Aluminum tank on an XS

xsthomas · Posted: April 13, 2009, 12:13 am Post subject: Aluminum tank on an XS

I would like to put an aluminum tank on my XS project in am doing. I have allways liked the look of the polished aluminum tank. I had a Yamaha xt 500 i sold a few years ago that i purchased new in 1978, and loved the look of that tank. Has anyone tried to fit an XT tank on an XS. The two mounting points I can work with. Im not sure of the tunnel on the XT tank, and it only has 1 petcock, would that cause a problem. Any thought here.

woodman · Full Member Joined: Oct 12, 2008 Posts: 256

I own a 78 XT500 with an aluminum tank and a 78 XS650 std & an 80 Special. The frame backbone holds the oil on the 500 so I say its plenty big enough to fit the 650. The 500 tank bolts on in the back and 2 on the bottom front though, where the 650 slides into slots in the frame in front and bolts in the back so yould have that to deal with. Also the alum tank dents really easy, you have to be real careful handling it full of gas.

xs1961 · Posted: April 13, 2009, 12:46 pm Post subject: Re: Aluminum tank on an XS

A bike mag in the UK ran a article on an XS tracker project ,they fitted an alloy tank off a Yam TT500, looked pretty good..

woodman · Full Member Joined: Oct 12, 2008 Posts: 256

Was that the red one in Classic Bike ? It did look good, yamaha should have built it. I think that was a custom frame with a rubber mounted engine if my memory is any good

xs1961 · Posted: April 13, 2009, 7:00 pm Post subject: Re: Aluminum tank on an XS

Ah yes , I think I remember that one too, nice bike( I'll see if Ive still got it) but the one I was referring to was in Classic & Motorcycle Mechanics mag approx 10 years ago, ex Kenny Roberts track bike.

What Happened to 650rider.com?

Yamaha xs650