I have been busy working and riding, so I waited a bit before I asked my good friend Andy to help me install my Clarke XT225 fuel tank. Also, the Clarke fuel tank requires a Yamaha fuel petcock, which I needed to purchase. I severely dislike being raped by excessive shipping charges; therefore, I also waited a while to purchase several other items in order to combine the shipping charges before I bought the fuel petcock. ;)

After experimenting quite a bit with the Clarke fuel tank, I was convinced I could mount it properly on my Zong. However, I wisely decided to rely upon my good friend Andy, a professional diesel mechanic, to figure out the best, final installation. ;) As usual, Andy devised an excellent solution for mounting the Clarke tank. :)

I will soon post the details regarding the Clarke fuel tank installation in another thread. However, to bring this thread to a proper conclusion, I have posted below some photographs of the newly installed fuel tank. These photos were taken today, as I took my YamaZong for a 140-mile ride. :)

The Clarke fuel tank is solidly mounted, and it works superbly. :D I am very happy to accept the Clarke tank as the best solution for both the function, and the appearance of my YamaZong. I wish to thank everyone who offered constructive feedback regarding this project. I had a lot of fun experimenting with the Zong’s fuel tank and tank plastic; I hope you enjoyed watching the experiment. Once again, thank you for all your help. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...xCanyon007.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...xCanyon008.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...xCanyon009.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...xCanyon010.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...xCanyon011.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...xCanyon024.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...anyon025-1.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...xCanyon026.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...xCanyon027.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...xCanyon039.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...xCanyon040.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...xCanyon041.jpg

Spud :)

I'll state the obvious and say that tank looks excellent; better (IMHO) than the factory Zong plastic. I'm looking forward to the installation thread.

I'd also be grateful for a thread devoted to your GPS. I'm a neophyte with such things, and I'd like to see screenshots of topo maps etc. Would you be willing to share such info?

Thank you for the kind words, WG. :) Also, thank you for your excellent advice during this entire process. You were correct right from the beginning; the larger, aftermarket fuel tank was the best option. Also, black was the best color. ;) You have a superb eye for esthetic detail, and your judgement has proven to be completely correct. :D
Yes, I certainly will post a thread regarding my experience with my Garmin GPS receiver. :)

Once again, thank you for all the help you have given me, and all the other members of these forums. I always enjoy reading your polite, intelligent, insightful posts. :)

Spud :)

Right back at you, Spud! :D You're a gentleman.

Those lines are much better, Much cleaner less busy.

Thank you, AZ. I agree, the lines of the motorcycle are much less busy than before, especially when viewed from the front :) Also, I really enjoy carrying the extra 1.5 gallons of fuel. :D

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...MtnSnow030.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...MtnSnow034.jpg

Now, I need a new front fender. Should I keep the KTM orange, or switch the Zong to another color scheme?

Spud :)

Looks like it is time to quash the orange. Maybe a black one for a drz or newer Yami...Sharper edges.

I think I am going to order a Polisport Universal Motard Fender. I will certainly consider black. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ealthBlack.jpg

What do you think about Honda Red?

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...ow034-Copy.jpg

As WeldanGrind has stated, Yamaha Blue certainly has "poetic justice." ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...YamahaBlue.jpg

Finally, I should be fair and show the "retouched" orange. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q.../KTMOrange.jpg

Spud :)

KNIGHT RIDER!!!!! :D

Why do you need a new front fender Spud? Is this one cracked?

No, it's not cracked, WG. However, the color is not molded into the stock Zong fender, and it is getting very faded. For about $20 I can get a smaller, Polisport motard fender, which has the color molded into it. The rear side panels on the Zong are also faded. Therefore, I plan to repaint the Zong this winter. While I am changing the front fender, I can repaint the rest of the Zong to match any color scheme I prefer. ;)

Spud :)

To bring this thread to its proper conclusion, I present the following photographs. First, here is a photograph, taken this summer, of my YamaZong with the stock fuel tank, faded, untrimmed plastic, and stock front fender.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...oirTrip061.jpg

Finally, here is a photograph, taken yesterday, of my YamaZong with the Clarke fuel tank, new, trimmed plastic, and the Polisport front fender.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/q...r9-6-09042.jpg

This has been a very fun project for me. I am very pleased with the added fuel capacity, and the new appearance of my motorcycle. :D I thank everyone for his constructive input during this project. :)

Spud :)

I go through the different style over and over again and honestly I like them all!
Im struggling with the same problem on my bike, i took the tank cowl off to work on everything a little easier and I have grown to just the tank
I put the cowl back on and it STILL looks sick!. I don't care what all the ktm kids say to me, zongshen know how to make a fun little bike.

Indeed, the Zong is a great little motorcycle! :) I think the Zong looks very good with the stock tank shroud. However, it is certainly easier to work on the bike with the tank shroud removed. ;)

Spud :)

I'm riding my TW with Spud's old stock tank, and it looks great to me. :D