TAB II Alloy Tank #3

BikerBore said:
Do it if you like it!

I do like the strap on the Thruxton, whether it needs it or not.
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Just a thought bubble I’ve had circulating for a while BB. I’ll fit the tank and fairing, get them painted up and then have a look. If I think the aesthetic would benefit from a strap I’ll fit one. Interestingly I’ve read that some remove the straps from the triumphs - it’s a taste/preference thing I guess.

Thought I’d put it out there as others have mentioned it and ya know, it’s good to discuss on a discussion forum! Gotta be willing for a ‘debate’ when you post on this site😄!
 
So the Thruxton fairing mount is shelved for now. I knew I was taking a risk that there would be the ability to flex or otherwise modify the fairing presentation angle, given the Norton tank is somewhat wider than the Thruxton. I was also influenced by the Omega Thruxton ally fairing fitting so well to the Norton - I now see that Deux Sydney must have removed a considerable amount of material for it to fit the correctly, if it was a faithful representation of the Thruxton unit to start with.

The builders still reckon that they can mount it but it’s a bigger job than expected and will require removing material from the arms of the fairing and dealing with the additional vibration present with the Norton. On hold for now, til after the tank is painted.

IMG_8141.jpeg
 
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Stephen_Spencer said:
So the Thruxton fairing mount is shelved for now. I knew I was taking a risk that there would be the ability to flex or otherwise modify the fairing presentation angle, given the Norton tank is somewhat wider than the Thruxton. I was also influenced by the Omega Thruxton ally fairing fitting so well to the Norton - I now see that Deux Sydney must have removed a considerable amount of material for it to fit the correctly, if it was a faithful representation of the Thruxton unit to start with.

The builders still reckon that they can mount it but it’s a bigger job than expected and will require removing material from the arms of the fairing and dealing with the additional vibration present with the Norton. On hold for now, til after the tank is painted.

View attachment 108850
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Sure is a classy fairing design.
 
Yes, think it will work really well. Needs to sit further back than in the image and there’s the rub - no way of achieving that without flexing the fairing, adding in fairing sections and spacing the mounting or removing material from the fairing arms. I’ll get it done eventually. Gotta love a bit of fettling!
 
Stephen_Spencer said:
Yes, think it will work really well. Needs to sit further back than in the image and there’s the rub - no way of achieving that without flexing the fairing, adding in fairing sections and spacing the mounting or removing material from the fairing arms. I’ll get it done eventually. Gotta love a bit of fettling!
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It’s only a piece of plastic mate, I see nothing untoward about removing some material from it to make it fit nicely.

I assume you’d be painting it anyway right?

In my experience the best way to cut fairings (and screens) is with a thin cutting disc in an angle grinder. Then tidy up the edges with wet and dry.

Using masking tape, marking the cut line on the tape and cutting through the tape, is also a good trick.
 
Fast Eddie said:
It’s only a piece of plastic mate, I see nothing untoward about removing some material from it to make it fit nicely.

I assume you’d be painting it anyway right?

In my experience the best way to cut fairings (and screens) is with a thin cutting disc in an angle grinder. Then tidy up the edges with wet and dry.

Using masking tape, marking the cut line on the tape and cutting through the tape, is also a good trick.
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Get what you‘re saying FE, however we are not talking a small clearance issue - bit of a major miscalculation on my part. It’s certainly doable but not just by removing material - although this pic exaggerates the relationship somewhat.

My guess is that the lower and upper spacer sections that join fairing halves may need elongation in some way. This would affect the headlight aperture of course. Bit more of a fix than may be immediately apparent. Not fazed by it, I’ll get it done at some stage.

IMG_8130.jpeg
 
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Thats not how I’m looking at it SS.

Spreading it as a whole, and elongating the headlight hole, would be a disaster. It would look hideous and I can’t see how you could correct the headlight issue, or get the screen to fit. If you want a wider fairing, I’d suggest buying one. The Ducati 900SS top half fairing is a good option in this case. But it won’t look anywhere near as sleek as that Thruxton fairing!

With your Thruxton fairing, carefully cutting the area nearest the tank so it’s a nice sculptured fit to the tank, with a 1/4” or so gap, would look perfectly fine IMO and isn’t really a big job at all. Cutting it with a thin cutting disc, and shaping it with a medium grade flap wheel disc, should be quite straightforward. Just remember… “measure twice… cut once…” !

Making new mounts that fit the 961 frame, and making them in a way that‘s resistant to the increased vibration vs the smooth / balanced Thruxton, that’s where the clever design and fabrication effort is needed.

However, all that said, IMHO the 961 looks better sans fairing.
 
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Good advice FE and I see what you‘re saying - and yes the headlight aperture would need to be correct of course, or it won’t work at all.

Unfortunately, there simply is’nt enough fairing width, nor material to gain that width, to profile the fairing to the tank in the correct configuration - where fairing extends down the side of the tank (important historical look).

I had thought about cutting lower fairing arm ‘length‘ and profiling to the tank but I really don’t think that would look right at all - this would see the fairing butting against the front of the tank, rather than enveloping it. Difficult to describe but an important distinction.

This is the Omega Thruxton ally fairing - my guess it has been reworked significantly by Deux to fit the 961. Much easier to do with ally of course.

IMG_8162.jpeg
 
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I do understand your point about the fairing / tank interface, it’s just that I don’t think it would be the huge styling faux pas that you do, that’s just a personal opinion.

Your best bet to achieve what you desire would be either a modified alloy Thruxton fairing or a one off alloy fairing. Either of which is likely to be a lot more expensive than your current one. Also, thin alloy and vibration is not a good mix. An alloy fairing on a 961 would require very well thought out and executed mounting.

Of course, if you went alloy you could get very bling with the polished alloy / paint designs, which would be an abomination to my eyes, but not yours I imagine !
 
Thanks FE, I do love a good abomination 🤣! Appreciate your input. It’s not an easy fix as I thought it might be, which is why I’’m going through a custom builder. No doubt they will come up with a fix. I’ll let you know how it goes.
 
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Stephen_Spencer said:
Thanks FE, I do love a good abomination 🤣! Appreciate your input. It’s not an easy fix as I thought it might be, which is why I’’m going through a custom builder. No doubt they will come up with a fix. I’ll let you know how it goes.
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If you’re going the custom builder route then why not go for an alloy seat unit as well and go for the full retina burning uber bling effect?

Just promise you’ll use some kind of filter, or post a health (and taste) warning, if posting pics here !
 
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Stephen_Spencer said:
Good advice FE and I see what you‘re saying - and yes the headlight aperture would need to be correct of course, or it won’t work at all.

Unfortunately, there simply is’nt enough fairing width, nor material to gain that width, to profile the fairing to the tank in the correct configuration - where fairing extends down the side of the tank (important historical look).

I had thought about cutting lower fairing arm ‘length‘ and profiling to the tank but I really don’t think that would look right at all - this would see the fairing butting against the front of the tank, rather than enveloping it. Difficult to describe but an important distinction.

This is the Omega Thruxton ally fairing - my guess it has been reworked significantly by Deux to fit the 961. Much easier to do with ally of course.

View attachment 108865
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I can’t believe my eyes. I thought you were Mr optimistic? All im reading is negatron.

I grew up in a body shop and fabrication shop, less is more, measure 10 times cut little at a time. As Eddie said, tape and small cut off wheels are your friends. Get it rough fitted then hand finish the cuts.

Make the mounting brackets to fit once you get the shape of the fairing right. It’s plastic, it too can be welded or repaired prior to paint.

What makes you think the ally fairing is easier to fit? The fitting process is the same. Cut, trial fit, trim, trial fit, repeat. It’s not a one size fits all.

Your Tab gas tank isn’t made from one or two pieces either.
Don’t be a Negatron
 
Stu Bodycote said:
According to Google, Taiohae is roughly on the mid point between New Zealand and 'Merica.....so Ive found a selection of rooms for you pair to "thrash" this tension out in 👀🤣😘

Help! Which property is best?

I found these great hotels on Booking.com and love them all. Help me decide which one to book!
www.booking.com www.booking.com
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Right now, Stephen is on the dark side of the moon. That’s 1/2 way around the world.
 
Voodooo said:
I can’t believe my eyes. I thought you were Mr optimistic? All im reading is negatron.

I grew up in a body shop and fabrication shop, less is more, measure 10 times cut little at a time. As Eddie said, tape and small cut off wheels are your friends. Get it rough fitted then hand finish the cuts.

Make the mounting brackets to fit once you get the shape of the fairing right. It’s plastic, it too can be welded or repaired prior to paint.

What makes you think the ally fairing is easier to fit? The fitting process is the same. Cut, trial fit, trim, trial fit, repeat. It’s not a one size fits all.

Your Tab gas tank isn’t made from one or two pieces either.
Don’t be a Negatron
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I get to be Negatron? Awesome!

Ah Optimus my friend, your unwavering optimism is a constant source of inspiration to me! I have, secretly, been re-modelling my more cynical outlook to better resemble your own - I’m just not very good at it!;)

Now, I’ve tried with words and failed. As we know, you ‘Mericans are more visual - think slapstick before satire. So, gonna try pictures instead.

I really want this - (pardon my poor Photoshop proficiency!

TAB II Alloy Tank #3


I really don’t want this.

TAB II Alloy Tank #3


The bike builder reckons we can do what I’m looking for, it‘s just gonna take more work and time/money (happy to spend both) - not just a matter of cutting material from the lower fairing sections. I also want it completely reversible, without impacting the original configuration.

All good though. I’m gonna get the tank painted and see how she looks, before I progress.

PS: TVS are awesome!!
 
How wide is the Norton tank at the point where the fairing should land?
There is a considerable amount of flex/spring in the fairing tails. I moved them out about an inch from Thruxton width so that they would fit up with the larger volume Thruxton style tank that is on the 920. An inch was easy, and if I recall correctly, more was available.
This is with the supplied Triumph mounting cage fitted.

Glen
 
worntorn said:
How wide is the Norton tank at the point where the fairing should land?
There is a considerable amount of flex/spring in the fairing tails. I moved them out about an inch from Thruxton width so that they would fit up with the larger volume Thruxton style tank that is on the 920. An inch was easy, and if I recall correctly, more was available.
This is with the supplied Triumph mounting cage fitted.

Glen
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Hey Glen.

Tank is 390mm approx width, at the point where the fairing projections should terminate. Fairing is 300mm wiide between the fairing projections, at rest.

There is some flex available, but not 45+mm either side (90mm+ total). Certainly not given the vibration present on the 961, and when mounted correctly to the Thruxton fairing cage.

No doubt we’ll find a solution - simply flexing it is not an option.

IMG_8130.jpeg
 
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Stephen_Spencer said:
Hey Glen.

Tank is 390mm approx width, at the point where the fairing projections should terminate. Fairing is 300mm wiide between the fairing projections, at rest.

There is some flex available, but not 45+mm either side (90mm+ total). Certainly not given the vibration present on the 961, and when mounted correctly to the Thruxton fairing cage.

No doubt we’ll find a solution - simply flexing it is not an option.

View attachment 108894
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Is it made of ABS plastic?
 
Four piece injection moulded ABS plastic Voodoo, I believe.

If mounted correctly in its original configuration, painted (with appropriate pinstripes) it should look pretty good IMO.

Should improve performance/comfort a little also. Not for everybody obviously - but I’m likin’ it!

TAB II Alloy Tank #3
 
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