Tank lift....yay or nay?

Aug 15, 2015
110
42
Levittown, PA
Name
Thor
Was fixing to order my IED's from DK and I started looking at the tank lifts. I have two quick questions:
1. I've read several reviews and they all say they cut back on the updraft that cones up between tank I batwing...is it noticable (to the point where it would feel like the fork mounted "dog dish" was there?)
2. What is the best (or max) height for a 2012 TG? 3" appears like it would interfere with bars, 1" seems too minimal...What seems to be the most common height?

Sorry if questions are redundant...I tried searching beforehand. Thanks for any help folks!
 
The 1.5" will do the job of exposing the chrome, making cleaning easier, helping the engine to run cooler, and reducing the amount of air coming over the top of the tank. It also gives you the most adjustment for the handlebars.

The 2" can fit, but reduces the amount of handlebar adjustment available. The difference in benefits between the 2" and 1.5" is insignificant, except in giving a little more room to clean the rocker covers.

In either case, get the deluxe option.

http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/Touring-Model-Tank-Lift-Kit-DK-TRG-TLK.htm


I used to run a 2" on mine, changed to the 1.5" because I like to pull the handlebars back towards me a bit, and the 1.5" let me do that more.


Kevin
 
The 1.5" will do the job of exposing the chrome, making cleaning easier, helping the engine to run cooler, and reducing the amount of air coming over the top of the tank. It also gives you the most adjustment for the handlebars.

The 2" can fit, but reduces the amount of handlebar adjustment available. The difference in benefits between the 2" and 1.5" is insignificant, except in giving a little more room to clean the rocker covers.

In either case, get the deluxe option.

http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/Touring-Model-Tank-Lift-Kit-DK-TRG-TLK.htm


I used to run a 2" on mine, changed to the 1.5" because I like to pull the handlebars back towards me a bit, and the 1.5" let me do that more.


Kevin


Thanks Kevin (and all those that replied)! Definitely ordering it tonite. I'll probably get the 2", as I never pull the handlebars back (if they go any direction, they're going up :) ) ThumbUpThumbUpThumbUpThumbUpThumbUp
 
Good choice

Here are pics. of my 2" Lift I really like it becareful position tank to clear switch other than that great mod.
 

Attachments

  • DSC00113.JPG
    DSC00113.JPG
    162 KB · Views: 351
  • DSC00109.JPG
    DSC00109.JPG
    161.2 KB · Views: 346
  • DSC00125.JPG
    DSC00125.JPG
    162.4 KB · Views: 328
  • DSC00131.JPG
    DSC00131.JPG
    162.6 KB · Views: 324
  • DSC00138.JPG
    DSC00138.JPG
    162.7 KB · Views: 335
No problem

need anything just ask more than glad to help make sure you get the deluxe option it raises the rear of the tank, I'm going to raise mine a little more this winter trying to help fuel gauge a little. :) ride safely fearless.
p.s. Also I installed Chrome Werks 2+2 wide sweepers no interference with tank.
 

Attachments

  • DSC00124.JPG
    DSC00124.JPG
    161.3 KB · Views: 319
I also have the 1 1/2" deluxe kit installed, it made a world of difference concerning the airflow, no more buffeting in the head area for me.
 
I also have the 1 1/2" deluxe kit installed, it made a world of difference concerning the airflow, no more buffeting in the head area for me.

Buffeting isnt an issue for me since putting the higher shield on, mine is the updraft...combined with a beard and, well...I'll let a picture better demonstrate:
DSCF4581.JPG

If I forget to put a hairtie in, I have to look through a wall of hair to see where I'm going LOL
 
Buffeting isnt an issue for me since putting the higher shield on, mine is the updraft...combined with a beard and, well...I'll let a picture better demonstrate:
View attachment 30681

If I forget to put a hairtie in, I have to look through a wall of hair to see where I'm going LOL

I'll bet when you sneeze you look like a party favor:laugh:, I couldn't help myself.
 
whenever I stop, I have to comb it, or it looks like a chin-afro after getting blown around like that :qpnmt:
 
:AGGHH:No shame when it is that great :Shrug: ride safely fearless

ThumbUp
Takin forever to grow though...be happier when it's 6" longer (and I'm sure I'll be saying "just another 6" then too...) never ending cycle. But it's at the point now female strangers ask if they can touch it, and random cats in traffic yell over "righteous beard" at red llights (I work door at strip club too....several of the girls made it ritual to stroke the beard for a good paying night....who am I to complain?).

Odd part is, I've had a beard (trimmed back at times) since becoming disabled on 05 (former LEO...had to stay clean shaven since joining Army in 89 at 18yo), and only recently its become "cool"...8 to 10 years ago, they would stare at me like I was homeless (with a Harley? :xzqxz:)
 
Installed the lift, got the 1.5" from DK, almost wish I splurged and went the full 2", but I'm still happy with the clearance over the heads now. Still have the updraft (though not as bad), but I picked up some stainless from Home Depot, going to make a baffle (this one: https://app.box.com/s/0dhgtkp547gvktfc64zn/1/431818932/3520037604/1 ). Only downside is I feel tighter in the seat with the rear lift installed...I did slide forward as far as I dared, left a 1/2" clearance between tank & fairing. I'll probably get used to it, only had time for a 3 mile test ride so far. the XIED's were just the ticket for smoothing the engine out.

All-in-all, happy with the results, and VERY happy with DK's service & shipping times ThumbUp

20151017_090459.jpg20151017_090424.jpg
 
Last edited:
Installed the lift, got the 1.5" from DK, almost wish I splurged and went the full 2", but I'm still happy with the clearance over the heads now. Still have the updraft (though not as bad), but I picked up some stainless from Home Depot, going to make a baffle (this one: https://app.box.com/s/0dhgtkp547gvktfc64zn/1/431818932/3520037604/1 ). Only downside is I feel tighter in the seat with the rear lift installed...I did slide forward as far as I dared, left a 1/2" clearance between tank & fairing. I'll probably get used to it, only had time for a 3 mile test ride so far. the XIED's were just the ticket for smoothing the engine out.

All-in-all, happy with the results, and VERY happy with DK's service & shipping times ThumbUp

View attachment 30789View attachment 30790
Thor, I see in your second picture that you are using something to hold your front brake leaver in the squeed position. Curious to that thing is your using?
Butch
 
Thor, I see in your second picture that you are using something to hold your front brake leaver in the squeed position. Curious to that thing is your using?
Butch

Good eye!
I don't remember the "proper" name of it, but it's like a heavy-duty twist-tie wrapped in thick rubber...I grabbed it at Home Depot. They have different sizes and colors, and it was only 2 bucks for a pair IIRC. It was my alternative to finding a velcro strap...It's my parking brake, as I don't want to dick around with the lever settings :Dorag:
2015-10-17 14.22.31SMALL.jpg
 
Good eye!
I don't remember the "proper" name of it, but it's like a heavy-duty twist-tie wrapped in thick rubber...I grabbed it at Home Depot. They have different sizes and colors, and it was only 2 bucks for a pair IIRC. It was my alternative to finding a velcro strap...It's my parking brake, as I don't want to dick around with the lever settings :Dorag:
View attachment 30807
Thank you, I'll keep my eyes open the next time I'm in Home Depot for a couple of them things.
By the way Good looking Trike
Butch
 
Just a side note. The petcock {I know there is no petcock, but ya know what I mean} is not where the gas supply from the tank is. It's about 3-4" forward where the fuel pump is. I would think if you didn't do both front and back lift, you would be getting less use of the 6 gallon tank. Not sure if it would make a whole lot of difference, but......Just my thoughts
 
Does the lift help at all with getting the tank full without continuously burping it for the last half gallon or so? Also, does it help with gauge accuracy?
 
Does the lift help at all with getting the tank full without continuously burping it for the last half gallon or so? Also, does it help with gauge accuracy?


On the 13's and earlier it helps with filling. 14-Up, no better or worse on filling.

On the 13's and earlier, it may make the gauge more or less accurate...HD just did not do well with the accuracy of the gauges until 14.

Kevin
 
Installed DK lift today

Installed the DK 1-1/2" lift today. Did not lift the rear, yet. Need to test ride in beautiful Las Vegas fall weather. I did not use DK supplied nuts, instead I used Ny-Locks and blue thread lock. I also trimmed the OEM rubber covers so they would cover as before. (If I installed the lift pieces inside out, so be it, I have no clearance issues.)

tank1.jpgTank2.jpgTankLift1.jpgTankLift2.jpg
 
I got and installed my DK 1 1/2" Tank Lift today and it was easy peasy, and as expected with any DK product.....top notch. Because I did not have a helper or three arms, I chose to use a piece of wood as a pry bar to help lift the tank AND install the bolts, and it worked like a charm.

I also got the Deluxe Option rear spacers, and chose to move the tank as far forward as possible leaving just enough room for the ignition switch (with cover) to rotate. It wasn't much of a move, but now I hope the raised logos on the side of the tank will be forward enough so my knees do not rub up against them. And because the Deluxe option rear spacers also lift the front seat attachment point, it 'should' mitigate the slight sliding forward during braking that I have experienced after installing the Comfort Lift kit in the rear.
 

Attachments

  • IMGP2687.JPG
    IMGP2687.JPG
    324.9 KB · Views: 212
  • IMGP2689.JPG
    IMGP2689.JPG
    320.6 KB · Views: 200
  • IMGP2688.JPG
    IMGP2688.JPG
    176.4 KB · Views: 203
I got and installed my DK 1 1/2" Tank Lift today and it was easy peasy, and as expected with any DK product.....top notch. Because I did not have a helper or three arms, I chose to use a piece of wood as a pry bar to help lift the tank AND install the bolts, and it worked like a charm.

I also got the Deluxe Option rear spacers, and chose to move the tank as far forward as possible leaving just enough room for the ignition switch (with cover) to rotate. It wasn't much of a move, but now I hope the raised logos on the side of the tank will be forward enough so my knees do not rub up against them. And because the Deluxe option rear spacers also lift the front seat attachment point, it 'should' mitigate the slight sliding forward during braking that I have experienced after installing the Comfort Lift kit in the rear.

Gonna move mine forward a bit more. If you're having no issues with it that close, I'm going to follow suit ThumbUp
 
Gonna move mine forward a bit more. If you're having no issues with it that close, I'm going to follow suit ThumbUp

I went for a little test ride, and the seat now feels like a catchers mitt and my butt is the ball. No sliding forward at all, and my knees no longer rub up against the tank emblems. This was a WIN WIN!
 

Attachments

  • IMGP2696.JPG
    IMGP2696.JPG
    291.9 KB · Views: 194

Welcome to the Trike Talk Community

Join our vibrant online community dedicated to all things Trikes! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, this is the place to share experiences, tips, and stories about your three-wheeled adventures. Explore modifications, maintenance advice, and rides, all while connecting with fellow trike enthusiasts from around the globe

Forum statistics

Threads
55,450
Messages
805,655
Members
24,001
Latest member
NCTriker
Back
Top Bottom