The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: WMW on September 03, 2009, 12:54:50 AM

Title: Second Petcock?
Post by: WMW on September 03, 2009, 12:54:50 AM

I'm enjoying riding my new-to-me r65ls. I'm wondering if anyone has installed a second petcock, to provide a reserve on the right side of the tank. Any reason that shouldn't work? Or is the benefit not worth the effort?

Title: Re: Second Petcock?
Post by: montmil on September 03, 2009, 05:47:40 AM

Check the Trading Post section. There's an '83 R65 being broken. Maybe score a petcock.   Monte

Title: Re: Second Petcock?
Post by: steve hawkins on September 03, 2009, 06:35:05 AM

It will involve drilling and welding in the threaded section to which you will connect the new tap.  Not an insignificant mod in itself especially when you add paint

You could source a larger airhead tank - but you will have a gap between seat and saddle.

Do you really need it that bad?  For a few dregs of gas?

Title: Re: Second Petcock?
Post by: WMW on September 03, 2009, 09:44:39 AM

No, I probably don't. I was thinking about it because I just about ran out of fuel yesterday. I leaned the bike over, sloshed some around and got it restarted and made it to a station. It seemed like there was gas in the tank that wasn't making it to the petcock, and a reserve petcock seemed like a highly desirable thing to have at that moment.

You are right, it would be a lot of work for not a lot of gain. I was just wondering if any of the experienced hands here had tried it.

Thanks.
Bill

Title: Re: Second Petcock?
Post by: Bob_Roller on September 03, 2009, 10:54:13 AM

There's about 50-60 fluid ounces of fuel 'trapped' on the right side of the tank .

Good to know about it, to get you out of a no fuel situation, and a filling station nowhere in sight .

Title: Re: Second Petcock?
Post by: TXRider60 on September 03, 2009, 12:55:53 PM

I tried the leaning-over-and-sloshing thing and got the bike to start, but it's darn hard to ride at that angle (although everyone who makes the cover of Cycle seems to know how)...
 ;)  My latest 'gas problem' involves fishing that plastic spout extension (from my new 45-gallon gas can) out from the dark and mysterious recesses of my R65 fuel tank...

Title: Re: Second Petcock?
Post by: Justin B. on September 03, 2009, 02:18:35 PM

There is a recent thread where somebody modified (expertly looking job) their existing tank and added aanother valve.  You can also get an R80ST (I think) tank which will fit and has two outlets but will leave a small gap between seat and tank.

Title: Re: Second Petcock?
Post by: steve hawkins on September 04, 2009, 06:06:08 AM

I think a GS tank also fits, but there is still a gap and the cost of a GS tank.