85-86 clarke gas tank

[Samjp22]

So i just received my clarke gas tank for my 85 250r. the problem is when i mounted the front mounts the rear mounts were off by about 1/2inch. i built shims for the front brackets to bring the tank backwards but this caused the front of the tank to be about two inches too high not allowing the rad shrouds to go on. Just reading skidoo99's post about that 86 frame and its mentioned that the front mounts are different between the two years. clarke says to switch the mounts from side to side but thats not going to do anything. Anyone else have this problem and have a solution or am i going to have to make mounts to match the OEM ones. thanks Sam.

[3wheelrider]

Had the same issue a few yrs ago -when I got my NEW CLARKE 250R tank . I had no good solution really. I spaced out the front mount location to make it work -~~ I almost ruined it trying to make it bolt up! Not a pleasant surprise- after spending $200 on it......... good luck with it

[Samjp22]

yeah thats what I'm thinking I'm gonna have to do as CLARKE says they use this bracket on every tank. when i come up with a solution ill post a pic to help out others

[Red Rider]

Just reading skidoo99's post about that 86 frame and its mentioned that the front mounts are different between the two years.

While the forward tank mounts are slightly different from an '85 frame to an '86 frame, they shouldn't prevent you from swapping tanks from one year to another. This fitment issue must be related to Clarke's tank design, which, from what I've read, wouldn't be the first time.

[Stingray]

Sam,
Try to test fit the Clark tank without the backbone tank rubbers. Then try using one backbone tank rubber.

[Samjp22]

Well figured it out last night without having to do too much really. ended up swapping the front brackets from side to side, rotated them 180 degrees and then put my front rubber mounts on so the thick part was facing out instead of in. everything mounts up pretty good now. hopefully this can help out others who are thinking of ordering a tank or currently having problems fitting theirs.

[Samjp22]

Anyone know what kind of after market (billet) caps will fit a Clarke tank? Don't like the Clarke cap and from what I've heard they're caps are .

[3wheelrider]

I have a billet cap on my Clarke tank, -but dont know what its off of (given to me). Im thinking its from a Raptor or Banshee but not sure?-
* The Clarke gas cap SEAL broke apart within a VERY VERY short time. That cheap rubber doesnt like gasoline! It will cause a nasty leak while you ride!- Also-The rim of the tank/fill opening has a very poor edge on mine (where the seal sits) -its thin & uneven. But the billet cap I have seals it off very well and the rubber seal is still perfect on this one after few years. So there is one that fits I CAN say-but dont know which-sorry...

[Samjp22]

Would you be able to take a couple pics of it for me? (Top and bottom) and yeah that's what I read about the seals being bad so I'd like to get rid of it asap lol thanks

[3wheelrider]

Here you go

I dont know who made it either unfortunately? Its several years old also....

[Samjp22]

awesome thanks a lot. i have a feeling its for a banshee or something along those lines, there was a thread here a little while ago about banshee caps fitting the 250rs.

[Samjp22]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/RIS-Designs-B...a2260c&vxp=mtr

found your cap

[3wheelrider]

Oh wow!- sure looks identical!?!

[kazander]

the last tank i bought from clarke was a 350x. Had to make a spreader to spread the front mounts then heated to let it take a set. No they are not 100% on the fitment on any I have bought from them but we have very few choices.

[Samjp22]

3wheel- yeah! at least that gives me a variety of caps to choose from

kaz- yeah at least someone is making tanks, lots of people would be out of luck if they didnt