Larger fuel tank for G-15

Elfix · Oct 9, 2022

It’s my hope to ride my G-15 to Dawson next summer for the D2D event, which will require more fuel than it presently holds. I have read that the G-15csr version had a 4.5 gallon tank, which would be sufficient for the longest stretches of the trip- has anyone here ever made this swap and/or know of anyone who is reproducing these tanks or might have one on offer?

In the past I have had to carry additional fuel in an auxiliary tank when on a bike with a similarly small fuel supply- which is doable but takes a bit more work and planning.

franko · Oct 9, 2022

Look at a tank from a Matchless G12.

Elfix · Oct 10, 2022

Thanks Franco!

APRRSV · Oct 10, 2022

Elfix said:
It’s my hope to ride my G-15 to Dawson next summer for the D2D event, which will require more fuel than it presently holds. I have read that the G-15csr version had a 4.5 gallon tank, which would be sufficient for the longest stretches of the trip- has anyone here ever made this swap and/or know of anyone who is reproducing these tanks or might have one on offer?

In the past I have had to carry additional fuel in an auxiliary tank when on a bike with a similarly small fuel supply- which is doable but takes a bit more work and planning.

Hi Elfix,
I bought a used G15CSR fuel tank from Baxter Cycles about a year ago. I haven't fitted it yet so don't know if there will be any problems.

Ed

mdt-son · Oct 10, 2022

APRRSV said:
Hi Elfix,
I bought a used G15CSR fuel tank from Baxter Cycles about a year ago. I haven't fitted it yet so don't know if there will be any problems.

Frame diamonds are identical and there was one 4.25 gal petrol tank design only. If your petrol tank is a genuine one, it will fit.
There are now indian tanks made to the 4.25 gal design. I have no information on accuracy of the front mounting holes.

- Knut

Thomasa · Oct 10, 2022

I did this swap many years ago when I ran across an NOS CSR tank complete with starbursts. It was in red and was beautiful. Had the side covers painted to match. No fitment problems that I remember. I toured by pickup and camper in that area in 1999 and was glad of a 47gal. auxiliary tank. Made the trip from Dawson to the Arctic Circle and return on one tank. The Tombstone Mtn. Park is stunning and not so far up. You might consider additional tankage even with the larger tank. Perhaps a beer keg on a trailer?

Elfix · Oct 10, 2022

The longest fuel-free bit of the trip is Chicken to Dawson- about 110 miles. I did the trip on my RT2 (which can manage about 80 miles on a tank) and used an auxiliary 2 gallon tank to get the needed range with reserve.

On the lookout for a tank now….

APRRSV · Oct 11, 2022

Elfix said:
The longest fuel-free bit of the trip is Chicken to Dawson- about 110 miles. I did the trip on my RT2 (which can manage about 80 miles on a tank) and used an auxiliary 2 gallon tank to get the needed range with reserve.

On the lookout for a tank now….

Contact Randy at Baxter Cycles if you are willing to accept a used tank. I purchased two CSR tanks from Randy over the past five years. The first I had painted by Brent, on this forum. It came out very beautiful.

Ed

ludwig · Oct 22, 2022

Long time ago, when the N15 was my only transport, I got fed up with running out of gas, so I switched to the 4 imp gallon Matchless tank.
Great for longer trips, but it spoiled the look of the bike.
I solved this by making a 3 gallon copy of the original tank. It gives me a range of 320 km (200 mls)

One problem with fitting the 4 gallon tank is that on full steering lock, the cone of the headlamp ears will hit the tank emblems. Maybe it won't be a problem without the Matchless emblems, or you can limit the steering lock.
I drilled and tapped the lower yoke for a M4 bolt where it hits the head stock. By adding washers I can adjust the steering lock.

Elfix · Oct 22, 2022

Nice solution! Did you scratchbuild the tank or widen an original? Do you have any pictures of the process?

ludwig · Oct 23, 2022

Elfix said:
.. Did you scratchbuild the tank or widen an original? Do you have any pictures of the process?

Built from scratch, with only basic tools, like a hammer and an acetylene torch.
I made sure all fuel can flow to the reserve side, which counts for another half liter or so..

I also built a 20 liter version, which I called my Patagonia tank, because I had the plan to ride the bike to Puerto William on Tierra del Fuego.
I thought it was a nice idea to ride the same bike to the Northcape, which is about the most northern place of the globe that can be reached by road, and then to the most southern place, 40 years later.
But for family reasons I had to abandon that plan..

Schwany · Oct 23, 2022

With basic tools in your hands. Damn you are good with metal work. Very impressive!!

mdt-son · Nov 13, 2022

Impressive indeed. Was the top section made of one steel plate? The factory used pressings of course. Making the top section as one pressing would be difficult I think.

How many of you know AMC had a presswork subsidiary supplying the entire group with sheetmetal parts?

- Knut

Larger fuel tank for G-15

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