Replacement sub frame fuel tank is in the works!!!!

We met with the molder the other day to finalize the mold and go over technical details about the tank itself.

Working with the xlpe material poses some challenges, so we had to do some engineering if you will to deal with these challenges. These challenges are why a lot of the stock sub frames that are converted leak, so we are making sure that our design does not leak.

The molder has been in the business for 25+ years and makes a lot of molds for a lot of different customers, and I would be surprised if all of you did not have one of his products in your possession. The owner of the mold making company owns several other companies, one of which is a rotational molding company that will be producing the tanks. The production rate is pretty high, so once we finalize everything we will be able to crank out a lot of tanks quickly.

I learned a great deal about rotational molding at our meeting last Monday, and I have to say that I'm impressed with the process.

We have also taken delivery of all of the other various bits that will be needed to go along with the tanks installation.

In regards to the last post, I feel your pain brotha!!! But keep in mind that this process has really been pretty fast considering when the kick off started and where we are at now.

As I have said before, and want to say again here, we at 70 degree racing want to produce a quality product that will work the first time with no issues.

From the brain storming session we had last Monday, it's looking like the tank will be super sano and will fit in well with the already clean looks and styling of the bike. You will have to look closely to realize that the subframe is not stock.

BTW, the stock sub frame totally full is 1.65 gallons, I doubt we will be able to get that much out of our tank due to thickness increases that will be part of the necessary design, but it is possible that we may gain a few more tenths than the original 1.1 that was our baseline.

We should know more the first full week of January. That's when we will make the final decisions on where stuff goes on the mold. Once that is done production can start in a week or so.

In other news, 70 degree racing is increasing it's product and service line as much as possible. We are just starting out, and we don't have an unlimited budget, but we have a lot of super cool idea's for bit's and pieces that could make anyone's bike a works bike!!

Thanks for your continued interest!!!

Thanks for the Thanks guys,

I'd like to add that we are going as fast as is possible, these things just take time to make happen. The biggest hurdle has now been over come as the mold is now being made. In fact, it is my understanding that the mold should be completed within the next week and a half. Then it takes several runs to break in the mold, to get our first functional unit. After that I will be going back to the molder to make sure that the bung on the tank is in the right place and that everything is going to go together properly. Once that is done production will begin. I can't stress enough that our main objective with this piece is quality, and ease of fitment.

I'm hoping to get a still from the 3D scan, and put together an exploded parts view to post as soon as possible. The design is way cool, very sano, and is in my opinion pretty much F-1.

Right on, thanks for the positive feed back! We're working away at it!!!

chtucker said:

Got pictures yet? Firm price? When can we place orders?

Click to expand...

Pretty much no change from my posts of December 19th.

After re reading them before making this post, there is one change I would like to make. The tanks are probably not going to be "natural" in color. The main reason being is that according to our molder, natural can change colors or yellow over time. Therefore, we are leaning towards a slightly lighter shade of grey than the stock subframe that will still allow very easy reading of the fuel level.

For those of you with the 2010 bikes, this will be a big plus, as you will now be able to gauge the fuel level in your bikes since the 0 10 bikes tanks are black and you can't see the fuel level from outside like you can with the 09's.

Again, hoping to have the first "mule" out of the mold the first week of January and verify final placement of the fuel bung. Then will test fit the first couple of units to my bike, verify fuel quantity of the sub tank, and most importantly make sure that the product is good to start shipping.

I did want to point one additional fact, the 70 Degree Racing Sub Frame tank will have a 90 day warranty for materials and workmanship.

As far as a picture goes, once we actually have a tank made from the molding process, I will be glad to post one. If we had a picture of the tank, then we'd be getting ready to ship them.

We do not have a firm price yet, they will be between $350-$400. The reason we don't have a firm price is that we are still checking into bulk quantity discounts of the components that are necessary to connect the fuel tanks together. Try to keep in mind that this project really kicked off during the holiday season, so IMHO, everything is moving along quite rapidly as it is.

Thanks again for your continued interest! No one wants the extra fuel range more than me, so I am motivated to move this project along as swiftly as possible!!

As far as the handling goes, I would think that by carrying the extra 6 pounds basically under the seat, in the middle of the bike, one would notice it less than if it was added to the main tank area.

Any time one adds weight to the bike it will affect the sags, so the only thing I can think of that "might" need to be done, and this is all down to personal preference, is how one sets their sag. I usually set my rear sag with a half tank of fuel to split the difference between full fuel and low fuel. But since it's only going to be a gallon which is 6 pounds, about the same as a full hydration system, I can't see it making a whole lot of difference.

HI All,

Well here's the latest update..............

I just got home from a meeting with the company that is creating the mold for us and here is what I have found out.

First, we are still expecting a February customer shipping date.

Second, I received the adapter plate for the fuel pump holder that will allow the connection of the sub frame tank to the main tank. I will be fitting this piece to my bike with a plug in it for the time being for testing.

Third, I was un clear of how the mold process works. The 3D scan has been made and the next thing that will happen is that a model will be made. We met with the guy today who builds the models. Once the model is made of the original, we make our changes, IE adding the fuel tap, fill spout etc to the model. The model is then copied using fiberglass, so that a sand cast can be made to make the mold at the foundry.

So, the next step is for the molding company to get a hold of me once the model is built probably the 3rd or 4th week of January. I'll be taking my bike over there for a day to assure proper fitment of the fuel tap and the fill spout to make sure everything is going to work out as planned. Once that is done, the aforementioned process will take place and we will produce a couple of tanks for test fit, and proper operation, once confirmed everything is good we will start production.

I will post some pics in the next couple of days of the adapter plate for everyone to see.

Oh, almost forgot, we are also looking at creating a little more room for the stock wiring harness where it passes by the shock reservoir to reduce chaffing there.

Thanks for your patience and continued support!!!