DK Custom Billet Tank Lifts - New Sizes & Finish - Q&A

[DK Custom Products]

DK Custom Billet Tank Lifts - New Sizes & Finish - Q&A

CNC Precision Cut Billet Tank Lift

New Sizes ~ New Finish​

The New Style Billet Tanks Lifts are still the same shape, & covered by the same patent. But instead of being 3 pieces of steel, with 4 welds, they are precision cut from 6061 Billet Aluminum with a Stainless Steel Thread & Hardware.

We've been making Tank Lift Kits for well over a decade now. Ours have been different than the various flat metal designs. They are purpose-made, matching the lines of the bike, and have a Lifetime Warranty.

Over a million welds later, we've kept the same sleek design, while evolving the look & function further.

We've also added a 1" option And a Machine Cut Finish, which can be polished to a Mirror, or Chrome-like, finish. Of course, the Gloss Black Powder Coat finish is still available too.

We've been able to keep the price the same, while making a better looking, easier to install, & better fitting, design.

We hope you like them, and they meet your needs. We'll be posting photos, Q&A and general info in this thread.

LINK to the Billet Tank Lift Kits.

A few photos-

 

[DK Custom Products]

What is a Tank Lift & Why Do I Need One?

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE​

Excerpt from above link-

Another misconception about lifting the tank is that it creates a volume of un-used space at the front of tank. On most fuel tanks, there is already an unused "bubble" of air due to the depth of the filler tube. Fuel cannot fill past this recessed filler tube.

Notice that changing the angle of the tank does not affect fuel capacity. In Fact, on most models, you can squeeze in a little more.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Dang ... with the new CNC lifts ... I just might have to order one when I get back ...

Okay ... couldn't wait until I get back ... ordered the 1" with the deluxe option. Of course in the shinny chrome like look ... LOL.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Dang ... with the new CNC lifts ... I just might have to order one when I get back ...

Okay ... couldn't wait until I get back ... ordered the 1" with the deluxe option. Of course in the shinny chrome like look ... LOL.

Yeah, I figured the Machine Cut Finish would look good when polished up....BUT, I had not idea how good til I put one on my bike. I was amazed...I'm not a big chrome guy, but those things polished really add a lot!

Kevin

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Yeah, I figured the Machine Cut Finish would look good when polished up....BUT, I had not idea how good til I put one on my bike. I was amazed...I'm not a big chrome guy, but those things polished really add a lot!

Kevin

What are you polishing with? Mothers and a Dremel?

I figured what the hay ... do the catch can and the tank lift when I get back ... more shinny ... Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy

 

[DK Custom Products]

What are you polishing with? Mothers and a Dremel?

I figured what the hay ... do the catch can and the tank lift when I get back ... more shinny ... Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy

We've used a dremel, also just a rag, but have found that a $4 polishing wheel from Harbor Freight, used on a drill or a "grinder" works fastest.

For polish, we've used several different, slightly abrasive compounds. Something like this $4 kit gives you everything you need.

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-buffing-kit-43657.html

Kevin

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Kind of what I figured ... Might as well do the catch can and tank lift ... i do like shinny things

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kind of what I figured ... Might as well do the catch can and tank lift ... i do like shinny things

Yeah, I'm doing the same thing for the Softail....shiny catch can and tank lift. Gonna ceramic coat them to...that way the shine will stay without having to hit it with chrome cleaner periodically.

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Amazing Product Review by Jason

Great quality product and really helps improve the look of the bike (3in lift). Very straight forward install and in about 10 minutes complete from start to finish. Having a close to empty tank really helped too.

On top of great quality product, I ordered several products on a Sunday night and received a message that the order was placed on hold early Monday morning. I was contacted about part of my order not being necessary and how to accomplish the same thing without their product. It was also pointed out that my discount (10%) was not applied either. Saving a total of $35 on my order, great customer service!

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Yeah, I'm doing the same thing for the Softail....shiny catch can and tank lift. Gonna ceramic coat them to...that way the shine will stay without having to hit it with chrome cleaner periodically.

Kevin

Okay .. got my polishing kit from Harbor today, not gonna do the ceramic thing until I'm ready to do the truck, gotta buff it some, there are some pretty good swirl marks I need to buff out first. Then I'll open the new ceramic stuff ... about 1/8-1/4 of the first one turned to crystal and I threw it away ... I'm ready when the tank lift gets here ... ... Of course ... I'll be in the wind in the Nevada desert next week ... maybe longer

 

[DK Custom Products]

Will a Tank Lift affect my usable fuel capacity?

This is another frequently asked question.

Depending on the size of your tank ( 2.1 gallons-6 gallons) and the size tank lift, ( 1", 1.5”, 2”, 2.5”, or 3”), it could possibly reduce your usable capacity by ⅛ to ⅓ of a gallon

However, in the real world, most people do NOT run their tanks until they are dry.

Since that is the case there is no practical difference in usable capacity 99% of the time.

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Review

I just did the 1" tank lift with the deluxe option and the air deflector wings.

review her post #333

https://www.triketalk.com/forum/thr...t-Bottom-Girl-an-quot-AMG-quot-Edition/page34

 

[DK Custom Products]

What size tank lift is best for my bike?

We literally get asked this question on a daily basis. The best answer is, we have no idea. I know, it sucks, but we don’t. Just because “Joe” has a Sportster 48 with Apes and “Frank” has a Sportster 48 with Apes, does not mean that the two inch tank lift will look the same on both. Lots of things factor into the look that you wouldn’t think about, such as the color of the bike, are the mirrors flipped, any other mods that are done, etc.

Also, Harleys are all hand assembled. This leaves plenty of variance in fitment, clearance, and tolerance.

So the question stands, “ How do I know which tank lift to get? ” It’s actually very simple. Since we always suggest that you check for clearance, you take a step back in this process and see what look YOU like on YOUR bike. Here are the steps:

1. With your bike on the kickstand, take the bolt out of the front of the tank.

2. Loosen (do not remove) the bolt at the rear of your tank.

3. Take a towel, or something to that nature, that is soft and won’t damage any kind of paint, and roll it up.

4. Take this roll, and place it between the backbone of the bike and the tank. You can adjust the thickness of this roll to adjust the height between 1", 1.5”, 2”, 2.5”, and 3” (Softails, and Tourings & even a 4" for a Sportster). For Dynas 2”, 2.5”, and 3”.

5. Then, take the handlebars and turn them all the way to the left, then turn them all the way back to the right, this ensures that there are no clearance issues.

By doing this, you are not only able to make sure that you can install the tank lift with no fitment issues, but you can also see the height at which you would like your tank lift.

Here is a video from our friends at Granite City Riders, showing the install process and why checking for clearance is important...

 

[DK Custom Products]

Fitment Options, variables and the Deluxe Option (rear tank lift):





In Sportsters, (1995-2003) it is possible that your tank ears have “Rubber Grommets” , if this is the case, please let us know so that we can send the proper brackets to account for the extra length needed to go through those pieces. Also, in Dynas, ( most 2010 and up) have a curve in the tank ear. We also have separate brackets to fit those bikes, so we will need to know if your tank ears have this curve.

2009 and later Touring models that have the 6 gallon tank can only use a 1", 1.5" or 2" Lift. Even with the 2", if the handlebars are pulled back toward the rider at all, there will be a clearance issue. With the DELUXE OPTION you can get a little more room by moving the tank back & leveling it a bit.

The Deluxe option is especially useful on the pre- 2004 Sportsters because the factory rear tank design does not allow the front to be lifted more than 1.5” without this option. SOME 2010 and up Dynas have extra metal on the tank ear that prevents the Deluxe option from fitting.

 

[DK Custom Products]

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[DK Custom Products]

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[DK Custom Products]

Murdering Your Ride? Our Black Billet Tank Lift Kit is a MUST!

 

[DK Custom Products]

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[DK Custom Products]

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[Ecxelsior]

Since the title says Q and A..

I installed the 1.5 inch with deluxe option on a 2010 Triglide. I followed directions and a few youtube videos. Went together fine, took about half an hour or so since I like to take time. Went for about 80 mile test right on the interstate and my bike overheated, 70 mph with the cruise control on. It was actually running hotter with the tank lift (oil temp was 230 when I got home).

I've checked my oil level, confirmed everything is nice and tight, basically went over the whole thing again, and everything looks good. Another test ride, and it heated up much quicker than normal. The second test ride wasn't as strenuous, mostly surface streets averaging about 40mph.

Is this common? There's not a lot I can troubleshoot honestly and I like the look so I'd really like to figure out what the problem is. As always, any help is certainly appreciated.

 

[PosseRider]

Sorry I can't help you,but I'm sure someone will chime in. I also installed that lift on my 16,but, I am in the minority as I did not like the look. So took it back off & put in a box. Guess it will stay there. Hope you find some answers.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Since the title says Q and A..

I installed the 1.5 inch with deluxe option on a 2010 Triglide. I followed directions and a few youtube videos. Went together fine, took about half an hour or so since I like to take time. Went for about 80 mile test right on the interstate and my bike overheated, 70 mph with the cruise control on. It was actually running hotter with the tank lift (oil temp was 230 when I got home).

I've checked my oil level, confirmed everything is nice and tight, basically went over the whole thing again, and everything looks good. Another test ride, and it heated up much quicker than normal. The second test ride wasn't as strenuous, mostly surface streets averaging about 40mph.

Is this common? There's not a lot I can troubleshoot honestly and I like the look so I'd really like to figure out what the problem is. As always, any help is certainly appreciated.

There is less heat being trapped by the tank sitting lower than the top of the rocker covers, and there is more air being pushed under the tank and across the engine. It is a physical impossibility for your engine to run hotter with a tank lift installed than without one your 2010 Tri Glide (with everything else being equal).

Since that is the case, I would look at two things-

1. Is it possible that the ambient temps are different between when running with and without the tank lift, resulting in different temperatures. btw, 230 degrees after an 80 mile run at 70 mph is not nearly as hot as you would see on most stock Twin Cam Tri Glides, it sounds like you have a few things done to cool it down, or maybe the ambient temp was not very high.

2. If the ambient temps are the same and the oil is hotter than before, given the same run, then something else changed that caused it. I don't know what all is on your bike, or where to really point you. If you want to share here, or you are welcome to email or call us and let us know, and we can give some ideas.

Probably the first thing I would look at is your oil cooler. See if a paper, or anything else dropped down near it that is blocking the air from freely flowing thru the fins. Also check to make sure none of the hoses are kinked.

There could be any number of things, but let us know how your Trike is outfitted and we'll give some ideas of things to check.

Kevin

 

[ROAD DOG]

Sorry I can't help you,but I'm sure someone will chime in. I also installed that lift on my 16,but, I am in the minority as I did not like the look. So took it back off & put in a box. Guess it will stay there. Hope you find some answers.

Same hear all the hoses and wires showing UGLY

 

[DK Custom Products]

Sure enough, there are extra wires and hoses showing

Extra chrome too

As far as looks, everyone has their own tastes.

Regardless of looks, primarily I do it to get the extra cooling.

Kevin

 

[Ecxelsior]

All good ideas, and all things I checked. (There's no nice way to say that is there? :xzqxz: ). I took a few days to just tinker on the bike and checked some other things in the process. I think I was actually overreacting, which we all know can be turned funny with some hindsight. I've looked and asked around, and you're right, 230 isn't that hot after 70mph. The day was a bit warmer than previous but not by a significant but still all things considered, just around 80 and Tx spring time temps can be in the 70s on a lot of days.

To be honest, I'm also not used to looking at my temp gauge unless I'm sitting in stop and go traffic for quite a while. My conclusion is that it was a case of cranial rectumitis brought on by the constant downard angling of my head, instead of looking up and enjoying what was actually quite a nice ride.

Downsides? Not the fault of the machine. I have a chrome(ish) fuel door, and the 1.5 inches brought the tank up just enough that the sun hits it in the right spot to get in my eyes. Easy fix, matte black cover already ordered. Was going to replace it anyway, so that's all good. I'll also be removing the "deluxe option" until I get a new seat because the way it repositions gets a bit uncomfortable. Hey, do I *really* need a reason to buy new stuff?

My wife says yes.

Thanks for looking and responding. I hope my tantrum made you chuckle.

 

[DK Custom Products]

All good ideas, and all things I checked. (There's no nice way to say that is there? :xzqxz: ). I took a few days to just tinker on the bike and checked some other things in the process. I think I was actually overreacting, which we all know can be turned funny with some hindsight. I've looked and asked around, and you're right, 230 isn't that hot after 70mph. The day was a bit warmer than previous but not by a significant but still all things considered, just around 80 and Tx spring time temps can be in the 70s on a lot of days.

To be honest, I'm also not used to looking at my temp gauge unless I'm sitting in stop and go traffic for quite a while. My conclusion is that it was a case of cranial rectumitis brought on by the constant downard angling of my head, instead of looking up and enjoying what was actually quite a nice ride.

Downsides? Not the fault of the machine. I have a chrome(ish) fuel door, and the 1.5 inches brought the tank up just enough that the sun hits it in the right spot to get in my eyes. Easy fix, matte black cover already ordered. Was going to replace it anyway, so that's all good. I'll also be removing the "deluxe option" until I get a new seat because the way it repositions gets a bit uncomfortable. Hey, do I *really* need a reason to buy new stuff?

My wife says yes.

Thanks for looking and responding. I hope my tantrum made you chuckle.

Yeah, lots of folks don't look at their temp gauge much...in fact, most don't. I'm just really keyed in on it because my first Tri Glide engine had to be rebuilt under warranty due to excessive heat (in the first 10K miles)...and since then I have talked to hundreds of others that have had anywhere from mild to serious heat damage to their engines.

Dyna and Softails guys really like that extra benefit of the changed tank angle, cause they can see their instrument cluster easier...but on the Touring bikes, with that big domed gas cap, depending on how you sit, it can get really bright. Sounds like you have a good solution to that!

I hear ya on the "clearance" issue. On the Touring bikes the Deluxe option does not bother me at all...BUT, on my Heritage the Deluxe option came off after 50 miles! :xzqxz:

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

Go HERE to See DK Custom Tank Lift Kits​

 

[DK Custom Products]

Lift Your Tank HERE​

 

[DK Custom Products]

Lift Your Tank HERE!​

 

[Silverback]

CLEAN LOOK

I like the way my tank sits with the DK 1-1/2" lift. Shows more motor. My M8 still runs 260-270 in traffic during these South Texas summers