Gas Tank Lift Kit?

[GoSlo]

Searched the forum about this, but can't find anything posted previously, so hope I'm not repeating something. I'm curious if anyone has installed them on their TriGlide? Seems like it would provide a least a little better air flow around the engine for cooling purposes, but I'm just guessing. The kit comes in various heights, so I wondered which one would be better and what, if any, are the advantages / disadvantages to doing this?

Thanks!

 

[Gorilla]

goslo can you post a link to what you are referring to?

 

[GoSlo]

Here you go....

Tank lift kit Harley-Davidson Touring Sportster Dyna Softail Nightster DK Custom

 

[americanbadass]

I installed a gas tank lift bracket, about 9 years ago. This was when my HD Roadking was a 2 wheeler. I did it because it gives more of a chopper esque look to a bike, by elevating the gas tank a few inches (my kit was 2.5 inches up). These kits do increase cooling a bit, due to the fact that air circulates around the motor more efficentley. I can't remember where I got the kit-out of a magazine or sumpin.<br />
The only drawback I have noticed, after installing the ezsteer, the change in angle of my front end puts the handlebars really close to the gas tank (1/2 inch). I may end up removing it, because while the bars don't touch the tank-it just bothers me to have em that close to the tank.

 

[icebite1]

I have DKs 1 1/2" on wifes TG.

 

[GoSlo]

They do tell you to "test" the clearance before buying/installing to make sure your handlebars or other pieces/parts aren't affected by the added height. Just thought maybe the additional space would help with cooling the engine. Exposing more of the rocker box so you can see more chrome would be a slight benefit, but not reason enough for me to do it unless it helps with the heat.

 

[GoSlo]

icebite1, do they help with engine heat? Any other reason(s) you put them on? I've never seen or heard of this before, so any info will be helpful.

Thanks again.

 

[icebite1]

Sent you a pm GoSlo

 

[icebite1]

Pics of TG with DK Customs Tank Lifts

pic 1 is stock, 2 is front raised, 3 is front and rear raised, 4 shows clearence

They help and you can clean those nice crome rocker boxes

 

[Gorilla]

there might be some heat benefit, but I would not think it would be a lot. The look is the biggest benefit that and being able to get to more of the rocker covers to keep clean. On the 08 and newer bikes it changes the front of the seat height I would suspect becase the front of the seat slides into the tab off the back of the tank.

 

[SEAlaskan]

I also have the 1 1/2" tank lifts and I now feel more air hitting the inside parts of my legs (a round the knee/thigh area). ThumbUp

Gorilla; you are right about the seat, my Road Zeppelin seat is no longer resting on the trikes frame, the seat is resting at two points, at the tank and where the back screw secures. I now need to find some kind of plastic bumps to put between the seat and trikes frame, other wise the seat rocks side to side. But still like the tank lifts.
Butch

 

[icebite1]

The stock seat formed right to to the lift with no problem, must be more flexible. Actual seat height didnt change just the nose of it. We havent noticed any difference in seat comfort. It did appear to get more air accross the top of the engine when moving, biggest benefit for us was cleaning those nice chrome rocker boxes.

 

[GoSlo]

Thanks to everyone that's responded. So far it sounds like the lifts provide minimal additional engine cooling, if any at all, and since that's what I was going for, guess I'll pass for now unless someone comes along and says something different.

Thanks again.

 

[kimber45]

The stock seat formed right to to the lift with no problem, must be more flexible. Actual seat height didnt change just the nose of it. We havent noticed any difference in seat comfort. It did appear to get more air accross the top of the engine when moving, biggest benefit for us was cleaning those nice chrome rocker boxes.

I agree with icebite. Seat height is the same, more air across the engine and I noticed less air coming over the front of the tank.

 

[GARYD]

This is the first I've heard of this product. I like the fact I can clean the tops of the rocker boxes, but I have the Zepplin air seat and if what Butch said is true, I don't want the seat supported by only 2 tabs.
Having more under seat space would be a nice byproduct though.

 

[trikermutha]

Yea seen pictures and it looks like it bends up the front end of the seat and changes the angle of the gas tank.. ..dont really see any benefit ..

 

[icebite1]

You dont have to use the rear lifts, its an option. I guess if you have specific concerns ask the people who make them at www.DKCustom.com

 

[SEAlaskan]

This is the first I've heard of this product. I like the fact I can clean the tops of the rocker boxes, but I have the Zepplin air seat and if what Butch said is true, I don't want the seat supported by only 2 tabs.
Having more under seat space would be a nice byproduct though.

Gary, after seeing Icebite's report, I got to thinking of why my seat would sit differently and finely figured it out. Back in late 2008 when I pick up my Tri-Glide the first thing I changed was the seat which I had a problem with the new seat making the connection with the bracket on the fuel tank, sooo I bent the tanks bracket up so the new seat would slide on, I guess I need to bend that bracket back down. I'll have to apologize for my short memory. I do have the tank lift deluxe.
Butch

 

[msocko3]

I just installed a set of the 1 1/2" lifts on my dads Triglide, we figure even if there is just a small amount of air flow increase its a benefit.

 

[Fusionfool]

I have installed the 2" lift on our 2013 Tri Glide, and love it. I installed the front and back lift. It does help direct more air to the motor. I can feel less wind under my chin. Before installing I was paying attention to the direction of the air flow. Majority of the air would come right up to my face. Now with the 2" lift the majority of the air goes parallel to the windshield. It does not eliminate the air to the face, but helps. As for cooling, I have and in fairing temp gauge, before tank lift I would get in stop and go traffic temps would rise to 155° easily, and then as you got out on the open road again not cool very fast. Now with the tank lift, of course no change in stop and go traffic, but once you get out on the open road, temps drop much faster. I would say about 25% faster cooling compared to no tank lift. Now the real benefit is the look, and accessibility. Now one thing with the premium tank lift in the rear. It does lift the seat. It is stable, and I like that it gets the seat off the side pannel. For me I like it sets me back a bit in the seat, and no sliding forward feeling.

Before:

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After:

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Current:

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[Oldmsocko]

Since I am anal I like the fact you can keep the top of the rocker boxes clean.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Ill go ahead and add on to this.... the 1.5" and 2" tank lifts will work on the Tri-Glides. The 2.5" or 3" will not work because of the 6 gallon tanks.

We have tons of customers that get these for different reasons.
The main benefits they all report are:
1. It provides for better air flow over the motor. (typically the cylinder heads will be 15-20* cooler at highway travel)
2. Improves the over all lines of the bike.
3. Exposes the rocker covers for better access and cleaning.
4. Many experience a reduction/elimination of helmet buffeting due to more air being pushed under the tank across the engine, and less over the top of the tank

If you have any questions feel free to call us here at the shop.

 

[Sloufoot]

I also have the 2" lift in front & 1/2" in the rear, DK's deluxe kit. What everyone said above is correct ! It does sure help with the cleaning, & some help in the highway cooling! The seat goes up some, but not a lot, but it does feel different.
Besides I like the looks better!

 

[Tuccandler]

Sloufoot,
Sounds like you like the set up. Is the fuel gauge still working accurately?

 

[Sloufoot]

Sloufoot,
Sounds like you like the set up. Is the fuel gauge still working accurately?

Yeah, the fuel tank sits almost level with the ground after the lift. My fuel light comes on & I can get to a pump, around 4-5miles & put in right at 5.1gal.
If you look at the tank without the lift, the front bottom looks lower than the rear.

 

[Que Tip]

I added the 2" lift to a '10 FLHXXX. Found the stock seat tongue wouldn't fit until I shimmed the rear of the tank with 3 washers per side.
Now the guage, it is not accurate. I fill up just about E and find there's a couple of gals left. Haven't the courage yet to hit the reserve light because it's reading E.
Yes, I'm also watching the mileage.
Thanks to Sloufoot I'm going for the light.
If your tall in torso like me you look less dorky with the tank lift.
Sorry if I offened anyone

 

[Fusionfool]

I notice only a little change with the 2" lift and the Premium Kit (rear lift). I am going to guess about max loss of usable fuel 1/4 gallon. I can still get 190 - 200 per tank, but sweating it out to get to a station at that point. I normally fill at around 170 so no problem with the little loss of usable fuel. That is with passenger. I do not have much history with out passenger so one might have even less loss of usable fuel with single rider due to the levelness of the trike.

 

[Tuccandler]

Thanks for all the info. I like the look of the front & rear lift, it sounds like the deluxe kit is the way to go for the trike.

Just a little info. I have the 2" kit on my 09 Deluxe Softail and I get the light on early. It has a 5 gal tank and the light comes on with over a gal left in the tank. Just for fun I ran her an additional 40 miles after the light came on and she still got me to the pumps with .4 to spare. The fuel was all useable, only the indication was low. Also ran her till she stopped and the fuel injection was not a problem. Put in a gal and fired it up, no issues so don't be afraid to test your distance then you can monitor the miles for range.

 

[dafoot2]

Bought the two inch lift and deluxe option. Looks good shows a lot more of the rockers. Not sure of the cost though. Almost fifty bucks for a few bolts and nuts, and two extenders and spacers, didn't need the fuel line. I'll get a better feel for them when it gets warmer and I can get out for a ride, and see how the seat conforms to me. I've got 12 inch handlebars and found no clearance issues at all. Curious to see how the fuel guage difference will affect me.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Here's a short vid on the tank lift kits.




Here's a link to more info on fuel capacity.

http://www.triketalk.com/forum/threads/18555-Dk-custom-tank-lifts-information-thread

The Tri-Glides are a bit different. Even with a 2" lift along with the Deluxe option, there is no change in usable capacity.

Here's a pic of me filling up. Bike was running fine when I pulled in, no "almost out of gas sputtering" and it took 6.05 gallons.