Fastback steel tanks

Has anyone seen or even bought one of the Made in India steel fastback tanks now on eBay. I know the Indian tanks don't always get good press but beggars can't be choosers. The finish may not be great but at least it would be a starting point. Alloy tanks are running at $1,000 a pop and you can't even fit the correct fuel cap. And wait six months.

I can't offer any help re the quality of the Indian tanks but I went through this drill myself a couple of years ago and ended up buying a new FG tank from Burton Bike bits in the UK. The tank has been on the bike now for two years with no issues at all. Before it's first use I coated the inside with Caswell though Burtons told me that wasn't necessary as the tanks are made with resin that is not affected by ethanol.

I guess what I'm saying is that based on my experience, if I needed another FB tank for some reason, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another FG tank from Burtons as far as any issues with the FG/gasoline. OTOH, as long as the Indian tank looks/fits OK, an internal coating of Caswells would ensure no leaks. I think I'd make the decision (Indian metal/UK FG) based on price ASSUMING both tanks look/function equally well.

IIRC, when I was speaking to a gentleman from Andover Norton very recently, I was told that in the future, A/N are considering producing Fastback tanks again, but in steel. I assume this may be some time away though and not in the forseeable future, if the info is correct?

there is a thread in the for sale section about Legendary Motorcycles in Naples, FL preparing to build alloy FB tanks. He needs a few more people to express interest before he commits to whatever resources he needs. Send him an email...i did. My fiberglass FB tank has been repaired several times......would LOVE to have a quality replacement and this guys stuff is nice. FWIW, i spoke to burton's recently and they're currently out of tanks and any new ones they get will not have the round insignia area.

I have had a mold made and have produced the 1968 badge ready tank. Using modern fiberglass. Please PM me if you are interested. They are made one at a time by hand. 350.00 plus shipping. There will be some time 3-4 weeks depends.

Found these on ebay, don't know the quality and they look a little off.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NORTON-COMMAN ... f66&_uhb=1
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NORTON-COMMAN ... e69&_uhb=1

they are made in India so I would question the quality.

bwolfie said:

Found these on ebay, don't know the quality and they look a little off.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NORTON-COMMAN ... f66&_uhb=1
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NORTON-COMMAN ... e69&_uhb=1

Click to expand...

Leak test before using. :mrgreen:

Maybe it's the angle/lens but the tanks look a bit shorter front-to-rear than the real tank and the decal looks too small compared to the oem decaled tank. But, as I said, it could just be the pic. They look pretty good to me from an assembly point-of-view. As Dave noted, a leak test would be good. I'd do a Caswell treatment on general principles - both of my 1990's Ducati tanks rusted...

But to be honest, I wouldn't be afraid to buy one of those tanks.

Here are some pictures we will need a donor tank or cap spigout out of a tank.