for those that have a belly tank

[mario]

likes, dislikes, installation, quality, etc.

thanks

[Farther]

I was fortunate enough to have Roger (the R in R&M Works) install mine.  It took him about two hours with me pestering him and looking over his shoulder.  His work is top notch and so is the belly tank.  As I have said on other post, I think that the only weak link in the system is the fuel pump, gravity can't fail but an electric fule pump can.  Other than that I don't think there is any down side.  What's not to like in longer range and no fear of hydrolock?

[Foozle]

I installed my own R & M belly tank a couple of years ago with very few complications.  I'm of average mechanical aptitude, and I'd rate the difficulty about a 6 on a 1-10 scale.  Just read the directions and take your time.  The hardest part was finding someone locally to intall the bung in the tank.  Aside from the audible sound of the pump on start-up, I've noticed no virtually difference in performance or functionality from the OEM gravity fed system (except for eliminating the threat of hydrolock).  Use of the belly tank does require some minor mods to lifting the bike from underneath, but it's no biggie.  Personally, with the current going rate for I/S tanks (plus possible painting costs), I don't know why more people don't opt for the belly tank.  I'd buy another.  As always, YMMV.  Terry

[ptgb]

I installed my own R & M belly tank a couple of years ago with very few complications.  I'm of average mechanical aptitude, and I'd rate the difficulty about a 6 on a 1-10 scale.  Just read the directions and take your time.  The hardest part was finding someone locally to intall the bung in the tank.  Aside from the audible sound of the pump on start-up, I've noticed no virtually difference in performance or functionality from the OEM gravity fed system (except for eliminating the threat of hydrolock).  Use of the belly tank does require some minor mods to lifting the bike from underneath, but it's no biggie.  Personally, with the current going rate for I/S tanks (plus possible painting costs), I don't know why more people don't opt for the belly tank.  I'd buy another.  As always, YMMV.  Terry

^^^^^^^^^ This.

Exactly the same experience for me. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

[rrmdeuce]

I've had mine for a couple of years and had a problem with vapor lock while out on a four day trip. Turned out to be a instalation error on my part (I pinched the vent line).  Roger was great to work with and called back within a couple of hours, he was also very concerned with what had gone wrong.  The belly tank is well worth the $, well made and R and M had great support. 

[MP]

I really wish I could put one on my IS sidecar rig.  You think your mileage sucks!  LOL

But, the mounts for the sidecar cross over where the tank goes.   

MP

[Russell Rice]

If the BT has a elect. pump, could you mount the BT some where on the bottom of the sidecar? You will have to make all lines longer. Just a thought.

[RP#62]

I always thought that would make a good set up like this a great set up is if the pump could somehow be made fail safe, i.e. either a dual pump configuration where you could select either one, or some valving such that if the pump failed, you could switch back over to gravity feed to get you to the next town.
-RP

[98 T]

I was fortunate enough to have Roger (the R in R&M Works) install mine.  It took him about two hours with me pestering him and looking over his shoulder.  His work is top notch and so is the belly tank.  As I have said on other post, I think that the only weak link in the system is the fuel pump, gravity can't fail but an electric fule pump can.  Other than that I don't think there is any down side.  What's not to like in longer range and no fear of hydrolock?

I totally agree with the above - I had Roger install mine at InZane in 2006 @ Frisco-   the longer I have it, the more I like it.   I have the smaller version (about 2.6 gal) 'cause it was the last one he had left... the smaller one is a tad narrower to allow for  6 - into- 6 pipes. 

It's a well-designed unit, strong. When I lift the bike, the tank supports the weight of the bike - you have to get 2 hard rubber door stoppers to wedge in on either side.   And although Roger said they never had a pump fail, last year, as a precaution, I bought a spare just in case. ($64)   Having the belly tank allows me to keep up with just about any other bike (except a BMW GS Adventure with a 9 gallon tank).... It's expensive, but it's worth it IMHO.

I always felt that a Valk has one design flaw =it sucks gas when you get on it and it has too small of a tank.   Otherwise it's an awesome long-distance traveler.  The belly tank "fixes" that issue.

[WarrenK]

I have had the belly tank for 4 trouble free years! Agree with all the positive comments already offerred, and would get another in a heartbeat! 

[gordorad]

For times that gas stations are rare, and more than 200 miles apart, I see where a belly tank would be beneficial.   However, how often does anyone ride more than 175 miles without seeing a gas station?

Or, do the folks that like belly tanks like to ride for 4 plus hours without stopping?   Is it for marathon competitions??  (Iron Ass?)....  Are you installing a pee bladder as well so you don't have to stop for weewee??

What is the allure of having a larger tank? 

Personally I like to take a break at least once every 100 miles....Just to stretch and breath.  And filling up with a little gas is a perfect time for a break.   

[mario]

i hit reserve in w. texas at 75 miles, and then proceded to run out of gas.  the bike was not running on all 6 and we were going 85.  i thought it was wind resistance and that i didn't fill up all the way with the bike lean at the gas station.  but then it happened 75 miles later.  thank God bullgoose had a syphon hose and for tj's 5.8 gal. concours tank and a water bottle.
bullgoose mentioned the bellytank and i'm considering.

thanks for all the feedback guys.

[Farther]

Or, do the folks that like belly tanks like to ride for 4 plus hours without stopping?   What is the allure of having a larger tank?

Yes, but more like three hours at 90 mph! You probably don't ride much out West.

[MP]

For times that gas stations are rare, and more than 200 miles apart, I see where a belly tank would be beneficial.   However, how often does anyone ride more than 175 miles without seeing a gas station?


What is the allure of having a larger tank? 

.   

When I had the std tank on my 97, I hit reserve at 74 miles several times.  If windy, I seldom made 100 before reserve.  That is the allure!

MP

[gordorad]

Or, do the folks that like belly tanks like to ride for 4 plus hours without stopping?   What is the allure of having a larger tank?

Yes, but more like three hours at 90 mph! You probably don't ride much out West.

Three Hours straight at 90mph?  That's a lot of miles.  I guess if you are out West in the desert and there is nothing to see, makes sense!! 

[98 T]

   However, how often does anyone ride more than 175 miles without seeing a gas station?

What is the allure of having a larger tank? 

On long trips I still stop about 130- 150 miles... but it's nice to know I could go over 200 if I HAD to.

It just extends your options.... because I used to hit reserve at 95-110 miles on trips and then comes the worry of hoping a station at the next exit....now I don't worry.... that is worth the price.

[wild6]

Not wanting to lose my centerstand or BigBF quads, I just carry a 1.5 liter fuel bottle on long trips.

[Prometheus]

Are the fuel pumps of a poor quality? All of my cars/trucks have electric fuel pumps (fuel injection) and I've never had one go bad (2 with a quarter million miles). One sure fire way to kill an electric fuel pump is run low on gas; they overheat. The gas functions as a heatsink for the pump. I second everyone's opinion the Achilles heel of the Valk is lousy MPG and a smallish tank.

[gordorad]

My last cycle, Vulcan 1500 Classic had a FOUR gallon tank, and about the same MPG as the Valk.   When towing a trailer, it dropped to about 20 MPG!!  I could almost watch the fuel gauge drop while I was cruising!!  And I was traveling out west!!

[rmrc51]

I might consider putting one of these belly tanks on my Valk Trike, especially if I plan to keep her for the long haul which is the present plan. I'm also not sure if it can be installed with my MotorTrike conversion. Now this is something that I "do not", plan to install myself. I'm in Central VA. Know of anyone in the area who can do this work?

[5_19]

Mario,

For those few times that you need extra fuel you could consider one of these.


http://www.bestrestproducts.com/c-114-pegpacker.aspx

I am sure somebody could make the adapter fit Honda pegs.