Fuel Cell Recommendations

[Bionic Pelvis]

I want to pick up a fuel cell, and I'm looking for input/suggestions/warning/stories/whatever. I'm know this has been discussed before, but it seems like cells are always evolving, new stuff comes on the market, great stuff (Tanji) goes away, so before I spend my money let's hear what ya'll have to say!

Here's where I'm at:

I don't like the taildragger style. I know a lower COG is nice, but I'd rather not need a fuel pump & I have this totally illogical and unfounded vision of a massive fireball around my rear. Maybe that belongs under another topic...

I like the Sampson that's being discussed as a possible group buy. I like that it mounts on the pillion seat rather than the luggage rack. I like that it doesn't require major mods to install or remove, and doesn't require a fuel pump. However, it's a bit smaller than the max allowed volume and it would make sleeping on the bike a bit less comfy.

I'm not really partial to the Top Gun unit for aesthetic reasons, but I'm willing to bet there are people who absolutely love it.

So how 'bout it? Are there some great options I've overlooked? Any cautionary tales or glowing reviews? Great bits or pieces that make installation a breeze? Let's hear it!

 

[Ignacio]

The Top Gun/Bill McAvan unit is about as plug-n-play as the market gets. It's total function over form and gets you to the custom 11.4 gallon mark smoothly (he builds 0.1 gallons short on purpose to account for fuel line capacity). And they're solid. One can mute the box design with more function by adding a LindaT bag. If one went this route...I'd suggest talking to me and making a special request or two when they make them.

I would say the Cadillac is the Tanji cell, but since there are only about 15 in existence with no more being made unless somebody wants to commission the building of one (or a batch)...the market is pretty limited for finding one. Between season on LDRider or IBDone is probably the best bet for one of these...and they're spendy. Last time one sold it was for more than the original price. Not often used parts appreciate in value.

And I think one other option is a Summit cell. This is definitely where you would have to scrounge parts and fabricate a mount. It's also a 4 gallon unit so you're not able to nail the 11.5 gallon limit.

Another option has been Jazz cells I believe. I'm sketchy on details, but it requires some legwork by the purchaser to gather parts and do some assembly if I remember correctly.

 

[jwhite518]

The Top Gun/Bill McAvan unit is about as plug-n-play as the market gets. It's total function over form and gets you to the custom 11.4 gallon mark smoothly (he builds 0.1 gallons short on purpose to account for fuel line capacity). And they're solid. One can mute the box design with more function by adding a LindaT bag. If one went this route...I'd suggest talking to me and making a special request or two when they make them.

One caution on the McAvan setup: His FJR mounting brackets interfere with a Givi five point rear rack luggage mount. I don't know what you're doing for rear luggage now, but if you're planning to upgrade to anything non-Yamaha, make sure everything fits together. (This applies to any fuel cell system.)

 

[FJRay]

There are a number of folks like myself that have made our own. I looked around and other than the Tanji I didn't find one I liked. I wanted to have it in place of the pillion seat and not interfere with the factory top box and the most important thing was to have room for my large butt without having to make love to the tank.

The IBA web site gives you an idea what is required and most towns have a decent fab shop you could work with to build a custom cell for you. I used aluminum because it was in my shop but other materials would work fine and the weight isn't to much of an issue. Once you get a design you like it doesn't take much time to weld it up.

The one I made holds 4.2 gallons and could be streched a little without hitting the grab bars.

 

[saltywheels]

Thanks jwhite. I was just looking at the McAvan site for a fuel cell. Have a Givi topcase, so the mounting is probably going to need some improvising, I guess. Have you got their f/cell on? If so, what did you have to do. Thks

 

[jwhite518]

Thanks jwhite. I was just looking at the McAvan site for a fuel cell. Have a Givi topcase, so the mounting is probably going to need some improvising, I guess. Have you got their f/cell on? If so, what did you have to do. Thks

I run a BLM cell, a Garauld rear rack, and some heavily custom reinforcements. Not only this, but some hand-made brackets that make it a 5 point mount. When the subframe broke I ordered a Givi, that's when I found that it's not compatible with BLM's mount, and did the 5 point mod instead.

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

Max volume, taking the place of the passenger seat, comfy to sleep with.

I haven't seen that yet.

 

[Warchild]

Max volume, taking the place of the passenger seat, comfy to sleep with.
I haven't seen that yet.

Yes, you have.... *with* a Givi rack!

This is the McAvan Special:

 

[jwhite518]

Yes, you have.... *with* a Givi rack!

Hm. The Givi rack that came to my house a few months ago did not fit with the McAvan cell. Suspect they've changed their design. How old is the Givi on that FJR?

Come to think of it.... my BLM cell isn't an actual BLM FJR cell...it came off a BMW! That's probably it.

****.

 

[Ignacio]

Suspect they've changed their design. How old is the Givi on that FJR?

I think the answer lies with the bolding.

This is the McAvan Special:

When I inquired about the Special some years ago I was told I wouldn't want to pay for it, planet alignment, or something about building an enterprise class website as compensation. Looking at the cell....there are some seriously involved welds in nooks and crannies.

 

[Bionic Pelvis]

Hmmm... The McAvan definitely gains some points in the looks department with Linda's bag on it...

How comfy is it? Do you still feel like you have plenty of room to move around and stretch out? How about mounting/dismounting? I'm completely uncoordinated to begin with, and it looked like I'd have an easier time clearing the Sampson cell.

I don't run & don't plan on running a trunk so that shouldn't be an issue. Other than that, any complaints/issues with this one?

 

[Ignacio]

I don't have myself have a $6 Million pelvis, but I am a big guy with a big guy ass and find the McAvan works for me pretty well. I have a couple inches to move fore and aft and don't feel cramped.

If you're willing to give up the hope of a Givi or a Yamaha top case it *may* be possible with Bill to ask to have the mounting bracket moved back a bit...maybe an inch or so. And if moved back you still might* fit on a smaller Pelican case in a custom operation.

I'd suggest asking to sit on bikes as you see them over the next year. You're welcome to sit on mine if it would help. Probably on the most customized for seating end of things is probably Melchild's Tanji cell. Although, it's hard to find a Tanji...it's an example of an existing cell that got moved back to accommodate for extra ass.

The McAvan cell is well-designed and easy to mount and dismount...takes about 15 minutes to swap from cell mode to stock mode. 4 fasteners and a quick-connect fuel hose. LindaT designs her bags (that are actually covers) to stay on the cell.

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

Max volume, taking the place of the passenger seat, comfy to sleep with.
I haven't seen that yet.

Yes, you have.... *with* a Givi rack!

This is the McAvan Special:

Nice!

Is that the result of that cardboard & duct tape mock up I saw you post in another thread?

Very nice.

 

[mehaffydr]

I have the Sampson Sport touring Cell I have had for a few years and am pleased with it. I had a cover made by Linda T for it. It will not allow the Givi trunk with the Givi mount but I instead bought a mount from Twisted Throttle and made it work for the cell and the Trunk.

Have been using this for the last 35000 miles.

 

[dcarver]

If you're willing to give up the hope of a Givi or a Yamaha top case it *may* be possible with Bill to ask to have the mounting bracket moved back a bit...maybe an inch or so. And if moved back you still might* fit on a smaller Pelican case in a custom operation.

I'm thinking the other way, move it forward, replace Linda's pouch with foam, make a back rest out of it. Is this feasible?

 

[Bionic Pelvis]

Yeah, I emailed Dean the other day, and all my crying and pleading and tales of woe regarding my ass accomodation needs did no good at all. As nice as it is to know my fuel cell is a quality investment (Your Tanji fuel cell isn't guaranteed to increase in value, but all the others have!), I have the feeling that spending $1500 on a cell would result in a strangling. Probably of me. Most likely by the man who also contributes to our checking account.

Mehaffydr, your setup is very clean. Did you fabricate those side inserts (by the on/off lever) or did they come with the cell? Any complaints or words of warning?

 

[Ignacio]

I'm thinking the other way, move it forward, replace Linda's pouch with foam, make a back rest out of it. Is this feasible?

Depends how much money, time, creativity, and patience you have.....damn hwp people.

Just remember the cell is essentially a vertical wall in the area of the back. Fabbing a usable backrest is going to be a fair amount of trial and error I would guess.

 

[FJRay]

I was putting the cell back on mine today so I took some pics if anybody is interested.

These show the cell mounted without the cover.

These are with the cover on and the vent hooked up.

The factory trunk will open completely and just clear the vent. The foward pocket is filled with high density foam and makes a good back rest. The rest of the pockets hold all kinds of shit that you need to get to quickly including a hose for getting fuel to your buddy who just ran out. I will be adding a catch can to the vent to make the IBA guys happy because I hope to do some rallys soon.

 

[Duster19]

You guys are killing me . The wife continues to ask when does the buying for this motorcycle ever end?

I think this winter it will be GPsuspension upgrade with a soon after valve check expense. I plan on doing at least one SS1000 and a Rally next year and perhaps after that I'll be going for a fuel cell and custom bag.

Heck, my "Farkles" are getting to cost as much as the entire bikes my buddies ride.

Dave