Can I slap a 2006 4.5 gallon tank on my 2006 883L that came with a 3.3 gallon without modification?


any good places you can recommend getting a bare tank ready to paint for a good price?


Thanks!

 

Somewhere, in the deep recesses of my mind (yikes!), I seem to remember that a 4.5 gallon tank swap will require a seat swap because of the longer "tail" of the bigger tank. Greater minds than mine on this forum can confirm or deny that for you. Good luck...

Thumper26

 

Thumper26 is right, they use different seats.

 

I too am doing a tank swap -- a 4.5 gal tank off a '04 1200C to my '06 1200R, which comes with a 3.3 gal. tank. Since I was planning on upgrading my seat anyway, I just ordered a seat that will fit a 1200C model (the 4.5 gal tank). You will also need the "Sportster Large Tank Installation Kit" (P/N 62999-04) which retails for $25. I ordered mine from ChicagoHarley.com for $20.

Note: If you buy a used 4.5 gal tank (like on eBay), be sure to get the gas cap included. The large tank's gas cap is a larger diameter up top than the one on the smaller tanks. It fits properly with the upper tank panel trim, the smaller ones don't, leaving a 1/2" gap all the way around between the top of the cap and the trim. A new one will run about $30 from ChicagoHarley.com. Hope this helps.

 

would the 4.5's from the new bikes fit older models like pre 2003. like o lets say a 1996 sportster?

 

Thanks for the info guys!

 

Cory: I recently changed from the 3.3 gal to a 4.5 gal on my XL1200R. As previously stated, it does require a seat change. PM me and I will give you the name and e-mail address of the small firm that repainted my new tank to match my original Yellow Pearl. I was very satisfied and the price was right. He is in Nashville, TN. ............. BC

 

I know all bikes are as individual as the owner, but the tank on the 1200R says Sportster all over it and I'd rather gas up every 100+ miles than swap it out. Just ONE of the reasons I got the "R".

Thumper26

 

Right on, Thumper. That Sportster tank is seriously traditional and looks good. Maybe that's why you see a lot of choppers hang Sportster tanks on their "works of art." Who's gonna ride a Sporty over a hundred miles without stopping to stretch anyway.

 

i know im bringing this post back from the dead, but i am also curious about putting a 4.5 tank on my 2002 883... can it be done with little or no modification, aside from the different seat of course?