RZ350 Super Motard

[Smoker]

Previously posted pics. Shape should be something like this:

[TDR_50]

If you can't get it done drop me a PM. Make a mock up with cardboard. That is how I do most of the simple aluminum tanks and mufflers.

[Smoker]

There is Byron in Canada. Price on an RZ tank is about $1400.00, but he already has all the bucks and templates.

Can I please have the contact info for Byron? Just out of curiosity, let's ask him how much to make an aluminum Aprilia SXV fuel tank.

Got a feeling I'll need to pay someone to draw the tank in CAD. Then, pay a machinist to cut the pieces. Then, pay a welder to assemble the tank. I don't mind, if I can get it done the way I want it. Not many more parts needed to finish the bike.

[Smoker]

Started on the last piece for the bottom of the tank.

8 pieces for the bottom, not counting the petcock bung and the mounting flanges.

[Smoker]

Feel like I need to say this again. This fuel tank is just a mock-up to figure out the design and construction. I'm using warped, scratched, (free) aluminum. The idea is to fit the pieces as I go, and measure the pieces before I tack them in. Then, have it reproduced and welded by pros.

I always knew that it's possible I've bitten off more than I can chew. Won't be the first time, or the last.

Just started counting up the number of welds needed on the lower section. [It's a lot.] I'm not even sure if it needs to be welded inside AND outside, or just outside with full penetration. Just thinking about the odds of sprouting a leak somewhere, and watching all my hard work and fun burn to the ground.

Not giving up, just trying to put my expectations in order. I still love this tank idea and how it's looking.

[Smoker]

Need to lock the triangle piece in place to get consistent measurements. Working on spacers for the front and sides. Need to get measurements for the rectangle piece between the triangle part and back plate. (Can be seen in previous pics.)

[Smoker]

Worst problem now is the flange plate needs to have a bend, and a weld, in the same place.

I didn't realize how difficult it is to accurately bend 1/8" aluminum. Just need a 10 degree bend, but if the metal deforms at all, it won't fit well for welding.

Will probably cut off the front section, and weld it back on at 10 degrees.

[Smoker]

I wanted to use the orange hydraulic press in the background [manual lever], but don't have the correct dies.



The Baileigh press made a perfect test bend (top piece, left bend), but wouldn't bend a longer piece. Had to go to the big Ironworker for the bend on the bottom piece.



Thanks to the the instructor- no way could I lift the bending jig.



Takes practice. I bent it too far in both directions, and it's still not perfect. Glad it's a practice piece.



Work in progress.

[Smoker]

Website is dead. Not sure if I should keep posting here. So many good friends, though.

[JonW]

I feel the same Pete, I do enjoy your posts mate. Looks like youre making great progress.

Loving getting to use those big tools, really exciting to have so much power available.

[silverstrom]

It has been unusually quiet on both sides of the forum. The 500 forum is a ghost town. Not even the crickets are showing up. I'm blaming COVID burnout. It was busy over the past several years, but now that life has returned to some semblance of normal people are moving on to other things. They'll be back.

Keep the posts coming Pete. People may not be posting, but they are still here.

[Whymee]

I read every word you post. Keep it coming.

I just do not have anything constructive to say...

[75RD350rider]

So do I

[kpke]

I am still here also. Keep posting Pete. I do even though there is not much response.

[MK]

I guess that's a problem of all old fashioned "Forums" where I'm active.
It's an old man's thing that has moved on to FB groups.
Younger folk prefers other platforms like Tiktok , Instagram , ...