1979 GS Fuel Tank switch

[cyrsm05]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the site, new to GS bikes, and first time rebuilding one.

I have a 1979 gs850 that I'd like to replace with a smaller tank. I heard a '79 gs550 tank would fit, does anyone know if this is true?

If it does fit, is there anything that I should regard?

http://thebikeshed.cc/2015/11/04/mr-swallow-customs-gs850/ (reference that a gs550 tank can fit into a gs850)


thanks,

Cyrus

 

[Steve]

I don't know about a 550, since I don't have one handy, but I can tell you that a 650 tank will not fit.

.

 

[cowboyup3371]

Why would you want a smaller tank on and lose the capacity you have?

 

[Steve]

Why would you want a smaller tank on and lose the capacity you have?

Did you look at his link? I think he's going for a "look". :-\\\

.

 

[cowboyup3371]

Did you look at his link? I think he's going for a "look". :-\\\

.

Yea I saw that and still don't understand why a look is so much more important than the functionality. I'm just clueless I guess.

 

[Guest]

'78-79 750E tank is what you need. It's a bolt on and go. I have a photo in my bucket here I put one on to show another member. I'll post it asap.

 

[Guest]

Yea I saw that and still don't understand why a look is so much more important than the functionality. I'm just clueless I guess.

Some people don't like the large tank on the Gs.

 

[alke46]

Yea I saw that and still don't understand why a look is so much more important than the functionality. I'm just clueless I guess.

With that look, you wouldn't want too big a tank. By the time you run that much gas through that caf? bike your joints and butt would be screaming at you to stop. Maybe he should look for a 1.0 gal tank at the max:twistedevil:.

 

[cyrsm05]

Well at the moment, im planning to use the bike locally and not necessarily for touring.

 

[cyrsm05]

I'm one of those guys

 

[cyrsm05]

Hey thanks for sharing the photos. I'll definitely been considering a 750 tank as my cousin has one and looks pretty decent.

 

[cyrsm05]

With that look, you wouldn't want too big a tank. By the time you run that much gas through that caf? bike your joints and butt would be screaming at you to stop. Maybe he should look for a 1.0 gal tank at the max:twistedevil:.

Exactly, right on man! Not using for any long rides.

 

[cyrsm05]

Some people don't like the large tank on the Gs.

Im one of this guys

 

[cyrsm05]

'78-79 750E tank is what you need. It's a bolt on and go. I have a photo in my bucket here I put one on to show another member. I'll post it asap.

yes, please send those photos when you get the chance. Much appreciated!

 

[Guest]

yes, please send those photos when you get the chance. Much appreciated!

I already did. Here is the 750 the tank came off of. A $100 special.............

........and on the 850G $200 special

A direct fit, both have the same mounting points and backbone shape. That's usually where the swapping problem is, sa some tank tunnels are too narrow to fit down over the frame and some Suzies have a two bolt vertical rear mount instead of the single horizontal mount. That and of course if the tank is physically shorter. If that is a 550 tank on the custom then he may have done some mods to make it work. I have never tried a 500E tank on a larger bike, since I've never owned one. I did have a nice '82 550T, but that is shaped like an L tank and has the twin mount.

 

[cyrsm05]

I already did. Here is the 750 the tank came off of. A $100 special.............

........and on the 850G $200 special

A direct fit, both have the same mounting points and backbone shape. That's usually where the swapping problem is, sa some tank tunnels are too narrow to fit down over the frame and some Suzies have a two bolt vertical rear mount instead of the single horizontal mount. That and of course if the tank is physically shorter. If that is a 550 tank on the custom then he may have done some mods to make it work. I have never tried a 500E tank on a larger bike, since I've never owned one. I did have a nice '82 550T, but that is shaped like an L tank and has the twin mount.

Oh ok i thought you had additional photos to share... In anycase, that looks great man. A really nice fit. It's about a gallon lighter than the 850 fuel tank right? I'll be looking for a 750 right now!

I wish I can find some specials thanks again for providing the info!

 

[Steve]

It's about a gallon lighter than the 850 fuel tank right?

If all you are looking for is weight savings, you could simply fill the 850 tank part-way. :-\\\

.

 

[cyrsm05]

If all you are looking for is weight savings, you could simply fill the 850 tank part-way. :-\\\

.

I'm actually also considering the look and having a tank more slender.

 

[tkent02]

Since I don't give a damn about someone else's idea of looks and since my 750/1100 will go farther with a bigger gas tank my '81 850 tank is no longer for sale.
Thanks for the info guys.

 

[Guest]

Sorry Tom, the swap is only a one way deal.
The 750 will fit on the 850/1000G, but not the other way around.
You're will have to stay looking cool, instead of being functional.