I want a CF or aluminum tank, but currently no one is making one for my model/year.

What would it take to backdate the tank?  I'm looking at a few CF tanks, and a nice aluminum one as well.

Anyone done this before?

Depends if you want to use an internal fuel pump or not:

- Does the tank have access to install an internal fuel pump?  If not -- you will probably want to pass.  Remember all early Monster tanks (carbie) used an external vacuum fuel pump and thus no way to install without major modifications required (ie: through the bottom or via the gascap area)

- You always have the option to go with an external fuel pump. (and make bracketry to install somewhere)  Remember that high pressure fuel pumps like to be installed in fuel tanks to use the gasoline as a "coolant" of sorts.

- Do you care if your fuel gauge works or not? (tank can be easily modified for a sender bung if CF via molding or AL by TIG'ing)

You will have to go with an earlier style seat as well as the cutouts for the seat/tank are different as well.

I could cut, weld a flange on, and retro fit my pump on my tank.  However, with the custom subframe and exhaust needing to be built, along with the front fairing and light project, sounds like it might be more than I want to bite off.  Especially seeing as though I can't find a machinist that can do what I ask, and complete it within a reasonable amount of time.


Wasn't sure about the early models, as I've never had one.  Crap, I kinda liked that aluminum tank too.

My opinion is that is you are building something "custom" -- why put a standard tank on it?  It's rather bulbous and bulky looking to be honest.  Go build yourself something more appropriate (or streamlined) but still have a touch of Miguel Galuzzi's design influence instead.

I think it was on the Bobber Pasta thread where I put the links to making a Carbon Fiber gastank.  It isn't that difficult for one-off projects.  Just start carving foam and bondo the rest to create the form itself.

If you have metalworking/welding experience, just make it from aluminum or steel.  Aluminum is easy to shape/form.  Steel is a PITA -- but long-term durability makes it worth doing.

cause it's a monster, and the tank and seat (specifically the way the seat fits into the tank) and part of what makes it a monster (to me).

Still, doing something completely custom would be neat.  Not sure if I'm up to shaping aluminum....never tried it.

Quotecause it's a monster, and the tank and seat (specifically the way the seat fits into the tank) and part of what makes it a monster (to me).

The biggest difference with any stock 'like' tank from an earlier bike which is put on a newer bike is the fact that the cutout (shape) of the underside of the tank is different. Meaning that the older bikes didn't have as much clearance for the way the engine and battery sit underneath.  In addtion to the inside not doing anything but hold fuel, this is why the older tank had a larger volume of fuel.

The seat cutouts too, but that's very minor in the sense that the tank/seat will still fit, just not correctly.

HTH