How to Buy Motorcycle Gas Tanks

by Andy Pasquesi

Overview

For the class of motorcycles known as "street bikes," the gas tank establishes the patterns, color palette and graphics that convey the bike's (and rider's) personality. Companies such as Harley-Davidson, Triumph and Victory offer an especially wide selection of custom gas tanks, including exotic, limited-edition ones, as very few of their models are equipped for fairings (i.e. the bright, plastic accents found on super-sport and hyper-sport bikes. However, motorcycles can only use a gas tank designed specifically for their model.
Finding the Tank You Want

Step 1

Go to the dealership where you bought your motorcycle
Step 2

Buy the latest calendar year "Parts & Accessories" catalog for your brand of motorcycle. If you don't live near a dealership, visit your motorcycle's official website, go to the "Contact Us" section and send them an email requesting a physical catalog.
Step 3

Open the catalog to the "Gas Tank" section.
Step 4

Mark all of the gas tanks compatible with your model. Note: compatible models are included at the end of each product description.
Step 5

Decide on a product. If you need help, try looking at the other accessories available for your model (e.g. handlebars, covers, wheels, seats, windshields, grips, lamps, shocks, backlights). Sometimes, a less interesting gas tank can coordinate much better with the rest of the bike.
Step 6

Call the nearest dealership and ask if they have the tank in stock. Note: manufacturers won't mail parts directly to you. Instead, you must order out-of-stock parts from the dealer. He can mail it to you if you'd like, but on paper he will always be the middle man.
Step 7

Pay for the gas tank once it is ready. Cash is ideal, of course, but virtually all dealerships accept credit cards today. If you are short on funds, many dealerships have financing options, including pay installments, short-term loans, used motorcycle trade-in credits and layaway plans.

References & Resources