| Author | Message | ||
     Josh_ |
Hey all! Guess I haven't been around for a couple of years, kids tend to do that. My 91 RS still needs a tank (and a carb rebuild). Is the only body option still Airtech? I got mine patched beautifully years ago by a custom boatshop but the patch only lasted a couple years and the cracks reappeared. I could also use original 91 forks, the bottom of one of mine broke and I'd like to have matching-year parts. And I never did find a replacement hose for the shock reservoir so that leaks a little. Other that that it looks great in the garage! In other news, thanks Blake for the heads up that teamelves.com site blew up at some point since May '13. I have it partially up and need to research how to fix the rest. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/buell/RSS12001 991-93.htm Airtech still sells your body parts. NOTE: The new blend of gasoline has 10% alcohol. It will destroy the lining and the fiberglass. I know this because I have spent the last 2 years on my 1989 RS1200, to find a tank sealer that can resist the alcohol. Success has been only by removing 1/3 of the seam of the two tank halves to repair the fiberglass that had been eaten away. Then used 5 coats of POR-15 to seal the tank. That took weeks as each coating must dry for days. I did try a new epoxy sealer which I like, but it was so thick when used, it would not fill the pin-holes. It did leave a nice thick, fiberglass resin like coating. Only POR-15 is thin enough to seal the pin-holes. Good luck. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Thanks for that,I'm starting that voyage with a 91RS I got from the original owner.  Z | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Evening Zac4mac, Was unable to start a thread in "Barn Built" area, so started a new thread here; http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/811179.html?1501215997 | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Morning All, Finally I can report status of my new tank for my RS1200 from http://www.airtech-streamlining.com. I have a tank which fits and yes it took some time. In short: * From indications that the ignition was not mounted on the tank and the reserve switch was at a angle, I say their mold was from a 1991 or later RS/RSS1200. * That tank was far too narrow to fit my 1989 RS1200, Walt suggested, and I agreed, to send them my tank to make a mold from. * Next tank nearly fit, but not quite. Sent it back to be reworked and now I have a tank which fits. * Now I need to take photos to post, complete cutting mounting holes, leak test, (I do not expect leaks as the tank has an epoxy fuel proof lining), and go for a ride! | ||
| Steeleagle |
So...they now are capable of making a correct-sized RS tank from using yours as a pattern? Just curious if someone was to order one if they'd have to go through the same gyrations or if Airtech is taking advantage of these opportunities. "...the tank has an epoxy fuel proof lining". Spill your guts. What system did you decide on? | ||
| 89rs1200 |
I would say they are now able to build the correct size and shape tank for an RS1200. No idea if the RSS1200 tank is a different shape and size. They are now using a mold of my tank, a 1998 RS1200. These are hand built for each customer, so be patient. Give them two months or so to build it. There are many options concerning tank breather, tank cap, fitting sizes. Be specific as to what you want. The first tank had a breather out the bottom near the main & reserve taps. That breather had a long steel tub which ran up near to the filler cap. I opted for a fitting near the gas cap so I could vent it like the factory did. They also like to use their own aluminum filler cap. The frame for that is epoxied into the tank. I opted for this cap so that I could leave the original gas cap on the original tank. They can leave a stock size hole in the top if you prefer to use original gas cap hardware. The first tank had main and reserve fittings much larger than original. Why? Because they usually build for race bikes. Concerning the fuel proof epoxy lining/coating, there are several coatings available with that claim, and I did not ask which epoxy lining they used. They did a good job of coverage. NOTE: I can not stress strongly enough to have them apply the fuel proof epoxy coating and coatings are nearly impossible to add later. Fuel will destroy the fiberglass resin otherwise. This is because you will not be able to get the inside of the tank clean enough without cutting open the tank and hand sanding it. I know because I have tried twice and failed to clean my original tank. The cleaners, such as acetone, recommended by tank liner manufacturers destroy fiberglass resin! There is no gentle way I found to get a fiberglass tank clean enough to add a liner of any kind. The coating will not stick properly if all the old gas is not completely removed. | ||
| Dave |
Great feedback - I think a few of us might be in need a a new tank vs fighting with the old one. Group purchase? DAve | ||
| Dave |
ANd this is the complete tank? Not just the top half like for sale here http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?21/825226 Educate me, what's the point of just the top half? DAve (Message edited by DAve on March 13, 2018) | ||
| 89rs1200 |
If the S2 tank fit under that top half I would be very tempted to buy it! Walt and crew at http://www.airtech-streamlining.com built me a complete tank. Expensive and all hand built, so options are up to the customer. Note the first tank has the oversize main and reserve fittings and the tank vent at the bottom of the tank. Photos of my, 1998 RS1200, tank and the first tank built, molded from some unknown 1992 or later, are here; http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/47623/811179.html?1520878674 Soon, I will post photos of the last tank built, which I kept. (Message edited by 89rs1200 on March 13, 2018) (Message edited by 89rs1200 on March 14, 2018) | ||
| 1313 |
Your link to your previous post with photos doesn't work for me. Is the following your target? http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/811179.html?1520878674 | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Morning 1313, D'oh! Fixed the bad link. Thank you. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
This is from an archived thread; http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/811179.html?1521558701 Your answer, concerning if they will build from my tank mold, is spread throughout the thread, so I will summarize here. * Short answer is, I am sure they will build from my 1989 RS1200 mold for anyone who wants it. * They built me a tank from a mold they had. Because the reserve switch is at an angle and the ignition switch was not mounted to the tank, I figure it was from a 1991 or later RSS1200. * It was too narrow at the back to fit. * Additionally I did not know to ask for a completely stock configuration. * The first tank came with their filler cap molded into the tank, fuel fittings one size larger, (remember they build items for racers), and a tank vent out the bottom. * They asked me to send my tank to mold from and I did. * I asked for stock size fuel fittings, tank vent at the top, and their fuel filler molded in. * They will leave a hole in the top for the stock hardware if you like. * Remember these are hand built for each customer so some customization is possible. * I have a question for Badwebers concerning the shape. Did it change over time, or is the RSS1200 tank different from the RS1200 tank? Does someone out there know? | ||
| Johnod |
Any updates, did it all work out? | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Hello Johnod, All is great with the tank. Scroll up on the other thread and you will see my RS1200 with its new tank. Love it! Have put about 400 miles on it since the new tank. Great to be back on 'Old Blue". http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?47623/811179 | ||
| Dragstews |
I have a Airtech tank made from the new mold for sale ... Brand new, never used, | ||
| Ggggary |
I just bought Josh's 91 with the original tank still on it, 8 or 9 years with no gas in it, the inner layer is peeling off in huge flakes, fun to come! How does tank thickness, perceived strength of the Airtech compare to the stock tank? | ||
| 89rs1200 |
The Airtech tank is noticeably thicker because it is hand laminated. Less than 1/8". That said, almost no one would notice except an expert in RS1200's, (as seen where the tank mounts to the faring pieces). * Remember the original tank was produced in a mold under high pressure, (Forget the name of the process). * Give Airtech time to build the tank! I'm talking two months or so! Then work with them if it is not right. They will build another if needed. * Remember their main customers are racers, so if you want the original filler hole and vent hole, and stock size fuel taps out the bottom, ask for that. * Pay for the alcohol proof liner! Far better to have it installed on the fresh fiberglass from the factory. Success of these liners is all about being installed on a clean surface! I know from experience. Was never able to get a good install on my old tank. Only recommended cleaners were: * Soap which never cleaned well enough. * Acetone which destroys the epoxy in the process and exposes the fiberglass mating. | ||
| Dave |
Gary, if you're pursuing a new RS1200 tank, ask about volunteers discount? I doubt know what it would save (if anything) but I'd be interested in 1 with the top of the line sealant and all OEM holes ready for paint prep. If no volume discount, I can wait and give this slant I picked up a shot. DAve | ||
| Ggggary |
Anyone else interested??? How does airtech deal with the solenoids? Do they glass in the plate with threaded holes? I'm seriously thinking fuggetaboutem and put in manual fuel valves, save the sillynoids for "later".  | ||
| 89rs1200 |
FYI: * Airtech Streamlining now has a mold of my 1989 RS1200 tank. See photos and comments of my experience at; http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/832065.html * Their first mold was too narrow at the rear and the tank would not fit over the frame. That is why I sent them my tank and they made a mold of it. Airtech Streamlining creates bodywork for racers, so by default, they install larger fuel fittings, glassed in fuel cap, and a vent pipe which extends from the filler area and exits at the bottom of the tank near the fuel fittings. So, if you do not want that, be sure to tell them you want the stock opening, vent hole, and stock fuel fittings. !! Get the epoxy, anti-alcohol fuel liner installed by them. !! Once fuel is in the tank, you will never get as good a bond! I know from experience. Additionally, give them a couple of months to build you a good one. |
