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Removing the Gas tank from an old Honda can be a real pain because of the balance tube. Here is a simple solution you can easily do to your bike and never have the problem again.
Old Honda Gas Tank Balance Tube Solution
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Since my disconnect broke this has been my set up. The problem seems to be your petcock a reserve function is void. =one day won't start as you try sloshing enough gas to fill the carbs or lots of stops at the gas station to make sure you don't have that problem. The factory way is best imo.
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You could end up with fuel in the non petcock side that you can’t access, but wouldn’t the reserve still work?
I tried the leak free connector in the middle of this hose... it leaked!
I went back to the old way, but it is messy and a PITA to get connected.
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I suppose, Alex, that you could use the 'reserve' we used to use on our old Brits. Tip the bike over to one side to let the fuel get to the petcock side. Then hope to find a gas station real soon. This 'over the frame' method is not a reliable solution.
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I think while your riding, enough might get sloshed over to keep the floats satisfied for awhile. Idk, they'll be a point where you'll have issues I suspect. Could even cause a dangerous lean condition I'd think.
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The gas will siphon over, no problem. Just before you install the tank pull the loop of hose down and any air bubbles will be expelled. As long as both ends are covered with fuel the tube will be full and gas will flow freely back and forth. Uncover one end and it will get air in it and stop. Of course if you uncover one end or the other it means you're out of gas anyway.
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Been running my cl350 like this for 2 years works fine.
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Four thought
1-my experience and quick research says a siphon works if one side is lower than the other
2- if mikes correct would low fuel level and braking uncover the crossover allowing air?
3-having the tube go up over the seat just doesn't seem right
4-get some lengths of cheap hose and drain from the petcock into a separate tank, come on guys it's 5-10 minutes.
Motorcycle nut, if you're out there, I appreciate your love of these old bikes and videos. Forgive me if I find fault, some days it's my only entertainment.
1-my experience and quick research says a siphon works if one side is lower than the other
2- if mikes correct would low fuel level and braking uncover the crossover allowing air?
3-having the tube go up over the seat just doesn't seem right
4-get some lengths of cheap hose and drain from the petcock into a separate tank, come on guys it's 5-10 minutes.
Motorcycle nut, if you're out there, I appreciate your love of these old bikes and videos. Forgive me if I find fault, some days it's my only entertainment.
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2,832 Posts
It works but not as well, there will be fuel that won't equalize when it gets low.
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3,056 Posts
That is the point.
It dosen't work the same as the OEM design.
It will NEVER allow the fuel on the LEFT Side of 350 (with Petcck on the right) to be used.
Your RESERVE Capacity will be 1/2 the Norm as it can't access the one side.
If you are good with that than ... by all means do it.
BUT...
The Simple thing is to just drain the tank down to EMPTY on Reserve.
Then lay the bike over on it's side.
Disconnect an CAP off both ends. (a short 1" section of Hose with a Bolt in the end)
Stand the Bike UP and Remove the Tank.
5-10 Min. MAX.
REALLY - we are talking about mostly small bikes here.
If you can't lay it over Gently and pick it back up maybe you shouldn't be riding it.
It dosen't work the same as the OEM design.
It will NEVER allow the fuel on the LEFT Side of 350 (with Petcck on the right) to be used.
Your RESERVE Capacity will be 1/2 the Norm as it can't access the one side.
If you are good with that than ... by all means do it.
BUT...
The Simple thing is to just drain the tank down to EMPTY on Reserve.
Then lay the bike over on it's side.
Disconnect an CAP off both ends. (a short 1" section of Hose with a Bolt in the end)
Stand the Bike UP and Remove the Tank.
5-10 Min. MAX.
REALLY - we are talking about mostly small bikes here.
If you can't lay it over Gently and pick it back up maybe you shouldn't be riding it.
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144 Posts
I want to thank you guys for all your comments. It's funny how many people will argue over a few ounces of fuel. Honestly I'll bet you have spilled more gas on the ground, removing you tank or that leaky carb that you haven't fix yet, then what will be left in the tank using this set up. This video was about making it easy to get your tank off without having to drain it. And for all you guys worried about running out of gas, fill your tank, gas is cheap, and you can get your tank off easy now if it's half full.
P.S. For you guys with 350s, it works for those too. I have two of them. The routing is a little different but you get the idea.
P.S. For you guys with 350s, it works for those too. I have two of them. The routing is a little different but you get the idea.
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3,751 Posts
+1, just keep the top half of the tank full and don't worry about it. I remember reading a Honda service bulletin, back in the day, where they said they were eliminating the cross-over tube on some models. Honda's engineers had looked things over and concluded that it wasn't necessary. Take a look at the bottom of a late style CL77 gas tank(the one with the central seam), there is no crossover line.
Both of the 450s I have purchased had the fuel lines routed over the frames.. I had thought it was "factory" and figured the negative pressure from one side would "siphon" the fuel over... I actually considered it a "good idea" since the tank on my old shovel head had the cross over tube up front and it was a PITA removing the tank for whatever reason.
Untill I saw a thread for "quick disconnects" did I realize it was not done by Honda. The only "argument" I can see regarding either "capping off" or routing the tube over the frame would be fuel "settling" on that one side of the tank and not getting mixed or moved .. in turn allowing moister / water to possibly collect on the seam of that side of the tank..(ethenhol obsorbing moisture)
Not saying it would happen, just thinking long term from seeing tanks rusted in those specific areas.
Untill I saw a thread for "quick disconnects" did I realize it was not done by Honda. The only "argument" I can see regarding either "capping off" or routing the tube over the frame would be fuel "settling" on that one side of the tank and not getting mixed or moved .. in turn allowing moister / water to possibly collect on the seam of that side of the tank..(ethenhol obsorbing moisture)
Not saying it would happen, just thinking long term from seeing tanks rusted in those specific areas.
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It seems a great idea when the bike is in 'project' mode (like mine is at the moment) and the tank goes on and off regularly.
However once it's done I'll use the underslung pipe.
However once it's done I'll use the underslung pipe.
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534 Posts
I just watched the video and it hit me that if you run out of the gas because the line is routed up over the back bone, you can just pop the tank off and carry it to the gas station, then use the looped hose as a handle to carry it back to the bike.
.......Paul
.......Paul
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