june

X-Bike Update

June 6, 2010

Aluminum Tank Fabrication

I started using 1/8” thick 6061 aluminum sheet.

Cut out 3 pieces, 2 sides and a bottom sized to

span the top tubes of the bike frame and reach

from the steering yoke to the tranny cowling cover.

2 half- funnel shaped tank sides were formed from
8” diameter6061 aluminum tubing. 6061 is not friendly to bend. It put up a real
tuff fight when I was bending the smaller end.

funnel shapes were welded and a strengthening cross member was added.

The estimated tank volume according to root will be approximately 5 gallons.
So, 5 gallons X 50 mpg = 250 miles per tank fill........






Next,

Diagonal cuts were made in the tube sections to accept hammer formed front right and left side domes.

Left dome was welded and the tank was set on the frame to check for fit.

Prolly going to be a while 'till this tank holds petro!