I am not ignoring your response, WG. :) I have done a significant amount of research regarding the aftermarket tank options for the Zong. However, I need to experiment a little before I present my findings in another thread. :)

Spud :)

Once the mounting tab broke off my tank shroud, I decided I had nothing to lose by experimenting a bit with different shapes.

None of the modifications I have made to my Zong are irreversible; I can easily return my motorcycle to stock form, if I desire. :) Therefore, I can easily buy new tank plastic, and return to the original configuration.

I am going to take Cal25's suggestion, and make the following section. I will post photos after the cutting is done. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...d/FinalCut.jpg

The retouched photograph shown below should approximate the final result. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...edFinalCut.jpg

Spud :)

I completed my tank plastic cuts. In addition, I decided to trim the rear side plastic as well. :)

Here is a photo taken in an Idaho wheat field.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...dValley038.jpg

This photograph was taken with an Idaho thunderstorm occurring in the distant mountains. Fortunately, I avoided getting wet. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...dValley069.jpg

Here is a view from the 4 o’clock position.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...dValley109.jpg

Here is a view from the 7 o’clock position.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...dValley090.jpg

Should I keep the tank plastic orange, or paint it black? If I keep the tank plastic orange, should I keep, or remove the lettering?

Spud :)

Boy, the sun didn't change much between four and seven o'clock. :wink:

Ditch the lettering and let's see how it looks. Don't paint the plastic yet.

:roll: :lol:
OK. I ditched the lettering. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...dValley051.jpg

Spud :)

It looks great, Spud. Ride it!

The black tank plastic would appear somewhat similar to the retouched photograph shown below.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...dValley058.jpg

Spud :)

It's Your bike, If You like it, it's all good :D

Thank you for the suggestion to trim the rear side plastic, AZ! :) The Zong's rear end looks a lot slimmer after I trimmed it a bit. ;) :D

Spud :)

Thank you for the suggestion, WG. :) I ended up using a cutting wheel on a 4 ½” angle grinder to make the first, rough cuts. I made the final, precision cuts with a cutting wheel on my Dremel tool. :D

I am pleased with the results of my experiment. My YamaZong is now lighter, with less wind resistance than before. :)

Did someone also mention aftermarket fuel tanks as an option? Hmmmm… ;) :lol:

Spud :)

Spud,

How about painting the tank orange to match the remaining orange in the shroud like this?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/...28378f_o_d.jpg

Isn't part of the reason for the tank shroud out the front to scoop the air into the front of the tank and direct it down to the air cooled engine? I could be wrong, and I don't know what I am talking about, thats why I am asking... Either way though I still prefer stock. ;) That said, nice pictures, I like the 4 oclock one best.

Before going ahead and painting the plastic, I would first try some paint on the cut off remnants of plastic. Most important would be how the paint would react to slops and spills when filling the tank with gas. I know other have had problems with the paint bubbleing up after a small spill. Perhaps some paints or clear coats would preform better than others? That pproblem is what has kept me from trying to get rid of the labels on my tank cover. I know that at least the area of the decals have clear coat on them and as of now I have not had problems with gas.

I second the thought of re-painting the actual tank onder the cover.

Is there any reason to keep the shroud? I'm curious what it would look like without. The Lifan's not so good (IMHO).

IMHO, the original plastic was there to emulate the current Jap bikes that have radiators. I tend to agree with Spud that the original plastic creates more wind resistance than anything.

Spud, if you paint that plastic, it will lift the moment gas gets near it. Painting the tank to match the orange plastic does have a certain appeal.