Swapping to a Motone Aluminum Tank
We’ve been meaning to catch up on posts for the OG2 and, admittedly, we’re still pretty behind. The last update was on the fork swap, but to complete the front end, we need to talk about the Bullitt OG2 tank update too. With the new oversized forks and the way the fork tubes are positioned, there was a clearance issue with the stock Triumph tank. To get full lock with the new front end, we were going to have to notch the tank. Sure, we could’ve modified the stock tank, but in true racer spirit, why not swap it out for something lighter and with more fuel capacity?
A little rough starting point
I sourced a used aluminum Motone tank from a buddy, and it seemed like the perfect solution for the Bullitt OG2 tank update. It had some battle scars, but nothing a bit of elbow grease couldn’t fix. I got to work with sandpaper and brought it down to a nice matte-finished aluminum. The process was pretty straightforward, but it was definitely one of those “less thinking, more sanding” situations.
Now, if I’m being completely honest, I do prefer the profile of the stock Triumph tank. But with the Biltwell 100 fast approaching, this Bullitt OG2 tank update seemed like the best move. A lighter tank with more capacity meant fewer stops for fuel and a bit of weight savings—both big wins when you’re preparing for a desert race.
Ooh, baby, I like it raw
When swapping the fuel pump, the shape differences between the two tanks became even more apparent. The goal has been to improve performance while riding up on the pegs. Swapping out the BC high pipes for lower Drag Pipes was the first step in that direction. A slimmer tank should allow for better knee grip and, hopefully, improve overall feel and control. Only time will tell.
While I’m digging the end result for now, I’ll admit I’m not completely sold on it. The dents on the right-hand side bug me more than I thought they would, and the seam along the bottom doesn’t sit quite right. Maybe I’m being too picky. Time will tell if this tank stays, but for now, the OG2 is race-ready, and that’s all that matters.
Not gonna lie, she looks decent out in the wild.
To see previous work on the OG2, head on over to the build page; Bullitt OG2.
