Thumper Club Forum

Technical => Bike Problems/Questions => Topic started by: JOOLZ on October 31, 2013, 06:16:09 PM

Title: Fiberglass fuel tanks
Post by: JOOLZ on October 31, 2013, 06:16:09 PM

Are fiberglass petrol tanks legal again, I remember that at one time they were an MOT failure as they could split in a crash.  Seen a nice one on ebay that will fit the XBR its a Norton lyta style and looks great and is a bit more reasonably priced at £249

Title: Re: Fiberglass fuel tanks
Post by: themoudie on October 31, 2013, 08:20:46 PM

Aye Joolz,

Not sure, look in the construction regs, I'm sure the Ministry will have an 'online' version for your perusal or download.

DVLA_Construction_Regs (https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/reconstructed-classic-vehicles)

Just be aware that the resin has to be up to the damaging effects of ethanol fuels. Re. my previous posts of classic racer tanks literally falling apart as the ethanol additives delaminated the layup and filled the fuel lines with syrup of resin and glass fibres in short time. Resins are available that are resistant to ethanol, but you need to know that afore parting with the dosh.

My regards, Bill.

Title: Re: Fiberglass fuel tanks
Post by: Propellor on November 01, 2013, 07:23:28 PM

Quote from: themoudie on October 31, 2013, 08:20:46 PM

Aye Joolz,

Not sure, look in the construction regs, I'm sure the Ministry will have an 'online' version for your perusal or download.

DVLA_Construction_Regs (https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/reconstructed-classic-vehicles)

Just be aware that the resin has to be up to the damaging effects of ethanol fuels. Re. my previous posts of classic racer tanks literally falling apart as the ethanol additives delaminated the layup and filled the fuel lines with syrup of resin and glass fibres in short time. Resins are available that are resistant to ethanol, but you need to know that afore parting with the dosh.

My regards, Bill.

How does wet lay carbon fibre (like I know what I'm on about) go on with a) regs   b) ethanol?

Title: Re: Fiberglass fuel tanks
Post by: themoudie on November 01, 2013, 10:49:17 PM

Aye Propeller,

"How does wet lay carbon fibre (like I know what I'm on about) go on with a) regs   b) ethanol?".

I don't know is my simple answer.

I have never needed to purchase a tank but there are some outfits out there who appear to know what they are doing, but I am reluctant to post links, just in case. I haven't had a 'Search' of the sites 'Recommended' suppliers and you might find something in there.

Regards, Bill.

Title: Re: Fiberglass fuel tanks
Post by: JOOLZ on November 12, 2013, 06:22:40 PM

Thanks, I checked the regs, Illegal on motorcycles built after 72

Title: Re: Fiberglass fuel tanks
Post by: themoudie on November 12, 2013, 09:50:26 PM

Thanks for the update Joolz and I hope the upgrades work out.

Regards, Bill.