what fuel tank will fit

[hdtech]

I just pick up an 86 rebel, but the fuel tank has rust holes in it. My question is will a 96 & later tank fit my 86 rebel,and if not why.

[cTc]

All the 250 tanks will fit any 250. I've had a 2004 tank on a 85 & 87 250. I still have that same 2004 tank, and I have rounded up a set of fenders I am painting to match.

[GearJammer]

If you want to keep your Rebel in stock form, your options would be to exchange gas tanks or have the original gas tank repaired.

If keeping it stock isn't a priority, you can use a different gas tank. Mounting shouldn't be too much of a problem, depending on choice of tank, but please keep in mind that with a different style gas tank, you definitely want to insure adequate handlebar clearance when turning the forks thru their full range of motion left & right.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a lot of the newer gas tanks on various models have "vacuum actuated" petcocks. The better choice would be "gravity feed" petcocks (like the stock 250cc already has) & there's a large variety of those from older bikes.