Larger Gas Tank for 1983-86 V65 Magna

Hi, I am new to motorcycling, and am considering buying a 1983-86 v65 magna, but I am wondering if I could switch/upgrade the gas tank to be larger. The v65 magna gas tank holds 5.3 gallons, but I am looking to cruise longer, so I was wondering if there were any options to extend or switch the gas tank with maybe one of a Goldwing or other honda model. Please let me know if any other tanks would work on mine that hold a good bit larger amount of gas. Preferably 6 or up. I have heard of the new bmw adventures holding about 8-9 gallons. Essentially if I can modify any gas tank to fit the bike that would be great, but the greater amount of gas the better. Thanks.
-JC:smile:

 

http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.asp?webtag=MagnaRider&nav=start&prettyurl=/MagnaRider/

 

I have owned a Magna but I never heard of another fuel tank being available for your model.

I'm guessing that 5.3 gallons should be good for close to 200 miles.

Remember, the V65 Magna is considered to be a cruiser not an "adventure" bike.

My recommendation is just enjoy it as is.

 

I doubt you'll find one that wil just bolt on. Here's a link for modifying one.

http://www.magnariders.com/html/TipTrick/valktank.html

 

I would check out www.v4hondabbs.com I know somebody modded a warrior tank to fit.

 

That one actually makes the tank hold less (4.9gal) but it makes it looks better!

 

I'd start with a luggage rack, gas can and a couple of bungies:biggrin: . I met a guy who build an aux. tank mounted to the tag bracket and the tag mounted to the tank. It held about a gallon and seemed to work very well.

 

Thanks a ton for the feedback, haha and I would love to see that bungie rigged gas tank mechanism! -JC

 

Several auxiliary tanks are manufactured just for this purpose. They usually sit on the passenger seat and some are made to look like luggage. Just do a search on google.

 

Some Ironbutt riders have some kinda aux fuel rigged. But I often wonder what the fireball would look like if the aux line ruptured during a fall... oh, yeah - ghostrider did that.

 

Your new to motorcycling, what makes you think you could/want to go further than 200 miles before stopping to rest? Also, I agree that's not the greatest bike for touring on.
As a newbie, I'd look for something smaller, lighter and less powerful to learn on. Drop that thing (and you will) you probably won't be able to pick it back up.

 

JC: I can echo ChestHing's note. Get your bike and put some miles on before your contemplate your mods and farkles. That way you'll be putting the money and energy in the right place for your plans. 200 miles on a bike is different than 200 miles in a car since you are riding, not just sitting. Bikes have evolved for a long time with good reason that most tanks hold enough fuel to get you far enough. The BMW GS is one bike that has a *huge* tank for long trips, but that bike is no VFR or Magna.

IMHO: Get yourself on the road with your machine, sit in the saddle for on or two tanks of straight riding and then look at how much further you want to go before you stop to stretch, smell the roses etc....:biggrin:

good luck on your bike purchase.

 

Thanks a ton for the feedback. Yes I hear from my friends and neighbors that if you have even a comfy motorcycle seat it isn't so comfy at the end of the day. I will definitely keep that in mind.

 

Everyone's butt is different - so different butts like different seats.

But here's a good rule of thumb...

A soft seat will feel comfy at first - but doesn't provide enough support. Eventually, the foam will compress to where the majority of your weight is supported by just the pressure points on your butt - not your entire butt.

A harder seat will allow all of your butt to support your weight, not just the pressure points. That's why metal tractor seats are so comfortable - even though they don't look it. They allow your entire butt to support your weight.

The more surface area your butt rests on, the more comfortable the seat.
Here's a site that has pictures comparing an antique seat to an up to date office chair: http://www.keynamics.com/ergonomic_office_chairs_bodybilt.htm

When I had my V45 Magna, a Corbin seat was one of the best investments I made to it. It felt rock hard - but my ass never got sore except for the first day on a 3,000 mile trip to Key West and back - in June - in 7 days. And when I put my feet on the highway pegs, the bottom of my thighs supported more weight - which made the ride even more comfortable.

 

I had an '82 VF750C.. Of the few modifications one was the gas tank.
Whereas someone above said, "Do you really want to go more than 200 miles on the bike?" I say it ain't 200 miles, (100 with the stock v45 tank) when you got your foot(hand on the throttle) in it!
If I was dialing it on (hard NOT to do with a V45) I was lucky to get 90 miles out of a full tank! Not acceptable!
Come to find out a 1983 V65 gas tank fits fine on the V45 frame, you just need to move the rear tank mount back back about 1 1/2" and everything is perfect to mount the V65 tank!
That's an increase of almost 2 gallons! (3.43 to 5.28)! a 53% increase in capacity! Almost another eighty miles, more, if I had a frightened female on board with her fingers gouging my ribs!
I measured a little over 200 miles riding conservatively, just about twice what I got previously! The axiom, "I could pass anything on the road except a gas station" was no longer applicable!
All of my modifications to the VF750c included, 3.4g gas tank conversion to 5.3g V65 tank, One-way clutch from a '83 VF750c (less rear wheel lock up when downshifting), and set of Kerker headers! I had planned on getting the Corbin seat but parked the bike and eventually sold it first!
Whereas the increased power of a V65 would be nice, the increase in power from the Kerkers and the increased gas tank made for the right upgrade!
I don't think I would want to go thru all of the cutting/welding that genlightening above linked to, and adding a gas tank on the luggage rack or as saddle bags, is an accident waiting to happen, (IMHO)!