Clark 86/87 Tecate Tank in Production

[christph]

You are looking at a prototype tank for the 86/87 Tecate. A year ago I sent Clark Manufacturing a tank so they could make a mold. They sent me this a couple weeks ago so I could check fitment, quality, etc. As you can see it looks great, certainly better than the brownish-green tanks we all have. There were a few surface blemishes but I was told that was due to a new molding machine. The plastic is more dense than OEM--you can't see through it. I'm told the first production run should be within a couple weeks.

[fabiodriven]

This is absolutely huge to our community if they get the quality nailed. Kudos to Clarke and all involved to make this come to fruition.

[tmecars]

Excellent! Let me know when they're available to order!

[TatTooL23]

Wow. Awesome. Please let us know when they r ready

[just ben]

holy hell! I could use 3 or 4. how did this go unnoticed for a year?

[Jeb]

That's absolutely great news!

[jeswinehart]

I wonder what happened to the NEW 84/85 mold they was sending off to get Nickle coated so they could start production, a freaking YEAR ago !
Hopefully THIS comes to production (safe product this time) for the 86/87 owners.

john

[nd4speed]

Is there a more modern , easily available, cheap gas cap that fits this new tank?

[christph]

Is there a more modern , easily available, cheap gas cap that fits this new tank?

The Clark tank comes with its own gas cap. The filler hole is smaller and the OEM cap will not work.

[nstyle73]

Which, if its a general Clarke gas cap, I think there are billet ones available through them. But I thought the 84/85 tank was already being sold, apparently not? Thanks for sending the OEM tank in to be molded.

[christph]

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Yeah, Clarke sells billet caps that work with their tanks. I have to say that the plastic cap you get with it seems to be a good design. I'm including a few more pictures with the Clarke tank.

[falloutboy]

The only thing I noticed about that is the color seems a few shades lighter than the rest of the bike. Maybe that's just how their green is?

[bkm]

The only thing I noticed about that is the color seems a few shades lighter than the rest of the bike. Maybe that's just how their green is?Its closer than brown though. Hell the oem tanks didn't match anything when they were new. I do agree it looks a tad lighter, but at this point beggars can't be chooser's.

[Blown 331]

I wish I had a bike to put one on! I'm happy with my red 85 though, the tank doesn't turn colors and it blends into my Honda's better. :lol:

[christph]

The color depends on the lighting. In the direct sunlight the tank looks a little lighter, although you don't really notice it unless you are thinking about it. In lower light it is a closer match. In my garage it looks like a perfect match.

[just ben]

The color depends on the lighting. In the direct sunlight the tank looks a little lighter, although you don't really notice it unless you are thinking about it. In lower light it is a closer match. In my garage it looks like a perfect match.The tank never was a perfect match so I don't tink it matters much.anything is better than brown.

[3 or die]

Let's hope this goes through. I got a shelf full of junk.

[TatTooL23]

anything yet??

[lazybiker79]

I can't wait to get two :Bounce

[christph]

I'll contact them this week and see if they are in production.

[El Camexican]

Green is the color of one of our trademarked product lines. Pantone 347. It is an absolute nightmare to match up when dealing with any coloring method other than paint i.e anodizing, powder coat, plastic. My thought is that if they can even just get it close (and it seems they have) you Kawi guys should be very happy. I hope for your sake they get the quality right, My Clark quality experiences so far in life are less than satisfactory, but in this case I guess beggars can’t be choosers.

[warlordmx]

Dude WTF ? if this tank gets produced I am sure I would buy one. If Hornet Powersports made one, I would buy it right now because the quality and the color would be correct ...

[hondawasaki]

any updates on availability?

[christph]

I contacted Clarke and they are not in production yet. Apparently they are having an issue with their new molding machine. I'll sound them out again in a week or two.

[OZQUAD44]

I would really like Clarke to get this tank rite, if there recent efforts with the 84/5 tanks are to be believed I'm not holding my breath.

But if by some miracle Clarke can pull this off, expect to see a green meanie shooting up a sand dune in Western Australia in the not too distant future

[TatTooL23]

Here we go....

New molding machine?? But they already made one supposedly. And they make other tanks all the time???

[christph]

I can only tell you what they told me. The tank in the pictures is a pre-production tank they wanted me to check for fitment before they produced a lot of them. Fitment was fine. It did have a surface blemish on the left corner near the seat (check the pictures) and they said it was a problem with their new machine. Apparently it is still a problem. I know nothing about molding plastic tanks so I'm taking them at their word. I told them there are a lot of guys that want one so they have the economic incentive. Personally, I rather wait a little longer and have them get it right.

[hondawasaki]

I have a '84 clark tank, and am very pleased. I know a few of you have had a bad experience with them, but for me it was great. I will definitly be getting a b2 tank when they are released.

[christph]

Got a knock on the door today and what do you know, it's the UPS man with a new Clarke 86/87 Tank. The first tank (see photos at the start of this thread) was a pre-production tank they wanted me to check for fitment. The one I got today is a production tank. It looks perfect. I got it for free for letting them use my OEM tank as a model. I can post pictures later. I don't see it on their website yet but if you want one I think they are available. No more greenish-brown tanks that destroy the look of a nice restoration.

[Blown 331]

I don't have a use for one, but wow this is awesome!

[christph]

Here you go, the new Tecate 86/87 Clarke tank. You can see it comes with a thick rubber gasket for the petcock.

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[hadar]

Looks fantastic. Nice work. Are they available now from Clarke?

[christph]

I think so but give them a call. This came in the mail by surprise. Last time I checked a few weeks ago they were still trying to correct a problem with their molding machine.

[MIK6]

That tank looks awesome! How is the fit w it?
i bet it would look even better w a set of these http://shop.3wheelerworld.com/productdetails.php?productid=79
if i remember rite hagen has a set of spacific bolts for the shrouds too.. im not sure if he still makes them or not, but that would finish off that tank nicely!

MIK6/ Mike

[TecateDan]

I would love them to fix the 84/85 mold while they are at it

[christph]

The 84/85 tank is now visible on their website. It wasn't a while ago so they may have fixed the problem.

[Billy Golightly]

Holy smokes, those are AWESOME!

[TatTooL23]

Yes! Finally. Just in time. Thanks.

[TatTooL23]

I just called Clarke and ordered both the 1st gen and 2nd tanks! they r available even in black red and natural as well.

[Xowner]

I just called Clarke and ordered both the 1st gen and 2nd tanks! they r available even in black red and natural as well.

Great let us know how they fit asap! What did the 2nd gen tank cost?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-Tecate-3-KXT250-Fuel-Tank-Gas-Cap-1986-1987-Stock-Size-uses-OEM-Petcock-/360473238063?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53ede11a2f&vxp=mtr there on ebay too

[Red Rider]

Good looking tank. Hopefully, for you Tecate guys, these will fit & function as well as they look.

[3Razors]

Looks like I'll be in the market for one. But I'll wait till some others give some long-term ride reports on the fit/finish before commiting.

[warlordmx]

Just ordered a new tank for an 86 tecate from clarke...it looks great...now quit being on the shelf, put your money where your mouth is and go buy one...
Seems everybody asks for sh*t and when they get it they dont support it ... wtf ?

[warlordmx]

gas cap comes with tank - you use standard petcock - just ordered one ninja !

[fabiodriven]

Just ordered a new tank for an 86 tecate from clarke...it looks great...now quit being on the shelf, put your money where your mouth is and go buy one...
Seems everybody asks for sh*t and when they get it they dont support it ... wtf ?

Guys are just being cautious. There has been some hub-bub about Clarke's stuff lately brought on solely by themselves.

[ezmoney1979]

Just ordered a new tank for an 86 tecate from clarke...it looks great...now quit being on the shelf, put your money where your mouth is and go buy one...
Seems everybody asks for sh*t and when they get it they dont support it ... wtf ? How about put your camera where your Tecate is and post up a picture showing a good fit. I gotta see the quality before I shell out the cash, given the problems they had making the first gen tank, so calm down turbo......

[ylwgtr]

still waiting for my early xmas bonus
152003

[ylwgtr]

Got my tank this morning just sat it on looks to line up perfect everywhere....it's a ripper product....it appears Clark use a Honda thread on the filler neck so if you don't want the cap which has there name on it just get a Honda cap (2006 cr250 will work) so in short guys if you have a tecate buy this tank make no mistake

[ylwgtr]

ive read that many people have had issues with clark....and im sorry to read about those issues.But for $185 aussie dollars plus $60 aud postage,i didnt see it as much of a risk.And although i havent used the tank (so i may have egg on my face if it leaks/splits during use)But apart from buying this tank there really isnt an option,sure i could make a hand beat alluminium tank but it wouldnt look original.I too have had problems with certain products and have said i will never buy one of there products again,but eventually they change there ways/rectify problems and i buy again(with caution but it usually works out ok)Ive also done the spend thousands of dollars,man hours making parts on the principle that a certain company burnt me to make a $50 part :D so i can see your point of view.I will be placing an order for another 2 tanks in the next few days....so i may be able to give an opinion on consistancy if that helps any?Unless someone else is making a repro tecate tank im more than happy to buy them aswell :)

[warlordmx]

As soon as I can I will post up some pics, people need to support people who make parts for our trikes, I have purchased from 3ww shop many times and we have a community which fabricates what we need, therefore support them. As far as the tank a used brown one is 100 plus and a bracket sometimes 100...For double the price you can have a set of killer stainless stell brackets and a new tank ... Problem Solved ... Problem Staying solved ...As far as being cautious goes ...Is a 28 year old gas tank that you find used for half the money better quality than a new one ... I think not
As far as the sport goes ... When people like hornet powersports, shawn, billy and others invest into our sport, support them, same goes for clarke because up until now we didnt have s**T...

[ezmoney1979]

With all of this said^........ is anyone going to post a picture of their new tank, installed??? Sorry' but holding it up to the trike and saying "it looks like it all lines up good" is not going to cut it for me. Anyone, someone, somewhere, somehow obtain a camera and get us some pics (I really cant believe I have to ask, I would have a page of pics up if I bought one)........ NOW!! Please??- Ezmoney

[christph]

Here is the tank and some pictures of it installed. If you check the first post you will see additional pictures.

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With all of this said^........ is anyone going to post a picture of their new tank, installed??? Sorry' but holding it up to the trike and saying "it looks like it all lines up good" is not going to cut it for me. Anyone, someone, somewhere, somehow obtain a camera and get us some pics (I really cant believe I have to ask, I would have a page of pics up if I bought one)........ NOW!! Please??- Ezmoney

[dcreel]

Chris, That is one of the sharpest 2nd gen Tecate's I've ever seen.. Are those rear wheels Hiper wheels? How did you get them in 4/156 or how did you change your rear hub pattern? I see the extended hubs are they 4/110?

[christph]

Thanks, here are some pictures of the engine. If you look close you can see it has a Sprock cool head.

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Regarding the rear end, the axle is stock with Tusk extended billet hubs. You can get them at Rocky Mountain for $100 bucks. They are for the Honda TRX 450R but the Tecate axle has the same spline pattern. They are a perfect fit except you need a 7mm spacer between the axle and the hub as there is a slight mismatch between the length of the splines. Getting a cotter pin through the castle nut can also be a challenge because the hub is so deep. So, I used a nylon nut from the axle of the KTM 525 XC quad. It locks on tight and you don't have to use the cotter pin. The hub is the 110 bolt pattern so you can use a wider selection of rims. The rims I have are DWT with green beadlocks. I have some hipertechs on my KTM quad and they are much heavier than the DWTs. With the hubs the overall width is 50 inches. I'm really happy with the setup.



Chris, That is one of the sharpest 2nd gen Tecate's I've ever seen.. Are those rear wheels Hiper wheels? How did you get them in 4/156 or how did you change your rear hub pattern? I see the extended hubs are they 4/110?

[just ben]

I recieved one today and the fit,finish and quality are all perfect I couldn't be happier

[ezmoney1979]

I recieved one today and the fit,finish and quality are all perfect I couldn't be happier

Thanks Ben, thats great news! I will be getting one soon.

[warlordmx]

How about put your camera where your Tecate is and post up a picture showing a good fit. I gotta see the quality before I shell out the cash, given the problems they had making the first gen tank, so calm down turbo......

Pictures are on my profile page in an album...Turbo ? that is funny...I am a little aggressive at times so sorry no offense guys ...lol

[just ben]

Got my tank this morning just sat it on looks to line up perfect everywhere....it's a ripper product....it appears Clark use a Honda thread on the filler neck so if you don't want the cap which has there name on it just get a Honda cap (2006 cr250 will work) so in short guys if you have a tecate buy this tank make no mistakehere you go paul

[cavemanbob21]

I just got mine today and honestly i dont know how it could be any better im super happy with it makes whole bike come together. feel as though im never gonna get all those hours of polishing that old ratty tank back outta my life lol

[ezmoney1979]

Got my tank the other day! I am very impressed on the quality and fit, especially for $211 shipped. Here are some pics.
http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae240/ezmoney1979/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20CHEETO/Tecategastank004.jpg
http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae240/ezmoney1979/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20CHEETO/Tecategastank001.jpg
http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae240/ezmoney1979/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20CHEETO/Tecategastank005.jpg
http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae240/ezmoney1979/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20CHEETO/Tecategastank002.jpg
http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae240/ezmoney1979/Photobucket%20Desktop%20-%20CHEETO/Tecategastank003.jpg
http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae240/ezmoney1979/Tecategastank001-2.jpg

The overall quality is probably better than OEM. The brass inserts sit nice and flush and the petcock area is flat. I'm very happy with it :beer

[bkm]

It is very nice to see that they have stepped up the quality on these tanks. I wonder how the new first gen tanks are since they redid the mold. I have the infamous dcreel white first gen tank that I have to caswell epoxy if I want to use it. It would be nice to have a new green tank to go with it.

[Billy Golightly]

Wow those turned out extremely nice! Great going Clarke on repro'ing these and getting it right.

[TecateDan]

I'd love to know hte answer to this as well ...


It is very nice to see that they have stepped up the quality on these tanks. I wonder how the new first gen tanks are since they redid the mold. I have the infamous dcreel white first gen tank that I have to caswell epoxy if I want to use it. It would be nice to have a new green tank to go with it.

[Blown 331]

This is great! I wish I had a bike to put one on!

[OZQUAD44]

Well guys, I have been way from the site for some time, and its seems something has changed dramatically in the world of Tecate land since the last time I graced these hallowed halls of the internet. NEW GREEN FUEL TANKS for 86/7 KXT Tecates...... WOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Now where is the best place to buy one?

Tammy of cosmic quads is sending my boxes of other Tecate stuff over, I recently discovered I can buy wide axles for my tecate, and blow me down with a feather I can buy a new tank now. Life is good!


See what happens when people trailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro for long enough about something... other, better looking, people go right ahead and do something about it.

I'm a green and gold blooded Aussie through and through, so this may come as a shock to some...... But, God bless America!

P.S. I don't know if the people at Clarke are better looking, but if they make new a new tank for my 87 Tecate, they can be what the heck they want to be in my books.

P.P.S Any word on the 84/5 tanks, has the mold been fixed?

[69HemiGTX]

Their website shows the 84-85 tanks as available. I have no clue about the mold, though. I can't believe they are making 86-87 tanks. I have never owned a B-model Tecate, and at this rate, it'll be years until I do, but I might just buy one or two tanks to help them out for taking a huge risk. All Tecate owners need to buy one to show their support. These are the first new tanks in a very long time, y'all. Spend a little and send the message that you are serious about your Tecates.

[nd4speed]

Do the 86/87 gas tanks come with the mounting brackets?

[69HemiGTX]

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg39/juztan/fd505517_holy20thread20resurrection.jpg

Nope, they sure don't. You have to re-use your originals.

[elvetost]

Do the 86/87 gas tanks come with the mounting brackets?

No they dont. You have to source your own ones man. They do turn up on the bay from time to time.. They aint toooooo difficult to fabricate actually, provided you can get a "sample" to work with.
Waiting for mine through the post, so when they arrive I could prolly knock out a set for you if you want.

Cheers,
Chris

[nd4speed]

I have like 4 sets, I am selling them, thanks you guys

[tecaterob]

So r these tanks still available ?

[elvetost]

They sure are. Got mine a couple of weeks ago. Good stuff. :)