I'm not a sportster guy but don't the K-Model and early sportster tank look a lot different than the later large sportster tanks?
And which one is called the turtle tank? I always thought it was the earlier one.
Well, here's the style that I'm talking about. From what i've seen, its was a 1960's to early 70's deal. I'm just wondering exactly how long a tank like this one was available and was it some sort of "option"?
The big tank (turtle) was standard on XLH models starting in '61. It was optional on XLCH and the reverse was also true, the small tank was optional on the XLH. The original version for '61-'62 used a very rare oval plastic emblem unique to that model. From '63-65 they used the same emblem as a Pan, and from '66 to the end used the '66 up Shovel emblem.
The K model tank (rounded design) was '52-'53 for the first design with strips fore and aft of the emblems, '54 -'56 for the second, with '54 having the standard script and '55-'56 having the "Victory" emblems. '57 Sportster tank looks the same from the outside but has a large recess underneath for the taller OHV engine.
Robbie
You'll never stop for gas again. It also changes the feel of the bike with the extra gas weight up top and it muffles the sound of the engine as it hangs down over the rocker boxes.
Also the late 60's tank is slightly different than the early 60's one. In addition to a slight shape change, it also has the Tillotson (66-71 XL's) vent tube.
Thank you all for the responses and totally answering my question!!!! I love the look of these and the extra capacity is a huge plus!! I had zero idea about all the different emblems as well. Very cool!
There's a guy on the local CL selling one of these. It's a good thing I didn't waste my time going to look at it. After seeing one on a bike now I can see that it's way to huge for my liking.
I got one in the swap section now. Its been on the bike for a very long time. Dont know much about other than its clean inside and out. But I am pulling all 3 tins for a hard tail, newer sporty tank and springer. I have a pic of my old 60's sport that had the turtle it came from the factory with and I will find, scan and post pic later. I really dig that bike of yours Hatch!!!! Makes me start to rethink my decision.
I got one in the swap section now. Its been on the bike for a very long time. Dont know much about other than its clean inside and out. But I am pulling all 3 tins for a hard tail, newer sporty tank and springer. I have a pic of my old 60's sport that had the turtle it came from the factory with and I will find, scan and post pic later. I really dig that bike of yours Hatch!!!! Makes me start to rethink my decision.
That Superglide style tank (which was just copied from a Sprint before the SG got it!) was standard on the Sportster "Roadster" model of the mid '70s.
Not a Turtle!
Robbie
4.0 vs. 2.2 on the small tank (dont say CH or peanut). Sure helps on the longer runs not having to stop every 60 miles for gas, but you sacifice some coolness. And that is coming from one who has bikes with each.
Yep Like I said... "I have a pic of my old 60's sport that had the turtle it came from the factory with and I will find, scan and post pic later."
I know the diff between factory sporty turtles and a super glide nicknamed turtle tanks. Also was envious of Hatchs red tank, then I see he got the black one recently...damn! Now I kinda really dont like the guy. JK, if you havnt seen it yet go check it out.
Yep Like I said... "I have a pic of my old 60's sport that had the turtle it came from the factory with and I will find, scan and post pic later."
I know the diff between factory sporty turtles and a super glide nicknamed turtle tanks. Also was envious of Hatchs red tank, then I see he got the black one recently...damn! Now I kinda really dont like the guy. JK, if you havnt seen it yet go check it out.
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