what tanks will work

[spoilt]

my gs1100l was on the kick stand when it started to rain and the ground got soft and it fell on top of a car battery terminal. I'm trying to find out if any other year model or size model tanks will fit my bike. Like will a 550l or such work? Thanks

[Steve]

I would think that the 550 tank would be a bit smaller than the 1100 tank. Usually, guys will try to go the other way to get a larger tank. What year is your 1100? I seem to remember that the overall size and mounting might have changed a bit between '81 and '82 (?), so the year might make a difference, too.

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[spoilt]

sorry forgot to mention that my bike is an 83. the mb bike rally is right around the corner and i was hoping to have it fixed before then. Thanks

[twr1776]

I am not 100% on this but I believe you need to stay with 850 & up on L tanks to interchange them. I do know that the fuel capacity for all of mine is 4.5 gallons which should make them the same size. I have not tried to interchange them though and the 83 tank has the slightly different side panel design. I think the 83 was the only L to have the this particular pattern.

[basic]

i know for a fact that the 80 and 81 750L tanks fit the 1100 (and vice versa). As for the others, I don't think they will. I searched high and low for a tank for my 80 GS750L and was limited to the 80 and 81 model year, and the gs750L and the 1100L. Just a thought, the 83 may be different.

[scurvy]

Usually, guys will try to go the other way to get a larger tank.

This is an excellent idea.

I am not 100% on this but I believe you need to stay with 850 & up on L tanks to interchange them

Your ideas intrigue me and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter. :-D Does this work the other way around, say, if I found a 750L / 850L / 1000L / 1100L tank, would it bolt right up to my 550L and give me at least another gallon of gasoline capacity?

scurvy

[TheCafeKid]

The basic problems that need to be overcome in this situation are these.

One: Your mounting locations, and the design of the mount. Some of the GSs use two DOWN bolts, one on each side of the frame, at the rear, and have the tank "cup" pins further back on the backbone, away from the neck. Usually, these are "L" model bikes, but there are apparently a couple that DONT have these set ups (the pre 80 750Ls for example) and there are "Standard" style bikes that DO use this set up (the 1100G for example)

Two: The overall length of the tank. If its too short to reach the rear mounts, no mater the style, you have a problem. It would likely be better for it to be TOO LONG, however then you may have issues with your seat.

Three: The width of the "shoulders" on your bikes frame. I have tried to use a pre80 750 tank on a post 80 750 frame. Doesnt work. Shoulders are too wide. Likewise, any tank coming off a chain driven bike, is likely to be too narrow for a shaft driven bike, because the frame is a bit beefier, and i dont know this for sure, but i would assume a bit wider as well.

Were I you, i would look for something, as stated, 750L, or 1100L, Perhaps even 1000L but not sure on the last.

TCK

[spoilt]

Thanks for all the help guys. I am going to call a few salvage yards and see if i can find another 1100l tank. I wanted to throw up when i walked outside and seen my bike layin on the ground. She runs great and she only has 25,000 miles on her. So i try to treat her nice. I just had to put a stator and regulator on it. So it feels good to be ridin again.

[twr1776]

Scurvy, see if this length would fit your bike, you could build up the front mounts if you had to if it is wider.


I measured my 81 1000L and the front mounts are 3 15/16" (100 mm) from side to side, 22 5/8" (575 mm) from the centerline of the front mounts to the centerline of the two rear bolt mounts that are spaced 4 7/8" (approx 125 mm) apart.

[basic]

if his 1100L is anything like my 750L, the tank only has 1 bolt on the rear mount.

[scurvy]

Scurvy, see if this length would fit your bike, you could build up the front mounts if you had to if it is wider.

I'll pull out my 5 meter tape measure as soon as... well, hell, you're in The Region, you know what the weather's like tonight.

if his 1100L is anything like my 750L, the tank only has 1 bolt on the rear mount.

My 550L has two bolt holes on a horizontal flange off the back of the tank.