Ground through the Gas Tank?

gpz11 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 01:18 PM

So has anybody else ground through their gas tank? I highsiding coming out of turn 6 at Blackhawk on Saturday and ground a hole in my tank.

Talk about being pissed off, I had all the other parts to repair the bike but the tank.

The corner worker thought I was going to try and start the bike with gas pouring out the tank.

I did manage to run some of my quickest times though. I'll remember next time to replace my tires a little more often. I knew they were worn but I thought they still had one more day left in them.

I was wrong.

The bike is now at the dyno shop getting mapped for R-Tech. We want the good stuff for Road America. I can use all the power I can get, especially with my, um, weight disadvantage.

EvilTwin-05 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 02:38 PM

Just the reason I bought a new front rather than eeking out one more day. Sure beats the cost of repairs.

gpz11 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 03:04 PM

You're right, I'm paying for it.

Left clip on, clutch reservoir, left rearset, shifter, muffler ground more, gas tank, zipper on my leathers, and face shield on my Arai.

On top off all that, we leave for Road America on Wednesday.

Like I need more drama in my life.

I did post some of my fastest times at Blackhawk though.

Well, before I crashed.

RVTMAVERICK · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 06:56 PM

Hey Buddy,

Sorry to hear you crashed, good to know you're Okay!

I take it you do NOT have "Thorsten Frame Sliders" do you?
What do you have Sato's or?
Just might be something to think about, up-grading your frame sliders

Thorstens Rock!

Have fun at your next race GPZ11

Peace Maverick

XFBO · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 07:03 PM

What gave the front or rear?

As for the ground thru hole, in a pinch Id try grinding the paint off the surrounding area and glass it up with some thick f/g woven cloth.

gpz11 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 07:18 PM

I've got frame sliders but I couldn't tell you what brand they are. They bolt to the front engine mount. They stick out about 2 inches or so. OK, the left one is a little shorter now. She's gone down twice on the left side since I've owned her. Pretty much the same damage done both times with the exception of the gas tank.

I'd say the back tire broke loose. There is a real nice black stripe coming out of the corner and you can see the marks on the back tire of it spinning up.

I'd just wish the bike would give me a little warning before it spits me off.

I'm going quicker now so I gotta replace my tires more often.

RVTMAVERICK · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpz11

I've got frame sliders but I couldn't tell you what brand they are. They bolt to the front engine mount. They stick out about 2 inches or so. OK, the left one is a little shorter now. She's gone down twice on the left side since I've owned her. Pretty much the same damage done both times with the exception of the gas tank.

I'd say the back tire broke loose. There is a real nice black stripe coming out of the corner and you can see the marks on the back tire of it spinning up.

I'd just wish the bike would give me a little warning before it spits me off.

I'm going quicker now so I gotta replace my tires more often.

Time to UP Grade then

The Thorsten Frame Sliders, mount higher then any other frame sliders out there, they are positioned up at the back of the radis. just alittle higher and to the front of the big fair screw.

Also, I think I saw a "Fuel Cell" for sale in our V-Twins classifieds here not to long ago...
I hope this helps....
Peace Maverick

Rigor · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVTMAVERICK

Time to UP Grade then

The Thorsten Frame Sliders, mount higher then any other frame sliders out there, they are positioned up at the back of the radis. just alittle higher and to the front of the big fair screw.

Have you crash tested these sliders, Jeff, to say they're an "Upgrade" or not?

Despite what sliders are on the RC51, a 1/4 full or greater tank of gas can make it top-heavy and cause a rollover onto the tank during a slide on the side, not to mention how wide the RC51's tank is........

EvilTwin-05 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 08:32 PM

Dave..........

RVTMAVERICK · #10 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rigor

Have you crash tested these sliders, Jeff, to say they're an "Upgrade" or not?

Despite what sliders are on the RC51, a 1/4 full or greater tank of gas can make it top-heavy and cause a rollover onto the tank during a slide on the side, not to mention how wide the RC51's tank is........

No! Thank GOD I have not crash tested these myself, but others have and 1 just not too long ago after his install, which he credited Thorstens Sliders for doing a good job!
I'll do a search here in a bit to see if I can find the thread....

Plus, I would say it just stands to reason Dave, that they would do a better job as these sliders are approx. 6" higher up, even though they are back alittle, they are still closer to the Fuel Cell

Now I know that in the right/WRONG crash,..... The Fuel Cell WILL get hit...

EvilTwin-05 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 09:15 PM

Sliders are minimalist approach and only offer protection is situations that are low speed or stationary. Factory teams know this and thus use them under the fairings to prevent catching on things. Oh, pLus they want the look to as close to stock as possible. Thorstens may be good for the material but no matter how you slide it this bike is pig and usually ends up with tank damage.

heavyzee · #12 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 10:18 PM

from experience in crashing... cough... cough...
i can tell you that frame sliders on the RC or of any sort of any sort may be more of harm than good, being that as soon as the bike leaves the track to grass, etc. it tends to catch the slider and flip...

see huge dent in tank....

Rigor · #13 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavyzee

see huge dent in tank....

We discussed that Zach: That's a beer-cozy with a matching cigarette and lighter holder....

heavyzee · #14 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rigor

We discussed that Zach: That's a beer-cozy with a matching cigarette and lighter holder....

i do not have a drinking and smoking problem...

not i......

**varium** · #15 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 01:08 AM

Did you get the tank thing situated(fix), or are you going to be need another one? Got a plain silver one off an 04 that is just collecting dust.

tarheelguy3 · #16 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 01:38 AM

Sorry to hear about your get-off GPZ, hope its all coming back together well.

gpz11 · #17 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 01:50 AM

I'm good for a tank. I was already over at the dyno shop and swapped the good one on the bike. I had a couple hanging on the wall. I've now got one less.

**varium** · #18 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpz11

I'm good for a tank. I was already over at the dyno shop and swapped the good one on the bike. I had a couple hanging on the wall. I've now got one less.

Cool. Thank god for stocking up on spares before the season, right?

Fishyhead · #19 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 06:16 AM

On my recent get-off, the sliders would have done little to help the bike as she landed flat on gas tank (think stunter tank)

So what's the story on the tank, Varium?

gpz11 · #20 (**permalink**) 07-03-2007, 01:36 PM

Another thing I found when swapping over the tanks is the hinge for the Mori airbox busted. The front of the lid is currently being held on with electrical tape until I get the bike home and am able to replace it. I don't think there will be too much pressure being built in the airbox sitting on the dyno.

I have the CRG clutch lever sitting here at work so we can try to straighten it. I think I should invest in a folding clutch lever. I already have the folding brake lever.