R80GS Tank question

[photorider]

Hello All,
I have a '96 R80GS. I often use the bike to run errands and sometimes to get dirty. Although I like the big tank, I don't really need it for shorter rides and was thinking about getting something smaller/lighter for that purpose. Does anybody know what other tanks would fit my bike? I know it's kind of an unusual model in the states because they were never imported here, but from what I understand it's basically a R100GS with an 800 top end. Thanks in advance,
Alex

[bikerfish]

any tank from r80g/s, st, r65.

[Airhead Wrangler]

A 6 gallon steel R100GS tank would also fit, but would leave a ~3/4" gap at the bottom front edge of the saddle, with the top making contact. Perfectly functional, but not aesthetically pleasing to some. The R80ST / G/S tank is just too small for my liking. It hits reserve around 120 miles and only has one petcock and thus traps a lot of gas in one lobe which you have to lean the bike way over to use. I was able to get 240 miles out of the GS tank on a couple of occasions, including reserve.

[Bulldust]

Google R80GS Basic, fitted with small tank as standard.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/AirheadsAustralia/

[One Less Harley]

Nice tank, yeah you need a beater tank!!!! I've got three tanks for mine. The stock little R80 G/S, a R100GS tank, less seat hook. these are nice tanks, plus the beater 43l HPN which I don't have to fill completely plus half full it carries the weight low.

I have a tank from an R65, which has been sealed and is in primer ready to paint.No dents. It's a little larger than the small G/S tank by about 1/2 gal. It does fit a G/S, but is snugger at the seat. PM me if interested.

Plus here's list of tanks.

[photorider]

Thanks for all the info, guys. Very helpful.
OLH, I sent you a PM.

[Rob Farmer]

The ST tank is the only one to go for. The R65/45 tanks look very similar but have a different fit, you'll need to take a hammer to the underside to get them to fit past the electrics tray and even then there will be a slight conflict with the rear of the tank and the side panels. The rear of the tank is also slightly longer forcing the nose of the seat back.

Not the best shot but you can see how the sidepanels just touch the 65 tank. The seat looks slightly baggy where the nose of it presses against the tank. The ST tank on the other hand is a perfect fit.

I put this on as a temporary while I got a leak fixed on my ST tank, unfortunately it's still on there.




Nice bike BTW The Basics are much sort after machines. They have a unique rear subframe that's similar to the early Mono one but made from stronger tubing and with tubes in slightly different places to allow the paralever mudguard and side panels to fit. this is the Basic subframe next to a mono one.

[photorider]

Thanks for that, Rob! Looks like I need to hunt down an ST tank.
Follow-up question:
Will the R80G/S saddlebag mounts fit? Or do I need to look for R100GS mounts? Maybe neither will work?
Thanks for the input.

[MotoKaw]

Photorider,

I have the opposite problem and, so, perhaps the perfect solution for you. I have an '85 R80 mono on which I run a later model R100GS 6.3 gallon tank. Fits perfectly, has a nice pleasing look like it belongs there proportionally. Easy 220+ range + reserve without carrying the extra 12lbs of fuel up high in your bigger tank.

Me? I'd like that extra capacity and range of your tank and I don't mind the weight. So, interested in a trade? There's only a few hours of highway between us ... meet for lunch and sniff tanks??

Bob
(248) 703-0662

[bpeckm]

Originally Posted by MotoKaw

Photorider,

I have the opposite problem and, so, perhaps the perfect solution for you. I have an '85 R80 mono on which I run a later model R100GS 6.3 gallon tank. Fits perfectly, has a nice pleasing look like it belongs there proportionally. Easy 220+ range + reserve without carrying the extra 30lbs of fuel up high in your bigger tank.

snipped

Howzabout a PICTURE?

[MotoKaw]

Originally Posted by bpeckm

Howzabout a PICTURE?

Photorider, check your PM's for a link to another tank.

Bpeckm, I'll post some pictures of mine tomorrow (wrong computer at the moment).

Bob

[Rob Farmer]

Originally Posted by photorider

Thanks for that, Rob! Looks like I need to hunt down an ST tank.
Follow-up question:
Will the R80G/S saddlebag mounts fit? Or do I need to look for R100GS mounts? Maybe neither will work?
Thanks for the input.

The left hand pannier frame is the same as the g/s one but the right hand one is unique to the Basic. You also need the g/s rear rack to attach them to. Hepco and becker used to make a system to suit.

[MotoKaw]

Photorider & Bpeckm,

Here is the '86-'96 R100GS 6.3gal tank mounted on my '85 R80-mono:



That is the stock R80-mono seat, which I think has a very similar profile to the seat on your bike now. Nice fit, not perfect like AW mentions (small gap at bottom), but not bad either. It's not very noticable with a black tank/black seat and could probably be reduced or eliminated with a spacer under the rear tank mount area, but it just wasn't enough of an issue for me:





It's narrower than the 8.5gal R80GS tank, too. With the handlebars at full stop it's inside the jugs/grip, so a slide on solid ground would probably not result in a scuffed tank:



I hope that helps with your decision Photorider. You might also consider the stock '85-'87 R80-mono 5gal tank:



I'm happy witht he 6.3gal tank, but a little more range would be nice and I like the aethetics of the 8.5gal tank, too.

Bob

[One Less Harley]

R100GS tank closeup, note loop was cut off tank- this will be your easiest tank to find. Buy one already dented so you wont care about putting a knee into it.





course if you want to make it look similar to the original--





If not then maybe this-





HPN fit, but a costly option-





stock G/S tank-

[photorider]

Thanks for the offer, Bob.
Unfortunately, the bike is located in Guatemala.