Leg gripp problem '06 Fe 450

Skibum

Joined Mar 2005

20 Posts | 0+

Charlottesville,VA

Discussion Starter
• Apr 23, 2008

• #1

I have a problem of gripping the bike the bike with the legs and always wind up pulling with my arms when standing. This is due to the wide tank at the end and lack of side panels where other bikes have the air filter box. Here are my questions.

Has anyone heated up the tank and made it narrower? How did it come out and how does it look?

I usually mount my toolbag for enduros in the opening under the seat. I was thinking of making a box there, so I can grip with my legs. Anyone done it already?

Thanks

 

J

jamie550

Joined Mar 2008

20 Posts | 0+

Australia, QLD, Townsville

• Apr 23, 2008

• #2

Knee grip issue...

G'day,

I have just recently bought an 08 550Fe, and have experienced similar problem. Having been on my KTM525 for past 4 years, it is different.
What i notice is that the pegs now seem narrower between each other, as of course, my legs are splayed slightly further apart with the girth of the tank.
It is something I will, and am slowly getting use to.

One cure, would obviously to purchase a 7 or 7.5 lt tank, not sure what it is, but have heard that they are is available.
Not sure of price and availability, or how much difference it makes!!

I also wear knee braces, so they allow me to grip things that I neccessarily dont feel with my knees!

Good luck, and hopefully someone buts in with an answer you are looking for.....

Cheers,
Jamie.

 

S

SuperMotoMike

Joined Aug 2007

202 Posts | 1+

Maryland - USA

• Apr 23, 2008

• #3

RE: Knee grip issue...

£ 283.76 for the tank -- Ouch!

 

R

risky1

Joined Sep 2004

1K Posts | 1+

Clovis, CA USA!

• Apr 23, 2008

• #4

RE: Knee grip issue...

Taffy has done just that!, there are a lot of posts discussing the heating of the tank... do quick search

 

F

Fourstrokeforce

Joined Apr 2007

74 Posts | 0+

Sweden

• Apr 24, 2008

• #5

Skibum said:

Has anyone heated up the tank and made it narrower? How did it come out and how does it look?

Click to expand...

I´ve done that and made my tank about 1 1/2" narrower.It holds 9,7 l of fuel now.

 

squizz

Joined Apr 2006

94 Posts | 0+

Brisbane Australia

• Apr 26, 2008

• #6

i have tried a few things to fix this, one was using the clear sand paper type grip tape, worked absolutely wonderful and i could grip all day long, however it worn a hole in my brand new thore core pants in one ride.

I have also tried a product from STOMP. It is like a heap of small silicon pimples on an adhesive sheet, but it peeled of on the first ride, so i am going to try it again and see what happens, here is there site http://www.stompdesign.com/stompgrip/home.asp

 

Skibum

Joined Mar 2005

20 Posts | 0+

Charlottesville,VA

Discussion Starter
• Apr 27, 2008

• #7

Stomppad's won't stay on this tank, have tried many times. Was thinking of adding foam to the side of the seat, to prevent sliding back and making some sort of side panel.

 

T

tm-enduro

Joined Dec 2001

798 Posts | 0+

Bellingham, WA

• Apr 27, 2008

• #8

this is the reason I have the Omero Alu tank.

 

Skibum

Joined Mar 2005

20 Posts | 0+

Charlottesville,VA

Discussion Starter
• Apr 28, 2008

• #9

TM-Enduro, does the omero alu tank make a big difference? Where did you get it? How much? Fit?
Thanks

 

T

tm-enduro

Joined Dec 2001

798 Posts | 0+

Bellingham, WA

• Apr 28, 2008

• #10

Skibum said:

TM-Enduro, does the omero alu tank make a big difference? Where did you get it? How much? Fit?
Thanks

Click to expand...

the tank is quite a bit narrower, and yes it makes quite a difference. The tank has to be ordered from Italy, a few UHE members have ordered them. Price is in euros, so it is goign up. last I heard it was $700+. go look in my gallery to see.

 

F

Fourstrokeforce

Joined Apr 2007

74 Posts | 0+

Sweden

• Apr 28, 2008

• #11

www.omeromoto.com/special_parts.htm Yes it´s a big difference with the alu tank.I have one of these on my FC 550.The 7,5 l tank from Husaberg is a waste of money,it´s not much narrower than the 10,5 l tank.

 

k-dub

Joined Jan 2006

59 Posts | 0+

Bishop, California

• Apr 28, 2008

• #12

You can also try TechSpec vs. Stomp, www.techspec-usa.com. My buddy Dean makes grip skins very popular on the street bike scene, however i don't think he has a product that he'll guarantee to stick to plastic gas tanks.