Zongshen 200GY-2 Tank Plastic Mod - Page 3

SpudRider · 08-23-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Spud, I'm going to need an aftermarket tank option before I can vote.

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

SpudRider · 08-23-2009, 12:59 AM

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.

The retouched photograph shown below should approximate the final result.

Spud

SpudRider · 08-26-2009, 12:17 AM

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.

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

Here is a view from the 4 oâ€™clock position.

Here is a view from the 7 oâ€™clock position.

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

Weldangrind · 08-26-2009, 12:28 AM

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.

SpudRider · 08-26-2009, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

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

:roll:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

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

OK. I ditched the lettering.

Spud

Weldangrind · 08-26-2009, 02:09 AM

It looks great, Spud. Ride it!

SpudRider · 08-26-2009, 02:17 AM

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

Spud

AZ200cc · 08-26-2009, 02:17 AM

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

SpudRider · 08-26-2009, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ200cc

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

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.

Spud

SpudRider · 08-26-2009, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

You offer an excellent alternative when you suggest trimming the plastic all the way back from the front of the fuel tank to the lower rear. However, I can't think of a good tool that would accomplish that task. :( I used a hack saw and Dremel tool to remove the plastic on the front of my tank shroud; it was not an easy task. :( I don't think a hot knife would work well cutting this plastic. Perhaps the best tool to use would be a coping saw. :?:

Spud

...You could also try judicious use of a flap disc on a 4 1/2" angle grinder. Sneak up on it, and you could sand away all the offending material. Stop short of your final cut and hand sand the last bit. That's all I can come up withâ€¦

Thank you for the suggestion, WG.

I ended up using a cutting wheel on a 4 Â½â€ angle grinder to make the first, rough cuts. I made the final, precision cuts with a cutting wheel on my Dremel tool.

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? Hmmmmâ€¦

Spud

dwholler · 08-26-2009, 03:06 AM

Spud,

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

Jim · 08-26-2009, 08:30 AM

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.

Cal25 · 08-26-2009, 08:47 AM

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.

frostbite · 08-26-2009, 08:52 AM

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

Weldangrind · 08-26-2009, 11:46 AM

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.

View Poll Results: Which Zong tank plastic do you prefer?
Factory Tank Plastic	26	47.27%
3-Fin Tank Plastic Mod	2	3.64%
2-Fin Tank Plastic Mod	2	3.64%
No-Fin Tank Plastic Mod	5	9.09%
Clarke 4.1 Gallon Fuel Tank	20	36.36%
Voters: 55. You may not vote on this poll

08-23-2009, 12:59 AM	#32
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	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. The retouched photograph shown below should approximate the final result. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
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08-26-2009, 12:17 AM	#33
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	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. This photograph was taken with an Idaho thunderstorm occurring in the distant mountains. Fortunately, I avoided getting wet. Here is a view from the 4 oâ€™clock position. Here is a view from the 7 oâ€™clock position. 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 __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
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08-26-2009, 12:28 AM	#34
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	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. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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08-26-2009, 02:09 AM	#36
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	It looks great, Spud. Ride it! __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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08-26-2009, 02:17 AM	#37
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	The black tank plastic would appear somewhat similar to the retouched photograph shown below. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

08-26-2009, 02:17 AM	#38
AZ200cc Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Show Low Arizona Posts: 2,889	It's Your bike, If You like it, it's all good __________________ <br />2001 Suzuki DR200SE<br />1997 Suzuki RM250 YIKES<br />1995 Yamaha Breeze 125 daughters<br />1991 Honda XR80r Restored<br />maybe a 2003 Yamaha TTR90
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08-26-2009, 03:06 AM	#41
dwholler Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 56	Spud, How about painting the tank orange to match the remaining orange in the shroud like this?
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08-26-2009, 08:30 AM	#42
Jim Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Abbotsford, BC, Canada Posts: 4,880	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. __________________ "Be excellent to each other" "We are all human. Let's start to prove it!"
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08-26-2009, 08:47 AM	#43
Cal25 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Terrell and Grapevine Tx. Posts: 1,585	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.
	0

08-26-2009, 08:52 AM	#44
frostbite Join Date: May 2006 Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada Posts: 1,744	Is there any reason to keep the shroud? I'm curious what it would look like without. The Lifan's not so good (IMHO). __________________ Frostbite "The beatings will continue until moral improves"
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08-26-2009, 11:46 AM	#45
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	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. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
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