Whether you're building a ground-up custom or are in the process of transforming your stock ride into a tricked-out head-turner, one of the most important parts that can often make or break the overall look is the gas tank. Sure, there are plenty of options to choose from, but that doesn't mean you should just jump at the first one you see. Obviously, the tank you choose should complement the style of bike you are building. For example, if you are going back to the '70s, maybe a Frisco-mounted sporty tank is what you're looking for. Maybe you are going for that long and low Pro-Street look? Then a sleek, stretched tank mounted low on the backbone is what you need. Maybe you need something totally different, something that hasn't been done yet. Whatever it is your project requires, Fat Katz, located in Grass Valley, CA, can handle your gas-tank needs.
Don Baumunk and his team of metal shapers have been building handmade custom gas tanks for the motorcycle industry since 1989 and have evolved their product line to include custom handmade fenders as well. Some of the latest developments from the Fat Katz facility over the past few years have been the option of steel tanks and its full custom tank program, in which you can order a custom tank made to fit any frame. The custom tanks start at about $2,450.
Fat Katz now also has its new line of Trendsetterz stamped custom tanks, which are made out of 16-gauge steel and range from $1,175 to $2,450. Fat Katz uses stamping for its most popular Trendsetterz tanks because stamping offers incredible consistency and finish. It also has the benefit of freeing up the craftsmen to take on more custom work and allows for a quicker turnaround. Each Trendstterz tank comes complete with all mounting hardware as well as hidden crossovers and vents to help hide unsightly components. For a real clean and custom look, the tanks also feature pop-up gas caps. Available in 16 different styles, the Trendsetterz tanks come in stock lengths for stock applications or stretched for custom frames with extended backbones. There are many options to choose from in the Trendsetterz line, from various tunnel widths and heights to different tail shapes, such as pointed or dovetail. This past fall we were cruising through the Grass Valley and decided to stop in to see how the crew at Fat Katz builds one of the company's stretched 940 Pro-Street Trendsetterz tanks.
We arrived at the shop bright and early, and Brendon Thompson was ready to build a tank. Brendon told us the reason Fat Katz build its tanks out of steel is that even though it's tougher to shape than aluminum, steel is more durable and sturdier, making for a solid tank that'll hold up through V-Twin vibration and abuse. Seen here is the left-side stamped tank half.
Before he could start, Brendon placed a left-side tank fixture (A) and scribe (B) on the surface plate (C). The surface plate is a precise, solid flat surface that is used to ensure that all measurements and scribe marks are even and consistent. The tank fixture and scribe are used to lay out the width and taper of the tank.