You won't. That way, usually somebody will outbid you by $1 or whatever the minimum bid is. Instead, put in a maximum crazy amount you're willing to spend for it, and click it 20 to 30 seconds before the auction ends. Then you will win for a couple dollars over what you would have lost for in the first case.
Well, the asking was £40. So I bid £80 and decided I didn't really want to go higher than that for a tank which will probably need work anyway. Time will tell . . .
Heiden Tuning has confirmed my new replica tank should arrive next week. If that is as it should be, I don't need a s/h one. If not, it goes back and I start ebay/looking for s/h item again.
I would love a good XS1 or XS2 tank but haven't seen one on the world wide web.
Meanwhile, I have had so much fun and learned so much from reading about Bob's restoration - or perhaps re-awakening? - of a 1972 XS2. The approach, the issues raised, the erudite contributions from many others on this forum have made it a really useful textbook on bike restoration and our 650s in particular. And I'm only part-way in.
As a result, have just ordered solid state reg/rec for my still nameless bike. From discussion of the pros & cons it was a no-brainer at £18.66.
Although, perhaps just as well I sent my tank away for unsuccessful restoration attempt before I read that thread. It appears my tank was too far gone. But what I mess I could have made with vinegar, molasses, nuts, bolts and sharp screws. In a tumble drier even . . .