Rams
Member
Posts: 16940
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« on: May 26, 2012, 06:27:05 AM » |
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Having recently installed a new R&M Belly Tank along with a (new to me) Interstate tank, I've been asked several questions from riders wanting to know more about them. Which got me to wondering just how many folks took this leap of faith and have one mounted.
I've been told adding the belly tank to my 02 Standard while also adding the Interstate tank was overkill and after all, you gotta get off that bike every couple of hundred miles. I don't argue the point, you dress your's the way you like it, I'll dress mine the way I like it.
For me, it's not about being able to ride four hundred miles without stopping, it's about riding and stopping when I want to stop, not having to start looking for a fuel stop every hundred plus miles. Anyway, I'm curious, how many of you have them? I'm loving mine.
Edited: Edited the poll to who wants one? Just curious. When I edited it, 15 folks said they didn't have one, 8 did.
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« Last Edit: May 26, 2012, 10:50:19 AM by blackrams »
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Sodbuster
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« Reply #1 on: May 26, 2012, 07:11:37 AM » |
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Well, I know one thing .... if you're putting on any serious miles in the western states you WILL appreciate the extra fuel storage. Pulling a trailer on the super-slab at 80 mph will drop it down to 25 mpg or less and some gas stations can be close to 100 miles apart
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VRCC # 30938 '99 Std. - Black & Silver - "Spirit Horse" Dear God, Seriously .... Thanks for creating beer. You rock !!  |
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olddog1946
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« Reply #2 on: May 26, 2012, 07:44:04 AM » |
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I had one stretch on the way to Peoria Az from Moses Lake, Wa that was 160 miles to the next gas (thank the DOT for the sign) so had to take a different route through the mountains. Still got where I was going, but if I had the belly tank I'd have gone the original route.
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VRCC # 32473
US AIR FORCE E7, Retired 1965-1988
01 Valk Std.
02 BMW k1200LTE
65 Chevelle coupe, 1986 Mazda RX-7 with 350/5spd, 1983 Mazda RX-7 with FOMOCO 302/AOD project, 95 Mustang GT Convertible 5.0, 5 spd
Moses Lake, Wa. 509-760-6382 if you need help
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SANDMAN5
Member
Posts: 2176
Mileage 65875
East TN
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« Reply #3 on: May 26, 2012, 09:31:38 AM » |
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That's what I keep hollerin' about!! Just because you CAN go 350 or so miles doesn't mean you HAVE to!!! But at least you have the option. I'd love to have an I/S tank and belly tank, too.  |
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"Evolution" is a dying religion being kept alive with tax dollars.  |
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CamTom12
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« Reply #4 on: May 26, 2012, 10:38:13 AM » |
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Oh man I want one... I don't want the price tag right now. Seems totally worth it, I just have to save my pennies.
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1998 Valkyrie Standard
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16940
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #5 on: May 26, 2012, 10:52:33 AM » |
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Oh man I want one... I don't want the price tag right now. Seems totally worth it, I just have to save my pennies.
Yeah, I had to stretch a bit to get mine in that I was also adding the Interstate tank at the same time and wanted that tank to match the original OE tank. So, there was also paint involved in the transition but, I'm definately happy with the result. |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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john
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« Reply #6 on: May 26, 2012, 11:05:27 AM » |
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160 miles to the next gas ...  i ain't ever seen that sign  scary thought  approach one hunderd miles ... i stop for gas  |
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vrcc # 19002
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Robert
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« Reply #7 on: May 26, 2012, 11:26:06 AM » |
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160 miles to the next gas ... i ain't ever seen that sign scary thought approach one hunderd miles ... i stop for gas Was taking 27 here in Florida had 1/2 tank of gas without the belly tank no exits no signs of gas finally had to get off and search for gas was to nerve racking at a small exit. From that point on is said was going to get the belly tank, did and I love it. |
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“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
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mario
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« Reply #8 on: May 26, 2012, 12:11:53 PM » |
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i-want-one.
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Mario
01 Valkyrie Standard (sold)
12 Suzuki V-Strom 1000
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KSDragonRider
Member
Posts: 777
The beatings will continue until morale improves
Salina, KS
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« Reply #9 on: May 26, 2012, 12:36:09 PM » |
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I want one. I went down to the 5 state poker run, there is gas every 50 miles or so, but was riding with harley guys that where pulling 45-50+ mpg with the same size tank i did getting about 30-34 mpg. Would have been nice to have enough gas to not have those guys wait on me every 140 miles. They where able to do the whole run on a tank and a half, I used up 2 full tanks.
That being said, they had no problem waiting on me when i filled up, they just made fun of the mpg and the car tire on the back most of the run...
Cracked that throttle and shut them up the last stretch though... I was heavier, loaded heavier, and riding 2 up with bigger people than anyone else in the group, and had no problem hitting 100 mph before any of them!
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Dalen & Shay -> Salina, KS
VRCC Member #33950
1999 Red & Black Valkyrie Interstate
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WarrenK
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« Reply #10 on: May 26, 2012, 03:44:45 PM » |
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mrprez
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« Reply #11 on: May 26, 2012, 06:32:29 PM » |
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I'd like one. I ride with people who ride Goldwings and they can go about twice what I can. On my first trip to Deals Gap last week, I got 23 mpg on the first tank. Granted, I was on the interstate and running 80 or so but was I surprised when I had to switch to reserve at 82 miles. Got off the interstate and rode back roads after that and got varying mileage. Best was 33 mpg.
So, what did it cost to get the silver soldering done and where did you take your to get it done?
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16940
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #12 on: May 26, 2012, 07:33:54 PM » |
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So, what did it cost to get the silver soldering done and where did you take your to get it done?
I went to three different shops, first an airconditioning place, knew they did some soldering on units and lines, they didn't want to touch it. Second I went to a welding shop, they were afraid of the project, then I took the tank to a much older welding shop and the old guy that owned and ran the shop said sure, he could do it but, he didn't want to be responsible for the paint on my tank. Told him that wasn't an issue as long as 1) it didn't get dented up while he had my new tank and 2) it couldn't leak where he did the welding. The tank was getting painted anyway so I wasn't real concerned about him scratching it up. Cost, $25.00, yeah I was happy with that. Well, he was careful, filled the tank with water and solder the fitting in, no scratches and no leaks. After that, it was a cake walk. |
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« Last Edit: May 26, 2012, 07:36:12 PM by blackrams »
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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ptgb
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« Reply #13 on: May 26, 2012, 07:59:57 PM » |
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I took my tank to an aluminum fabricator who TIG welded the fitting in. Worked great. He mentioned that it should only be TIG'ed no MIG'ed. I don't know the difference, but that is why I have others do that kind of stuff.
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 Lower Lakes 1000 - 07/07 & 09/10 * Bun Burner GOLD - 09/10 Lake Superior 1000 - 07/11 * Lake Michigan 1000 - 09/11 * Lake Huron 1000 - 09/11 Saddlesore 2000 - 09/11 * Ohio 1000 - 07/13 |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16940
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #14 on: May 27, 2012, 04:41:38 AM » |
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Ya know, I'm not sure that mine was soldered, I seem to remember the welder saying something about Tig. Hmm, oh well, too late now and I'm not really concerned about it. It's done, mounted and doesn't leak. I'm happy.
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #15 on: May 27, 2012, 05:24:35 AM » |
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I don't have one. I'd love too though.
Just not willing to give up the center stand for it. The center stand has saved my ass a number of times.
I keep meaning to design/fabricate a small/fold up portable center stand (like they use on the rear or front axle on a race bike when working on them) and then I could have a belly tank...
"one of these days" LOL!
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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mrprez
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« Reply #16 on: May 27, 2012, 07:30:43 AM » |
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I don't have one. I'd love too though.
Just not willing to give up the center stand for it. The center stand has saved my ass a number of times.
I keep meaning to design/fabricate a small/fold up portable center stand (like they use on the rear or front axle on a race bike when working on them) and then I could have a belly tank...
"one of these days" LOL!
I was at an ADV catfish lunch thingie a few years back (they have some good ideas) and saw a Goldwing that had an aux tank mounted behind the bike where a trailer hitch would go. Ugly as sin but worked for him. This lunch was up by Selma, AL and there were riders from Canada. When asked where they were going next they simply replied that they were going back home. I love catfish but don't think I would ride THAT far for a lunch. |
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X Ring
Member
Posts: 3626
VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204
The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans
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« Reply #17 on: May 27, 2012, 09:43:03 AM » |
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I was at an ADV catfish lunch thingie a few years back (they have some good ideas) and saw a Goldwing that had an aux tank mounted behind the bike where a trailer hitch would go. Ugly as sin but worked for him.
This lunch was up by Selma, AL and there were riders from Canada. When asked where they were going next they simply replied that they were going back home. I love catfish but don't think I would ride THAT far for a lunch.
On the Motorcycle Tourer's Forum, they advertise those rides and have a sub forum called RTEs, Ride To Eat. Marty |
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People are more passionately opposed to wearing fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than bikers.  |
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NCGhostrider
Member
Posts: 592
A bad map and a long ride in Northern New Mexico!
Jacksboro, TX
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« Reply #18 on: May 28, 2012, 09:23:29 AM » |
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For those of you that have belly tanks on an I/S. I am guessing that as the top tank empties, the fuel guage reads empty (flashing) until you burn the belly tanks remaining fuel, then switch to reserve on the top tank (provided you haven't filled up).
I am considering buying or building one. Just haven't decided which route to go. I usually get off every 100 miles or so, but there are times in the west that you need options. Besides, I want to decide when to stop, not when the bike needs to for fuel. It is worse in 40 mph headwinds and running 70+ mph.
Craig
NcGhostrider
99 I/S
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#6674 99 I/S Why aren't we riding? Anyone? Anyone? |
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Bugslayer
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« Reply #19 on: May 28, 2012, 09:56:28 AM » |
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I'm assuming, with a Belly Tank installed, a lift adapter can't be used...?...
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X Ring
Member
Posts: 3626
VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204
The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans
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« Reply #20 on: May 28, 2012, 11:10:36 AM » |
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I'm assuming, with a Belly Tank installed, a lift adapter can't be used...?...
Correct. Here's how you do it. http://www.rmworksinc.com/Lift.htmlMarty |
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People are more passionately opposed to wearing fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than bikers. |
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Six Guns
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« Reply #21 on: May 28, 2012, 11:44:19 AM » |
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For those of you that have belly tanks on an I/S. I am guessing that as the top tank empties, the fuel guage reads empty (flashing) until you burn the belly tanks remaining fuel, then switch to reserve on the top tank (provided you haven't filled up).
I am considering buying or building one. Just haven't decided which route to go. I usually get off every 100 miles or so, but there are times in the west that you need options. Besides, I want to decide when to stop, not when the bike needs to for fuel. It is worse in 40 mph headwinds and running 70+ mph.
Craig
NcGhostrider
99 I/S
Fuel flows from the belly tank first. This is from the Belly Tank web site: Q: How does it flow fuel? A: The Belly Tank is supplied by a 1/2" line from the bung (next to the petcock) in the main tank. Air exits from the belly tank into the main tank via the petcock. Fuel is always being supplied to the engine from belly tank. When main tank & belly tank run out of fuel, switch petcock to reserve and the last gallon will drain to the belly tank for use. So, as you use your fuel your CG ultimately is lowered as the fuel moves from your main tank to your belly tank. Fuel pump from the belly tank sends fuel to the carbs...... |
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« Last Edit: May 28, 2012, 11:49:17 AM by Six Guns »
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99 Valkyrie Interstate VRCC Member # 17,369   |
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X Ring
Member
Posts: 3626
VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204
The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans
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« Reply #22 on: May 28, 2012, 04:18:18 PM » |
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Also to expand on what Six guns posted, the reserve amount in the main tank isn't determined by the petcock. It is determined by the height of the fuel bung you have soldered into the tank.
Marty
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People are more passionately opposed to wearing fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than bikers. |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16940
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #23 on: May 28, 2012, 06:32:22 PM » |
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Also to expand on what Six guns posted, the reserve amount in the main tank isn't determined by the petcock. It is determined by the height of the fuel bung you have soldered into the tank.
Marty
Yep, that's true. What I didn't understand and had to call and ask Roger was why the fuel bung tube was curved at the top of the shaft. The answer was interesting. |
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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Fudd
Member
Posts: 1733
MSF RiderCoach
Denham Springs, La.
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« Reply #24 on: May 28, 2012, 08:28:30 PM » |
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Just not willing to give up the center stand for it. The center stand has saved my ass a number of times.
I doubt I'll ever have a belly tank for the same reason. However, I will jump on an Interstate tank when the right deal comes along. If I pull my trailer, I nearly always bring a gas can with an extra gallon and sometimes two (depending on where I going). |
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 Save a horse, ride a Valkyrie |
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OldOneEye
Member
Posts: 81
just one eye
San Antinio, TX
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« Reply #25 on: May 29, 2012, 03:05:15 PM » |
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I just installed mine this winter. I commute to work 40miles a day so this takes the gas fill ups to once a week instead of 3 times a week. I max out at 240miles to bone dry. I don't think I will ever need to do an IS tank.
when I see the OD reach 200 I just find a gas station.
The belly tank price is worth it, the direction are easy to follow, I am sorry I waited so long to buy it.
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2000 Valk
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Poll
