty kick ass dealer. Cool that they can not only sell you a bike but also really customize it as well to make uniqe and fit your ideas. Can you imagine the look you would get from a Harley dealer if you told him.... "Well I like that Dyna over there but can you put a Sporster tank on it, and maybe make it wider"

 

[Nomad2day]

Hi Nomad2day,
Thank you, I appreciate it. Actually the owner of Gateway Bigdog also owns a custom fabrication company that does custom fab work for jet airplanes, so all the mod, and fab work was done at that location. They said they would like to do more of those tanks, so I can put you in touch with them if you, or anyone else is interested.

Sure I am interested......
Thanks,
Neil

 

[Reaper]

Hi Nomad2day I just sent you a PM

Sure I am interested......
Thanks,
Neil

 

[Reaper]

Hi vision,
They are great dealership, they have always helped me out, and they do awesome work.

I think you are right, I doubt I could have gotten that kind of work done at my local Harley dealer.

Reaper - It sounds like you have a pretty kick ass dealer. Cool that they can not only sell you a bike but also really customize it as well to make uniqe and fit your ideas. Can you imagine the look you would get from a Harley dealer if you told him.... "Well I like that Dyna over there but can you put a Sporster tank on it, and maybe make it wider"