hey all, I am a newbie with a question

[86rebel450]

this seems to be a common occurance with the mid 80's rebels... the gas tanks rust out and develop holes in them... my question is will a 250 tank fit a 450 frame? I am having quite a large problem locating a tank for a 1986 Honda Rebel 450 that was given to me... any help with this would be reallly appreciated...

[GearJammer]

Welcome to the board, 86rebel450!

Pretty sure that the gas tank for the 250 won't fit the 450 unless you widen the tunnel. CTC can no doubt offer more info on this.

As you noted, the gas tanks for the 450 are getting rarer all the time. Another option would be to find another style tank that has the correct tunnel width (if you don't mind the gas tank not being stock)

Another thing to keep in mind is that even if you altered a 250 gas tank to fit, the petcock is gravity feed (at least the earlier '80's ones are, not sure about the newer ones) & the petcock on the 450 gas tank is vacuum actuated. Many people do away with the vacuum actuated petcocks due to venting problems sometimes associated with the "new, improved" (yeah...right! LOL!) vacuum actuated ones. If you went with a gravity feed petcock/gas tank, you'd want to seal the small port that the vacuum hose attaches to between cylinder & stock petcock.

[cTc]

The 250 tank would not be the way to go, try a CX 500 tank I've a 450 or two with this tank mod. But my favorite 450 tank mod is the VLX 600 tank. Of course non will just fit right up, but a little bossing mallet action on the underneath can do wonders.

I'll see if I can dig up some pics of the tank mods I've mentioned, But I've got a 50 gallon rubbermade tote full of pics, so I dont know when I'll get a chance.

Let me know if you need more help.

oh and by the way, I'll do a little checking with a friend, I may be able to come up with something anyone with a 450 needing a tank would love.

[screamineagle]

Hey there 86rebel450, and welcome to the forum.

Not sure how late I am with this but you might want to try Jacks if you need a good used tank. If he doesn't have one he might be able to find one for you. Here is his website. www.rebelcatalog.com

BTW, just how bad is that tank? If it only has a few pin holes you may be able to take it to a radiator shop and have them weld the holes. In any case, I'd look into getting a liner put into the tank weather you get it fixed or get another one.

Good Luck and again WELCOME TO THE FORUM.