Fuel Tank

[Guest]

I need some help with fuel tank replacement.

I bought my gf an '82 GS550 (she wanted a cafe racer and it looks like this is the best bike for it).

The issue is the gentleman I bought the bike off switched the tank up from a 720. I am looking to replace the tank with one that is about 3 inches shorter in length, as i didn't account for her size when I checked out the bike (I am 6'1" she is 5'4" so when I bought the bike it was fine for me). Are there any tanks that would be a suitable replacement (ie easy to fit on the bike with minor welding)? She doesn't want a tear drop tank so any help in the right direction would be appreciated.

[JTGS850GL]

You have an 82 GS550 what? L? M? Makes a differance. Post pics please.

[Stretmunk]

To be honest I do not know and I do not have pics at the moment. But my ownership says 'body style: ms' if that means anything.

[tkent02]

MotorSycle.

[JTGS850GL]

Does it have a stepped seat or a flat seat? Are the front forks leading axle (axle in front of fork tube) or straight axle (axle at the end of the fork tube)?

[Stretmunk]

I did a quick search on the vin number it is a GS550 L

[slayer61]

Perfectly suitable to cut up into a "café racer" then

[JTGS850GL]

Stock tank is pretty small at just over 3 gallons. I would think that it would work out just fine. Nothing stock is smaller then an L tank.

[Stretmunk]

Thanks I do not have the stock tank as the previous owner switched it. However, the stock tank is too tear dropy for my gf's liking so I am looking for the same rectangular tank just 3" shorter than the 720 tank that is currently on the bike.

I have tried looking up the lengths of tanks but some how that information is hard to come by. Any idea where I can get a shorter tanks same shape?

[JTGS850GL]

The L frame is different from the G frame in many respects and the tanks don't swap between them. Keep in mind that attachment points and clearances around the triple clams/handlebars are also going to be a consideration as well. You probably aren't going to find a direct fit that meets your needs without some modifications.

[Stretmunk]

I don't mind doing some welding work. The previous owner cut off the mounting brackets anyway so I need to do that kind of work anyway. I just want a cafe racer tank that is shorter but since I can't find dimensions for tanks online other than fuel capacity I thought I would try this site and see if anyone has any ideas or tips.