Tank Lifts... Why dont you?
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
In most cases and this is the best of all; it gives the bike a lowered rear look. And that's just for starters.
The other is and that is my fav. Is that it puts the gages further up where you can just **** yer eye ***** and not the head to glimps down at what the deal is with the ride
So its more than just looks. Its functional
The other is and that is my fav. Is that it puts the gages further up where you can just **** yer eye ***** and not the head to glimps down at what the deal is with the ride
So its more than just looks. Its functional
Just kidding. I don't actually care for the look myself.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I have lifted about 6 bikes. Why? For the increased air flow which does help the engine run cooler. A cooler engine runs stronger and lasts longer.
Plus it is easy to clean the rocker covers.
From a Superglide to a touring bike and Softails I have never experienced any loss of riding range. I raise them 1.5 inches in the front and 1/4 inch in the back. A profile of the bikes looks better (in my opinion) when the engine is more exposed.
I had the electronic tac/speedometer in the Super glide. I would run it until the low fuel light came on. Then continued low level came on and finally under range.
Did that three times and the fuel gauge adjusted its self to when it was very close to the original amount of about 0.9 gallons in the tank when the low fuel light came on. I could go 160 to 180 miles before the light came on.
Some like lifted tanks for the looks some don't. If you don't like it don't do it. But don't spend one second of your precious life worrying about what others have done.
And those who are offended by "cheap tabs" Mine on the CVO and others are triple painted chrome from Kury. A couple are gloss black and can not be seen from 10 feet away. If one cant stand " cheap tabs" could I suggest that you not stand there and stare.
Plus it is easy to clean the rocker covers.
From a Superglide to a touring bike and Softails I have never experienced any loss of riding range. I raise them 1.5 inches in the front and 1/4 inch in the back. A profile of the bikes looks better (in my opinion) when the engine is more exposed.
I had the electronic tac/speedometer in the Super glide. I would run it until the low fuel light came on. Then continued low level came on and finally under range.
Did that three times and the fuel gauge adjusted its self to when it was very close to the original amount of about 0.9 gallons in the tank when the low fuel light came on. I could go 160 to 180 miles before the light came on.
Some like lifted tanks for the looks some don't. If you don't like it don't do it. But don't spend one second of your precious life worrying about what others have done.
And those who are offended by "cheap tabs" Mine on the CVO and others are triple painted chrome from Kury. A couple are gloss black and can not be seen from 10 feet away. If one cant stand " cheap tabs" could I suggest that you not stand there and stare.
Last edited by lh4x4; Oct 12, 2015 at 11:44 PM.
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
Mine is 1.5" front and 3/4" up front.
The kit only provided for 1/2" and I added a spacer for the extra 1/4"
The kit I got from DK Customs is barely noticeable. No none else seems to notice either as it is one of those things I like to point out to ppl
And yeah, with my 5gal tank, I ususally dont see the fuel light come on till 186 mi later where I can easily go at least 25more before the low range warning
Love having access to the rocker covers too. Big plus
The kit only provided for 1/2" and I added a spacer for the extra 1/4"
The kit I got from DK Customs is barely noticeable. No none else seems to notice either as it is one of those things I like to point out to ppl
And yeah, with my 5gal tank, I ususally dont see the fuel light come on till 186 mi later where I can easily go at least 25more before the low range warning
Love having access to the rocker covers too. Big plus
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 5
From: London, UK
I love the look, and would do it on mine in a heartbeat. But if I raise my tank even slightly, the (stock) handlebars will strike the petrol tank. So I can't 
If I ever do go to apes (which is less and less likely, year-by-year), then I'd put the tank lift on the same day.
If I ever do go to apes (which is less and less likely, year-by-year), then I'd put the tank lift on the same day.
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
I ride a Slim and although I added the 4.5" risers, the bars and tank were fine. I noticed the throttle cable line from by the grip touched slightly. So I tilted them back a smidge. That was before I installed the risers which I needed for a better reach
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 5
From: London, UK
Shame that doesn't work on mine. There's not even a 1/4" clearance for a front lift. I could maybe squeeze out 1/2" if I swapped out the tank caps for flushmount, but it's really not worth it.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 695
Likes: 50
From: South Carolina
~ No, it really is just for looks. To open up the motor cavity.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 5
From: London, UK
Except for the two functional reasons already mentioned; to improve the visibility/reduce the glare on the speedo and to (allegedly) increase airflow over the heads and aid cooling. The question is more whether or not these benefits are sufficient to outweigh the issues with the fuel gauge.
What's funny is how it's clear that you do value the looks aspect higher as you haven't even addressed the functionality points. Just because you can't comprehend them (or can't consider anything other than the aesthetics) doesn't mean others can't.
(FWIW, I don't believe that the benefits outweight the fuel gauge issues, but also don't believe that is as much of a deal as others make out. I'd do it for the looks if I could, as I actually like the look. But I appreciate others have different tastes. They must do, as otherwise HD wouldn't sell as many street glides as they do ;-)
What's funny is how it's clear that you do value the looks aspect higher as you haven't even addressed the functionality points. Just because you can't comprehend them (or can't consider anything other than the aesthetics) doesn't mean others can't.
(FWIW, I don't believe that the benefits outweight the fuel gauge issues, but also don't believe that is as much of a deal as others make out. I'd do it for the looks if I could, as I actually like the look. But I appreciate others have different tastes. They must do, as otherwise HD wouldn't sell as many street glides as they do ;-)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,160
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
The title of the thread was "Tank Lifts... Why don't you?" That asks for the opinions/reasons why people don't want tank lifts...
Other than stating personal preferences, I haven't read anyone bashing the tank lifts.....
For me, I've considered it for both bikes... I like seeing more of the rocker boxes, but I don't like seeing more of the wires... for now, status quo...