Sportster Fat Tank 0 Paint Job

Great forum, findoing lots of interesting things to read... not getting much work done..

I have the 03 anniversary 1200 XL Custom Sportster and am thinking of fitting a fat tank to it.. Has anyone done this ?. It would give me better distance between fill ups and also I like the fatter tank in fornt of me.

One problem I see is the paint job. My bike is Black with the anniversary tape and badges on the tank and I would like to keep the same style.. I think I can remove the badges form the existing tank and get some double sides tap eto affix them to the new one, although I will buy new ones if I can find them.. However, anyone know if I can buy the tape to put around the tank?

Also any suggestions on who would do a great paint job.. its only black but it must be a good finish..

I am in the UK but I guess any shop could post the finished item to me.. Any idea on how much cash I need to get the job done?

Thanks...

Malc

You should be able to buy new badges at the dealer if you can not save the existing ones. I wouls suggest checking with a local paint shop on the paint. I am sure they can handle the black and most likey can duplicate the stripes with paint rather than trying to find stock style stickers that will fit a larger tank. That would likely be impossible.

As far as more range goes, if it has a larger capacity tank then you would have to get more range. Personally, I don't like the look of the larger tanks on the Sportsters but that's just personal preferance. Keep in mind that a whole gallon more will only get you another 40 or so miles in range with a much larger appearing tank. Or in your case I believe around 6.6 Kilomoeters on four extra liters of fuel.

Looks of a fat tank

Thanks max
I was looking for opinions too so that its great.. We do miles over here , not really part of Europe ..

I need to see a bike with one on before I make the change but I guess I have always had bikes with big tanks and the peanut tank feels too small to me. Maybe its my long legs that make it feel that way..

I think HD use a tape for the band around the tank so will need to get that if I go ahead with this change... lets see what others have to say..

Cheers
Malc

I put a 4.5 gallon DYNA tank on my wife's 04 Sporty Custom. Made it nice so we didn't have to stop every 120 miles. You won't have trouble getting paint to match but Harley doesn't sell the stripping tape. Seems they're afraid someone would try to immitate/forge anniversary models that they over produced to begin with. There are lots of fat bob kits from every major catalogue. Check out J&P Cycles or Dennis Kirk catalogues. They are on line.

Striping and tank

Thanks guys... I will see what the kits are.. I saw some in Custom Chrome but will follow up with the dealer on getting it properly painted and striped as it would spoil the anniversary style to lose the image on the tank, I think..

I'll check the ones you suggested..
Cheers
Malc

The one thing I know for sure is that the paint through the dealer is VERY expensive and takes a long time. I know a guy who ordered a new fender for a 19th anniversary Heritage. He paid through the nose and waited quite a while for it.

I doubt they will sell you the tape. I would at least ask a couple of local paint shops. I would think the stripes would be relatively easy to duplicate with paint.

I didn't realize that. Thanks for the correction. At least the could duplicate the basic look.

Local Dealer

Well, I have contacted out local HD ealer and will see what they can do about that tape.. Will let you know as someone else may have a similar need at some tiem.

Thanks for all the advice and input..

ride safe

Malc

Had an 03 Duece come in last week with a 250 big tire kit on it. The rear fat fender was painted with a silver stripe and gold pin striping. You couldn't tell the difference until you really got close. Harley doesn't sell the tape to kepp out forgeries, but I've heard that there is someone selling it on the internet. If there is a need, somebody sells a knock off somewhere!

A friend I had in Az. put a set of 3.5 gal fat bob tanks and a wide glide front end on his sporty and it looked really cool. Everybody did a double take because at first glance it looked like a big twin. It was black too. Al

Another option is to go to a website like here Harley Davidson 100th logo | Best Brands Of The World - vector logotypes, brand, logo, logotype, logos
for example and make a copy any size you want. Then go to a sign shop and have them cut you a stencil on their plotter and take it to an airbrush artist. May not be 100% ethical but it is done all the time. I wish I had a dime for every airbrushed Harley Logo out there. AL

HD Logo

Hi Guys
Some interesting views..

Predicatably, no reply form my local HD dealer yet.. Based on previous attempts for support I doubt that they will reply but hopefully i am wrong.. Mind you I could pretend to be interested in a new bike :devil:

Cheers
Malc

ps.. I like the suggestion to have the strip made up.. I have had issues over here with this type of thing where they want a letter form the copyright holder but biound to find someone who will bypass that process if HD can't help me.

Logos not stripes

I checked out the Logo website but no anniversary stripe so may have to consider giving up on that. It has prompted another thought and that is to create a similar graphic and get thea made into a transfer.. The small 'Harley davidson' angled writing could be produced in similar colours and from a first glance would still match the rest of the bike...

Cheers
Malc