Fuel Tank Petcocks

[k_enn]

 I never had a real problem or need for a right side petcock.  On my original 1982 tank, as far as riding, it was easy to slosh the fuel from the right side to the left side when needed (i.e., left side empty and still looking for a gas station).  Full drainage was never a problem, I just took the tank off, tilted it as needed, and drained it.

My current tank (used R65 replacement from unknown year model) does not even hold fuel on the right side of the "hump."  Although the tank looks normal from the exterior, the tank interior is blocked off on the right side of  the hump.

[Barry]

On the couple of occasion's I've run out I've always managed leaning the bike over to the left but If you don't  like the idea of tipping the bike over it's easy to enough to release the bail clip, lift the tank up and tilt just the tank over without disconnecting the fuel hose.

Could there be another tank that's as easy and quick to remove.  Who needs a fuel can. After running out you could tuck the thing under your arm and walk off to a nearby fuel station to fill up. Mind you it's a touch heavy with fuel in it.

[montmil]

My current tank (used R65 replacement from unknown year model) does not even hold fuel on the right side of the "hump."  Although the tank looks normal from the exterior, the tank interior is blocked off on the right side of  the hump.

That's one way of dealing with a rusted through tank seam!

[k_enn]

My current tank (used R65 replacement from unknown year model) does not even hold fuel on the right side of the "hump."  Although the tank looks normal from the exterior, the tank interior is blocked off on the right side of  the hump.

That's one way of dealing with a rusted through tank seam!

LMAO.  I never looked at it that way.  But then, it would be a real b! tch of a job to cut the tank open, get in and weld the piece in there, and then weld the tank back together.

BTW, has anyone ever heard of a tank like that?  It does hold about a half gallon less than my original tank and it looks like it was originally fabricated that way.  When you look in to the tank, you just see what would appear to be a single piece of metal coming up from the left well, over the top of the hump, and the slightly upward to the exterior of the right side of the tank.  I have never heard of a R65 tank like that.  While externally it appears to be a R65 tank and fits on the bike fine, could it be a tank from other model?  

[bruce_launceston]

That reserve, reserve amount has got me to a fuel station twice, the first time the bike was fully loaded on the way back from a rally. I tipped it way over into a roadside swale and rolled into the fuel stop coughing on the last drop.
It's a good thing to know.

[Barry]

could it be a tank from other model?  

There is no other model with an R45/65 tank. Nearest would be the R80ST but it's flared out in front of the knee positions.  Is there any extra room underneath the tank on the right side where the relays and coils fit ?  If so maybe an authority model that had extra electrics ?

[montmil]

Reminds me of Easy Rider and Peter Fonda's cash stash hidden in a vinyl tube pushed into the tiny Cap'n 'Merica fuel tank.
Say... maybe that space is fuel of cash or pharmaceuticals? Argh... too much coffee too early.

[k_enn]

could it be a tank from other model?  

There is no other model with an R45/65 tank. Nearest would be the R80ST but it's flared out in front of the knee positions.  Is there any extra room underneath the tank on the right side where the relays and coils fit ?  If so maybe an authority model that had extra electrics ?

Nope, not an R80ST - I recall what those tanks looked like.  It does not appear that there is any extra room underneath the right side.  

I do know that the tank was obtained used from a BMW dealer that had acquired it from another bike and had it in their attic with other used parts, but I never heard of such a modification being done on a tank.  The dealer, Amol Precision, would have had the capability of making such a modification, but I can't see any reason why they would do it on a used part they held in inventory with no particular customer foreseen.  

[k_enn]

Reminds me of Easy Rider and Peter Fonda's cash stash hidden in a vinyl tube pushed into the tiny Cap'n 'Merica fuel tank.
Say... maybe that space is fuel of cash or pharmaceuticals? Argh... too much coffee too early.

I like the way you think.  

But that is not needed on these bikes.  Once, Canadian Customs decided to stop and search my bike on one of my trips into Canada.  It looked like they doing a pretty thorough seach, including checking my stuff sack of dirty laundry, having me open out my sleeping bag and tent, etc.  But then they surprised me - they never asked to check the credentials tray or the tool compartment.  So if no-one checks the compartments that are there, do you really need another one to stash whatever?

k_enn

[suecanada]

Not to even mention there is that huge hollow main frame tube under the gastank for which Bobs BMW etc sell a lovely zippered tube case.