Build a Honda GB500 TT lookalike

[gentlemanjim]

In the current issue of Motorcylce Classics I was reding about the Honda GB500 and realized what a stunning bike this is and how it would make a perfect build project on a XS650. More power, twin cylinders, tons of aftermarket support. The only stumbling block is the fuel tank. That is the defining component of this bikes style. I've plent of references for cafe style fuel tanks, but I'd like to find a nearly exact match. Any thoughts to this project and what would be the right fuel tank? Picture that style with our illustrious verticle twin and Ascott style pipes!

 

[jayel]

might try this
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=benelli+mojave+tank
http://www.motolanna.com/
just type cafe gas tank into ebay search for more

 

[gggGary]

The GS450EZ tanks are pretty close you could add bondo to get the exact knee dent if that's important.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982...1149605QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

[jayel]

I had knee dents in my dirt bikes, put there by real knees hard to get them even tho'

 

[gentlemanjim]

The GS450EZ tanks are pretty close you could add bondo to get the exact knee dent if that's important.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982...1149605QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Yes tht looks good, there is a GB500 tankon ebay too.

 

[gggGary]

Yes tht looks good, there is a GB500 tankon ebay too.

Yeah, wonder how high that will go? Gonna be tricky stuffing TWO carbs under those rear tank skirts.

 

[royxxx]

How about the XJ650 seca tank, just looking back at some of my old projects, might be worth a look.

 

[gentlemanjim]

Naw the XJ doesn't look right. I did a project a few months ago and used the XS750 standard which I liked, but now I want to as close as possible to replicate the GB500 look.

 

[Jack]

The closest you'll come to Honda tank would be XJ600 and maybe the whole seat arrangement.

Look at the mid 8s to low 9s. Go to the Xs Dutch forum and browse the Photo albums of cafes I believe,it's there somewhere showing an XS with XJ600 armor,great looking motorcycle.

 

[Beau]

 

[Tech7]

Jim, here's an XS650 with a 1980-81 GS 450E (or 450S) tank. I like this bike a lot.

 

[gentlemanjim]

The closest you'll come to Honda tank would be XJ600 and maybe the whole seat arrangement.

Look at the mid 8s to low 9s. Go to the Xs Dutch forum and browse the Photo albums of cafes I believe,it's there somewhere showing an XS with XJ600 armor,great looking motorcycle.

Lots of great ideas from all.

Jack what do you mean by "Look at the mid 8s to low 9s". Do you have a link to the Dutch forum?

Beau that Guzzi tank is awesome, but very big as I recall.

Tech7 - the GS is quite shart as well.

Gonna try and find a XJ600 - is that a Seca II, diversion or a radian?

 

[durgam_K]

xj600s 92-98 Seca II. this is my wifes bike. Its tons of fun for an upright 600.

 

[gentlemanjim]

I've always fancied those Seca II's, but they have a twin spar frame not an easy fit on a single backbone frame, but can be Done. Not a GB look a like unfortunately.

 

[Jack]

Lots of great ideas from all.

Jack what do you mean by "Look at the mid 8s to low 9s". Do you have a link to the Dutch forum?

Beau that Guzzi tank is awesome, but very big as I recall.

Tech7 - the GS is quite shart as well.

Gonna try and find a XJ600 - is that a Seca II, diversion or a radian?

eighties and nineties for the XJ600........I'll be back shortly with the links.

 

[Jack]

3rd and 5th pictures.Our taste may differ some but this xs is just simple and gorgeous. Enjoy! There's a XS in the cafe section with XJ600 stuff also.
http://www.xs650.nl/cpg/displayimage.php?album=1&pos=256

 

[jackstraw650]

I think this might be kind of what you are looking for.....from the same Dutch site.

 

[gentlemanjim]

I think this might be kind of what you are looking for.....from the same Dutch site.

Very nice - do you know which fuel tank that is?

 

[BigJimmyW13]

Why not just join a gb500 forum and put a wanted ad up for a gas tank... And just get the dang gas tank

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[twinsarehot]

This is dope.

maybe you can see if you can find measurements of late model nighthawks. or the later 750's by honda.

although they don't look as tall as the GB tanks, I think it looks better =]. Come to think of it, the GB tanks look similar to old airhead tanks...