Auxiliary Cell Design

[Joe2Lmaker]

In the video, at about 50 seconds, you see Phillip and Shane suggest the front right corner for the placement of the filler neck.

Also, I've decided how I'm going to attach the tank to the supports:



<link>

 

[Shane]

Digging the tank to support connections--simple and effective.

Shane

 

[TripperMike]

Thought I'd share with you Joe how my tank was coming along.

I have it loosely set up on my bike the morning I brought it into the welder.

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

Choosing a valve is keeping this latest iteration from crossing the finish line.

These are the ones I'm looking at:

Parker XV591P-4-04

Parker XV501P-4

Parker MV609-4

Parker MV200-4

MV608-4

All of these valves were chosen for low cost and high flow. Plus, I'm trying to cut down on the number of fittings and brackets needed to plumb this thing.

 

[huron52]

I find the valve handle should be large enough to grab easily, with gloves on. Then you also need to know which way it is while you are riding with an easy feel. So I would pick the Parker XV591P-4-04, Parker XV501P-4,or Parker MV200-4. I believe I have the ParkerXV501P-4 on my tank or something very much like it.

 

[pmspaul]

I find the valve handle should be large enough to grab easily, with gloves on. Then you also need to know which way it is while you are riding with an easy feel. So I would pick the Parker XV591P-4-04, Parker XV501P-4,or Parker MV200-4.

As long as there is room to operate the valve, these would be my pick as well.

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

Well that's it.

In the next couple of days (as soon as the filler caps arrive) I'm going to send these two prototypes on their way. My treasures will belong to someone else.

But before I sent them on their way, I couldn't help but check out the fit on a bike I've been drooling over for months:

Looks good right?

I felt like a proud pappa. I think I've designed a universal motorcycle tank.

 

[BwanaDik]

Well done Joe! :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:

Got to be a market for that.

 

[foshow150]

Thats the ticket! Good Show Joe!

Get your piss bags ready to ride!!!!

Bed pans and catheters wanted!!

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

Attention all GenII Tag-Along tank owners.
I'm trying to figure something out, and I need your help.

Question: For those of you using these gravity feed only, is the flow though current on/off valve fast enough?

I'm kicking around the idea of using the valve that went on the two GenI tanks.

Also, I'm not sure there is enough room for that valve on the GenII and later bikes.

 

[01VFR]

Joe,

I have only used gravity to feed your tanks on my bikes (and now one of my brother's). Typically I don't open the valve on the TAT until my low fuel odo kicks in. I have never ran out of fuel or stalled while transferring fuel and riding at rally pace using this method. Could the flow be faster? Yes. I don't remember the specs on the ID of your fittings but I believe it didn't matter as the bottleneck was still the inline quick disconnect valve that I was using. As far as room for a larger fitting, I don't think there is anymore room to go below the TAT. I can double check late tonight, if you need me to.

Corey

PS My grab rail bushing issue was because I am using the Stiffy Kit under your TAT. They are not compatible without some minor modifications.

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

Thanks Corey.
Right, ...I forgot about the quick disconnect constriction.

I was asked about a rear subframe brace and compatibility with the TAT. It must be the Stiffy Kit, ...garauld, right?

 

[01VFR]

Yes, Garauld.

Corey

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

I read a question JSaul posted here: Tag-Along Aux Fuel Tank fuel pump or not

Jim, I believe the answer to your question is in this thread. Scroll up a little. (this thread = the thread you are reading, right now)

Also, the Group Buy Thread lists the source and part numbers of the various components.

For example, the valve: "One Panel mount valve (McMaster-Carr P/N 4118T62)".

For more information, check out the McMaster-Carr website : <P/N 4118T62>

Keep in mind, McMaster-Carr is a reseller, not a manufacturer. In this case, the valves are a product of Anderson Brass Company Instrumentation : 2-WAY 90° Ball Valves

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

Based on feedback I received after asking if the flow rate on the tanks in use was sufficient for gravity feed, I went with the same valve for the most recent group buy:

If you like, McMaster-Carr offers a similar valve with greater throughput (P/N 4118T66):

The cost of the larger valve is more than double what McMaster-Carr P/N 4118T62 costs.

This is the modification you will need to make to the mounting bracket:

I ordered one of the 4118T66 valves today. I will use it to figure out what fittings are needed to make it work.

 

[brady]

Over the last year or so I have been doing some research around aux tanks. Figuring out who are the favorites and what do I want on my bike. Until recently I hadn't found one that I really liked. On a recent trip Julie (FJRfarrier) posted some pictures of her bike and I noticed a great looking Aux tank. I inquired where she got it and she directed me to Joe2Lmaker. After reaching out and some back and forth communication I wanted to see who would be interested in a group buy for these aux fuel cells? Obviously these are pretty spendy to do as a single production, but become a more cost effective when there is a batch done in a run. This is simply looking to see who else would be interested.

 

[griff]

Brady - check with dcarver. That's who I sold my tank to. It was made at the same time as Julie's. I have a Frankentank and am very happy with that. You might check with Harry Slaughter - dirttracker? to see if he is still making those.

 

[dcarver]

I have a MapleFarkles tank for sale.

https://candybuttorg.ipage.com/cba/node/673

 

[fljab]

I've been using a 4 gallon cell like this:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rci-2040a/overview/

Advertised @ 4 gal, actual is closer to 3.5 using the rear fittings. I cut those off and had them welded up, then added a bung on the bottom and get 3.7 gal, which gives me 10.3 total. I got mine used much cheaper, altho it was advertised as not having fuel in it. It's worked out great for me for some 100K miles now. I do use a pump and like that system, butt I know many prefer not to run them that way.

Not as spiffy as some of the others mentioned here, but a good system regardless. Even with the mods in welding I had to pay for, I was still into mine for $150 or less. My range is over 400 miles total, but I get fuel usually in the 350-375 range depending on speed avg and fuel quality.

I've been going to make a Tanji/Maple type flatbed tank and take the capacity out to 4.7 g, with maybe a piggy back tank for another couple of gallons as I don't really rally, so the limit isn't a big deal, but I know value down the road comes back to IBA limits. My idea is different than anything I've seen, but I think it would work great. There are many options for aux tanks on FJRs and some are very cost friendly, but anything special built raises the price considerably. You just have to decide what's important to you for LD capacity, whether you carry a passenger, etc.

The modified main tanks work great too, but for me is a no go. I have a big tank bag and basically live out of it on the road, so the added height of a modified main "Frankentank" would make that area too tall for my use.

 

[dcarver]

I do use a pump and like that system, butt I know many prefer not to run them that way.

Me too. Gravity feed on uphills with FJR's sucks. No pun intended.