Wolfshoes
Member
By the time I fixed some fit and ride problems I had a second tank on my bike. The first problem was a popping problem with the rear tire. It appeared the factory coaster brake had a out of round problem and was catching on the hub creating a pop. To cure that problem I installed a new Falcon coaster brake from Ben's Cycle. After I did, the axle was longer than the original providing a attachment point for a rear carrier support. I bought Banjo Brothers grocery pannier bags for the factory welded rear carrier but the bags extended above the carrier preventing the use of a basket to bring a pie home from the store. In order to install the wire basket, I used a accessory rear tank sold for motor bikes to rise over the pannier bags. The pannier bags also happened to conceal the gas tank for a better appearance. The gas tank came with its own metal rear carrier that did not fit a bike well, but by grinding the rivets and removing the supports and installing them upside down to the axle, support was provided to weak factory welded carrier. The tank was also Kreem coated and a tee added to the fuel line joining the 1.5 liter classic black tear drop tank in the front. The front tank holds 50 oz of fuel, good for about 50 miles of riding. Because the rear tank does not empty completely, and a internal metal tube prevents it from being filled completely, the tank holds about 33 oz of fuel. To allow trapped air at the top of the tank to escape and allow for about 17 oz of additional fuel storage, a vent tube would need to be installed on the rear tank. With dual tanks, I can use the larger tank and know my remaining range when I switch to the second tank. It is possible to have both tanks open at the same time allowing the fuel in the front tank to fill the rear tank, and only have to fill the front tank. With both tanks filled there has not been a problem of the bike being too top heavy for the factory kick stand. The tank and basket support also provides a attachment point for a tail light and reflective tape. The pannier bags are removable and are large enough to hold a helmet while shopping. Generally, I step through to get on the bike and throw a leg over the back of the bike to get off. A build on a 20 or 24 inch rear tire would be better when using a rear basket to make it easier to get on and off.