4.5 gallon tank on a Nightster
i'm not a fan of the big tanks on sporty's. a huge draw to the Nightster/iron/48 is the tanks. might as well have bought a 1200 low.
Now if they made a bigger tank that was the exact shape of the 3.3 gallon then i would totally buy that. but i have yet found one that mimics the tank.
Now if they made a bigger tank that was the exact shape of the 3.3 gallon then i would totally buy that. but i have yet found one that mimics the tank.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 586
Likes: 1
From: Falcon, CO
I got a 4.2 or whatever it is off of eBay for the wifes nightster. I paid around 300 for it shipped. It was the stock black color to match the bike. I did pick up a new fuel pump seal from the dealer.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 720
Likes: 3
Your suggestion was fine! The tank is pristine, probably off a showroom bike by the look of the paintwork, so welding a stud in the dent to pull it out would spoil the look of it! That's what I meant by being 'brutal'! I have used the plumbers CO2 freezing technique which has almost removed it, but can't get it to give up that last bit. If the tank was older and looked well used I might not be so reluctant to attack it, but that may yet be the only way ahead! 
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 720
Likes: 3
It does amaze me at how quickly people are to replace a gas tank as opposed to repairing it. Even if you have a decent sized dent that you can't metal repair the new filler is MUCH better than the older stuff. I've filled indentations for emblems in with nothing more than bondo and it hold fine so long as you prep the metal and don't mix it too hot.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Trading my lackluster DRZ400 dual sport for this VFR800 with all the touring goodies next Friday. Nightster will remain in the stable, but no longer the primary bike for week long trips. And no, I will not be loading it up to that extent, likely sell the ugly side cases.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 343
Likes: 5
From: Puget Sound, WA
Color Mania offers a $110 repair service for Harley tank dents.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 343
Likes: 5
From: Puget Sound, WA
I'm a form over function type of guy and golly, a huge tank on a Sporty is just about the opposite of what I would do. I think the smooth bottom "King" tanks are too damn big. I'll strap a gallon of fuel on the back before I'd go fuggin' up the looks of me motorsickle. That's what I love about my Shovel. It has a 2.3 gallon tank on it and gets 55+ mpg on the highway. Never ran outta gas before a station yet, and I have no reserve.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Thanks rd, unfortunately they don't have any branches here in the UK! I have since had that tank painted and the painter I used was a panel beater earlier in his career, so knocking out the dent was no challenge to him! Final painted result is perfect.
Last edited by grbrown; Jul 28, 2013 at 05:17 AM. Reason: Expanded.
So in keeping with the theme, my 2011 Nightster WILL accept a same year 1200C or Low's 4.5 gallon tank with no fitment issues? I am wanting to get rid of my 3.3 and get the 4.5 myself. Up to what year gas tank will my Nightster accept without it not being bolt on?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by RubenAlonzo; Sep 13, 2017 at 09:34 AM.