Props for the fuel tank.

[Fred]

Mad props, yo!

I don't like having to tie the tank the the rear of the bike to hold it up. And I can't picture myself ever doing this on the side of a highway to fix a problem with the bike. (As if my motorcycle would EVER break down on me.)

So, some 1/4" aluminum rod from Lowe's, some welding, some lathing and some polishing with steel wool produces these.

They're 12" long before I put the bend into the end. I made two of them, although one is strong enough to hold up a full tank.

They will fit into the underseat storage with ease!

Here's some action shots of them in use.

I tested it, and there's enough room under the tank to get in with the stock screwdriver and remove the airbox top.

I used aluminum because it's light and won't corrode, but you could just as easily use steel, stainless, etc.

Fred

 

[Beknatok]

Hah! That's ingenious! Great work!

 

[Boneman]

Now that is smart! So...how about making up a batch for a group order??? Put me down for a set as I don't have a welder or know how to use one.

PS - you should pattent it and then show them to Yamaha!!

 

[penguinbiker8]

thats putting the old noggin to use. nice thinking

 

[Fred]

Mass production is possible. Let me see if I can come up with some numbers for cost.

Fred

 

[Boneman]

Mass production is possible. Let me see if I can come up with some numbers for cost.

Fred

Oh that would be sweet Fred! Thanks for looking into it!! :thumbup:

 

[CCHOUSEKY]

Wow, gotta be one of the more ingenious inventions I've seen. And (presumably) inexpensive. Nice job Fred!

 

[reiobard]

thats a very good idea, my question is if they could be made longer? It doesn't look like you get as much access as possibly under there. Maybe it is just the pics though, is there enough room to get under there?

 

[Fred]

They could be made longer, that's just a matter of cutting the aluminum stock to a longer length. The limiting factor is the ability to fit them in the tray under the seat. They could probably go as long as 16" and still fit.

 

[CMHrider]

That's awsome. I'm in for a set

 

[OneTrack]

I'd take a set as well. What a great idea!
IMHO, with two rods supporting the tank, a 16" length should still be strong enough.
Oh...edited to add: Don't forget to add a surcharge for anyone who doesn't own a faster red one.:Flip:

 

[Whirlygirl]

Put me down for a set too - with the "faster red" discount, of course...:thumbup:

 

[thatguyx]

nice. i'd pick up a set if they go on sale.

 

[Nelly]

Nice work Fred, I was also wondering about the level of access availible.
Jonac also has an excellent and equally ingenius solution in this thread.
its the third or fourth picture down.
Neil

http://www.600riders.com/forum/how-s/736-acuman-digi-gear-easy-mod.html

 

[reiobard]

i would be interested in purchasing a set if you would make them 16" and still have them fit in the compartment.

 

[madmanmaigret]

good work Fred! If the longer ones won't fit under the seat could we attach them under the tail section somehow? maybe add a simple bracket for that?

 

[bikerider]

Wow Fred that rocks. If you sale them id want a set. :Sport:

 

[Hellgate]

Very nice Fred! :thumbup: Much better than straps through the grab rails.

 

[Fred]

OK, I've got some numbers here.

I had to rethink the design and come up with something that I could mass produce easily. I think I've got that worked out.

I think I can do them for $30 a set. That covers material, shipping and packaging, with some left over to cover consumables like bandsaw blades, argon and filler rod for the welder, and some compensation for my time.

I'm planning to make ten sets of the 16" versions. From that, I estimate that I'll make $90 in profit. Given that I expect to spend a minimum of ten hours of time putting these together, that's not a lot.

If you're interested in buying and you're happy with paying that price, pm me and I'll add you to the list. Don't send any money yet though. Spring Break is coming up and I'm not going to start on this until after.

Fred

 

[Nelly]

OK, I've got some numbers here.

I had to rethink the design and come up with something that I could mass produce easily. I think I've got that worked out.

I think I can do them for $30 a set. That covers material, shipping and packaging, with some left over to cover consumables like bandsaw blades, argon and filler rod for the welder, and some compensation for my time.

I'm planning to make ten sets of the 16" versions. From that, I estimate that I'll make $90 in profit. Given that I expect to spend a minimum of ten hours of time putting these together, that's not a lot.

If you're interested in buying and you're happy with paying that price, pm me and I'll add you to the list. Don't send any money yet though. Spring Break is coming up and I'm not going to start on this until after.

Fred

Nice one Fred, good luck with your venture.

Neil