TAB II Alloy Tank #3

Have not wanted to mention continued production of the TAB tank, out of respect for the very sad passing of Mark. My tank order was next for delivery - I am more than willing to wait as long as it takes as I understand that they are training another member of the family in ally welding.

Has anybody heard how things are progressing?
 
When I last spoke to Rich, they were going to concentrate on the classics whilst they catch up with everything. They've not scrapped the 961 idea...far from it...but they're having to put it on the back burner for now.
 
Stu Bodycote said:
When I last spoke to Rich, they were going to concentrate on the classics whilst they catch up with everything. They've not scrapped the 961 idea...far from it...but they're having to put it on the back burner for now.
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Thanks Stu,

Hope the family are doing ok. Hopefully they can recover and forge ahead as a business.
 
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Yeah the Tab ii family is just having to adjust. They worked as a unit, so when you pull out a large integrated part of that unit, it would obviously be a huge stumbling block. They know the classics, its what they've done as a company for over 50 years. Once they're back into a rhythm with producing those tanks, then hopefully they turn their attention to catering for future models. It was Mark who was keen to take on new bikes such as the Nortons and Triumph Thruxtons etc, knowing it would open up the company to a whole new market and generation of motorcyclists.
 
For those that are not aware, TAB II Classics are back up to full production (with the assistance of Motorvated) and are producing these beautiful ally tanks again for the 961.

tabclassics.com

Tab Classics - Handmade alloy motorcycle fuel tanks

Alloy motorcycle fuel tanks, handcrafted using time-honoured techniques. Our tanks have been described as "organic". They are 100% handmade.
tabclassics.com tabclassics.com

TAB are great to deal with and produce top quality tanks at a reasonable price - four of our number purchased when they first became available.

So, if ya want the ultimate 961 bling the order book is open. The only detail needed on ordering is where you wish to position the monza cap. Centre or offset - right, as shown

IMG_7874.jpeg IMG_7811.jpeg IMG_7873.jpeg

After waaay to much pontificating (with multiple u-turns), I opted to have the monza cap postioned to the right - not unlike the TFC pic I‘ve provided to TAB. My reasoning:

- Looks more ol’ school? IMO.
- May wanna fit a tank strap.
- The cap TAB use is quite tall, moving it off the crown will reduce its side profile (if only a little).
- Not worried about reduced fuel capacity with the way I use the CR.
- Don’t mind if the pinstripe runs through the cap.

Personal choice of course - both look awesome.

Any observations about my cap position are welcome - I know you would anyway;)!
 
My stripes just missed the cap.
 

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  • TAB II Alloy Tank #3
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Stu Bodycote said:
My stripes just missed the cap.
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Yep, looks great just where it is on yours and I remember us discussing the bounds of the pinstriping - a lot! The right choice - gonna do the same myself. Mirroring the original black tank pin striping, as opposed to the silver extended pinstripe. Personal choice but looks just right to me, with more of that beautiful tank on show of course!
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
Yep, looks great just where it is on yours and I remember us discussing the bounds of the pinstriping - a lot! The right choice - gonna do the same myself. Mirroring the original black tank pin striping, as opposed to the silver extended pinstripe. Personal choice but looks just right to me, with more of that beautiful tank on show of course!
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Ahhh shit yes, it was you who kept on planting seeds in my head....your fault 🤣
It turned out well though, Dream Machine did a cracking job painting it.
 
Hey Tony, I think that you received the last TAB tank before they suspended production. Did you notice any significant difference in the width/profile between the TAB tank and the OEM, towards the front lower section in particular?

I ask because I am not sure when I will receive my ally tank and have engaged with a custom builder in Brisbane to fit the Thruxton fairing to my CR. Fairing interface with the OEM Norton tank is almost perfect, as you can see below.

I‘ll be waiting for the tank to arrive and will fit it before getting the fairing mounted of course, but advance warning will allow me to look at other options in the interim - mount slightly further forward etc.

My guesstimate is <15-20 mm increase in TAB tank width over the OEM would be ok. > 20 mm and I may be struggling a bit.

Thanks in advance - any info gratefully received. I’d appreciate your input also Britfan, when you receive yours👍.

Steve

TAB II Alloy Tank #3
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
Hey Tony, I think that you received the last TAB tank before they suspended production. Did you notice any significant difference in the width/profile between the TAB tank and the OEM, towards the front lower section in particular?

I ask because I am not sure when I will receive my ally tank and have engaged with a custom builder in Brisbane to fit the Thruxton fairing to my CR. Fairing interface with the OEM Norton tank is almost perfect, as you can see below.

I‘ll be waiting for the tank to arrive and will fit it before getting the fairing mounted of course, but advance warning will allow me to look at other options in the interim - mount slightly further forward etc.

My guesstimate is <15-20 mm increase in TAB tank width over the OEM would be ok. > 20 mm and I may be struggling a bit.

Thanks in advance - any info gratefully received. I’d appreciate your input also Britfan, when you receive yours👍.

Steve

IView attachment 108249
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Hi Steve , It doesn't appear much wider and I can get tape measure in there I think. It was designed based on the OEM plastic tank. I can get a measurement next time I am there.
 
Thanks guys - good news. For some reason it looks somewhat different in the images shown. Never seen one in the flesh. I’m sure the builder will work it out.

Don’t really see a viable option for mounting the fairing that does’nt involve the welding of a plate carrying horizontal bosses to the headstock, or drilling of the headstock to retain a mount of some sort. Pity, as I’d like it fully reversible.

I’ll document how they achieve it just in case anybody wants to mount the Thruxton Cafe fairing to the 961 in future.
 
When the TAB tank arrives and is fitted, its off to this lot in Brizzy to mount the fairing - they do some pretty funky builds!

Not sure what I think about this:oops:! Although I’m sorta likin’ it!

You’d certainly stop for a look!!

TAB II Alloy Tank #3
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
From memory TAB don’t do the decals Britfan.

That’s something you’ll need to sort in-country.

Enjoy, and post some pics 👍.
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Yes. I knew that. I just needed to remind them to send the decals in gold. Rich Phelps said they had ran out but then he found a set. I got my tank today. Can't believe it arrived in 2 days. It really looks nice. If I have to grade it though, its not perfect. I'll be generous and give it a 95/100. The U shaped area around the oil fill could be a little better. A...the weld and its edge will be seen from the top. B....the right side of the U looks a bit longer. Its close, but noticeable. Then again, I'm not going to do a close inspection on a daily basis. I'm going to ride the thing. I'll forget about that eventually
Also, to lob a grenade into the forum and start a debate.......I'm going to have it painted black and gold like the original. Don't wan't to spend my life polishing out finger prints and I ride mostly in a full sun atmosphere so can do without the squinting from the reflection. SO BRING IT ON!!!

Addendum: I believe I have tank # 5 or 6. Rich said he did 4 or 5 up until production ceased.
AND Does any one have the cross bar mount? They opted to not continue the battery box/bracket mount, which worries me a bit.
 
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Britfan60 said:
Yes. I knew that. I just needed to remind them to send the decals in gold. Rich Phelps said they had ran out but then he found a set. I got my tank today. Can't believe it arrived in 2 days. It really looks nice. If I have to grade it though, its not perfect. I'll be generous and give it a 95/100. The U shaped area around the oil fill could be a little better. A...the weld and its edge will be seen from the top. B....the right side of the U looks a bit longer. Its close, but noticeable. Then again, I'm not going to do a close inspection on a daily basis. I'm going to ride the thing. I'll forget about that eventually
Also, to lob a grenade into the forum and start a debate.......I'm going to have it painted black and gold like the original. Don't wan't to spend my life polishing out finger prints and I ride mostly in a full sun atmosphere so can do without the squinting from the reflection. SO BRING IT ON!!!

Addendum: I believe I have tank # 5 or 6. Rich said he did 4 or 5 up until production ceased.
AND Does any one have the cross bar mount? They opted to not continue the battery box/bracket mount, which worries me a bit.
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I have the cross mount . It would be easy enough to make one out of aluminum flat bar stock . Did you get the iso rubber mounts for the front ?
 
I know I'm going to get comments, but not a fan of the alloy tank with painted air boxes and seats. The alloy should go with alloy in my opinion.

This is one of our alloy commando projects. Then we had Evan Wilcox make the exhaust, front fender, and fly screen which you can see here and it is even more stunning even though the bike isn't finished yet

An airbox would be that hard to duplicate or remove it like Tony did which looks fantastic

IMG_4525.jpg
 
Britfan60 said:
Yes. I knew that. I just needed to remind them to send the decals in gold. Rich Phelps said they had ran out but then he found a set. I got my tank today. Can't believe it arrived in 2 days. It really looks nice. If I have to grade it though, its not perfect. I'll be generous and give it a 95/100. The U shaped area around the oil fill could be a little better. A...the weld and its edge will be seen from the top. B....the right side of the U looks a bit longer. Its close, but noticeable. Then again, I'm not going to do a close inspection on a daily basis. I'm going to ride the thing. I'll forget about that eventually
Also, to lob a grenade into the forum and start a debate.......I'm going to have it painted black and gold like the original. Don't wan't to spend my life polishing out finger prints and I ride mostly in a full sun atmosphere so can do without the squinting from the reflection. SO BRING IT ON!!!

Addendum: I believe I have tank # 5 or 6. Rich said he did 4 or 5 up until production ceased.
AND Does any one have the cross bar mount? They opted to not continue the battery box/bracket mount, which worries me a bit.
Click to expand...
I think I have #4
 
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