3YF - After market Fuel Tank

[BuksC]

Halloa - from South Africa!

Approximately a year ago I was lucky to find a 1998 3YF in deep up north in Mozambique. The bike has been standing for 6 years....Being very humid, definitely not well looked after, especially cosmetics, it was really in a poor state. Frame showing signs of rust (luckily surface only), plastics damaged and cracked and huge dent in the tank on the one side luckily hidden bend the panel. All parts there except the left side cover.

So with whats available did the best I could and got her up and running and looking quite presentable again, except for the left side cover. Since then I have done approximately 6000 km and she is running perfectly and would not trade her for anything - BUT!

- the 91/98 Tenere was never imported to South Africa. Mechanical parts is available but things like panels/tank is NOT!
- South African Rand/ against Pound/Euro/Dollar is pathetic to say the least so item price together with shipping cost is ridiculous expensive. To import a tank and complete set of plastics will be more expensive than total value of the bike.
- the bike, even in original condition do not carry much value and will never be able to recover relevant cost

The bike is used fro daily commuting and then some intense weekend off road trips of which we have a lot available in SA.

So what I want to do:

- get rid of all stock plastics except side covers - can still get at acceptable price on ebay
- fit square headlight and holder similar to DR650 with aftermarket high rise screen
- Fit Enduro/MX type rear fender - I have modified KTM fender to fit 100%. Manufacture rear carrier/pannier rack which can accommodate soft small soft luggage etc.
- Fit high rise front fender
- Do "normal" upgrades such as handle bars, risers, foot pegs, chain and sprockets, braided brake hoses, rebuilt shocks etc - all items readily available

But now to my question - I want to fit aftermarket tank such as Acerbis, Safari or to what ever is available out there. This is the only item which i am willing to spend on and import. I cannot find any tank available on the internet? I have contacted Acerbis directly to establish if there is a tank available and if not what substitute that can suggest even with modifications but unfortunately they can not assist.

So after a long story - anybody out there that have a suggestion, what tank to use, what modifications necessary?

Cheers!

[xtzrick]

Byrd made tanks for their 660 Marathon which rarely come up for sale.


You might be able to adapt your bike to fit a tank made for SOMETHING ELSE.


The other option is to get an aluminium fabricator to build you a tank.

If your bike has twin headlights then it's a 4MY, the side panels are different to the 3YF.

Rick

[BuksC]

Thanks xtzrick - it is twin head lights so 4MY

Will 3YF side panels fit? I like them more than the 4MY panels

Cheers

[xtzrick]

I'm not sure, they look a different angle where they meet the tank.

Rick

[BuksC]

Rick - Just a question. I got the owners manual with the bike that states - 4MY-28199-E1, but both engine and Vin number has 3YF in it as per registration certificate. That is why I assumed it is a 3YF?


Cheers

[xtzrick]

Yes, mines the same, it's only the bodywork, clocks, loom, ignition unit and a jet change that are different and use the 4MY part numbers.

Rick