Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Custom Corner EFI Bonnie tank swap a success

Hello everyone! Apologies first and foremost for not having pics right now. But I just ran inside, changed into some track pants, washed my hands and got some water after cleaning up the garage.

So I am stoked to announce that my swapping of tanks on my 2009 America, with a tank from either a 2012 or 2013 Bonnie is a 5/8" drill bit away from being a success.

I will follow up with pics as soon as I can get some daylight and get her fenders and handlebars back on (full winter breakdown). But I figured I would go ahead and list my steps that I took for anyone that may search this topic. I know I looked for a long time and can remember the exact threads that people posted, and I think there was only one or two that involved EFI bikes.

- there was only mild modification needed to the tank itself. I did remove the tabs at the back of the tank. I had heard of someone making brackets, but my seat wouldn't fit without removing them, and I saw how flush the tank would be if I removed them... so they're gone.

- I did take about 1/8" (possibly a HAIR more) off of the pegs that hold the rubber where the tank connects. I also read that someone just bored out the rubber pieces a bit. I had an electric hacksaw and didn't know how to attack the rubber. So that happened.

Honestly... that was about all that was needed. The tank fits snug like I'd like it to fit. I didn't find any concerns with any of the parts strapped to the side of the frame rail as I had read elsewhere.

I'm slightly concerned that the tank is a bit far off of the rubber bumpers thanks to it needing the slide back a bit for the tank bolt, but I figure adding something to the rubber bumpers, or ordering some other ones should handle that.

Thought I'd share. Photos definitely to follow.

Congrats on the innovative mods. Looking forward to the pics. How many litres does the Bonny tank hold?

Have you checked your handle bar clearance lock to lock? EFI tanks are wider, are they not?

Thanks for the congrats foglefar. Ryk, I haven't checked that yet, mostly because my handlebars are currently off. But the bonnie tank is less wide than my America tank, and if anything, only slightly taller.

And fogle, I'm in the US and I think Bonnies have a 3 gallon (and some change) tank.

I believe the bonneville tanks actually hold the same amount of fuel, at least that's what I understand. The EFI bikes get at little better gas mileage too.

Thanks gentlemen! I was in the garage last night and can't see any turning radius issues. The Bonnie tank isn't nearly as wide as the teardrop america one I was running. And as far as height goes, when you had the tach/indicator lights piece to the America tank, they're about the same height.

Can't tell you how excited I am to hear someone doing this! Can't wait for pics!!!!

Here's a video with some step by step talk. Feel free to private message me questions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXF6W0qbuyE&feature=youtu.be

I figured 5:00 was enough time for me to talk to all you sexy people. Chopped my rear fender tonight, and will absolutely send some updated photos once things are showable. I cruised her around my parking lot tonight (no headlight or brake lights or turn signals or left grip...) just to hear her rumble with my new EMGO cocktail shakers.

Motorcycle life.... nothing beats it.