Replacement Tank Trim

[XSSIVEUS]

Hi folks,

On this and other XS sites I've read threads asking about what to use to replacement the original metal edge trim used on fuel tanks such as the XS1100E and XS1100LG Midnight Special models. After much research and trial & error I've found an acceptable, low cost replacement. Attached are pix of the replacement black tank molding on one of my XS1100s. This replacement trim is a U-shaped trim used as edge molding on car doors. It comes with an adhesive bead already applied in the bottom of the "U". You clean with tank edge with alcohol wipes that come with the trim, cut it to length, center it, and apply it. I found that this trim is slightly larger (5/16" high vs 1/4" high) than the original metal trim, but only by 1/16". One side of the trim is slightly shorter than the other, so this is the side I used facing outward to best replicate the original. I applied it on a XS1100E that has finished restoration and it looks great! It sticks well and should be a good alternative to a NOS replacement IF you can find one (I couldn't and I looked for months world-wide). I also bought metallic gold colored which will go on my XS1100LG MS that is being repainted now. Once you determined the correct length (from original trim or ad pix from Yamaha), cut it to length, marked the center line with a wedge of painters tape, and start applying it at the center of the tank trim just behind the triple fork. This resulted in an even application because once you shove it on, you'll have a hard time removing it. Here are pix of replacement and original black and gold trims:

Original black trim on 78 XS1100E:
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-3qXcQDK/A

Replacement black trim:
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-7nQTKLZ/A
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-zrNfpcK/A
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-Nw5P8Dd/A

Original gold trim on XS1100LG:
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-X9sGj9c/A

Replacement gold trim:
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-qXnXwVh/A

You can buy this in the US on eBay under the heading of "Edge Trim Car Truck SUV Door Edge Guards Gloss Black" and "Gold Car Door Edge Guard Trim". There are a variety of sellers, but these guys had decent prices and I didn't have to wait for questionable stuff from China (voice of experience here). 8' or more is enough length for (2) bikes, either color, and can be had for $10-$15. It appears to be fairly high quality, sticks like crazy, and solves the problem of how to trim your tank when the NOS isn't available any more. I'm satisfied and I'm picky.

If you have any questions, please PM me.

Glen
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[dansmith65]

Looks good! Thanks for sharing that.

[fredintoon]

Hi folks,

On this and other XS sites I've read threads asking about what to use to replacement the original metal edge trim used on fuel tanks such as the XS1100E and XS1100LG Midnight Special models. After much research and trial & error I've found an acceptable, low cost replacement. Attached are pix of the replacement black tank molding on one of my XS1100s. This replacement trim is a U-shaped trim used as edge molding on car doors. It comes with an adhesive bead already applied in the bottom of the "U". You clean with tank edge with alcohol wipes that come with the trim, cut it to length, center it, and apply it. I found that this trim is slightly larger (5/16" high vs 1/4" high) than the original metal trim, but only by 1/16". One side of the trim is slightly shorter than the other, so this is the side I used facing outward to best replicate the original. I applied it on a XS1100E that has finished restoration and it looks great! It sticks well and should be a good alternative to a NOS replacement IF you can find one (I couldn't and I looked for months world-wide). I also bought metallic gold colored which will go on my XS1100LG MS that is being repainted now. Once you determined the correct length (from original trim or ad pix from Yamaha), cut it to length, marked the center line with a wedge of painters tape, and start applying it at the center of the tank trim just behind the triple fork. This resulted in an even application because once you shove it on, you'll have a hard time removing it. Here are pix of replacement and original black and gold trims:

Original black trim on 78 XS1100E:
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-3qXcQDK/A

Replacement black trim:
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-7nQTKLZ/A
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-zrNfpcK/A
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-Nw5P8Dd/A

Original gold trim on XS1100LG:
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-X9sGj9c/A

Replacement gold trim:
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-qXnXwVh/A

You can buy this in the US on eBay under the heading of "Edge Trim Car Truck SUV Door Edge Guards Gloss Black" and "Gold Car Door Edge Guard Trim". There are a variety of sellers, but these guys had decent prices and I didn't have to wait for questionable stuff from China (voice of experience here). 8' or more is enough length for (2) bikes, either color, and can be had for $10-$15. It appears to be fairly high quality, sticks like crazy, and solves the problem of how to trim your tank when the NOS isn't available any more. I'm satisfied and I'm picky.

If you have any questions, please PM me.

Glen
Modify message

Hi Glen,
thanks for the information, I've been living with 3 naked edge bike tanks for decades that'd be enhanced by that strip. Plus a thin windshield that has it's existing edge trim broken in 2 places that such a strip will hopefully replace.
So long as the US supplier can cope with shipping to Canada that is. I'd swear that some of them don't know that there's anything North of the 49th parallel.

[XSSIVEUS]

Replacement tank trim (gold, silver or black)

Hi folks,

Wanted to provide you an updated. I'm getting the tank for the 80 1100LG back together (already got the rebuilt front end on and the rear end is going back together as well) and wanted to show you the trim on the real deal. IMHO it looks better than the original which has gotten brittle and darker in 40 years. The equivalent black trim I put on the restored 78 1100E is working perfectly. Good product and doesn't use the fussy clips like the original because the adhesive bead is sitting on the bottom of the "U" extrusion.

https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-s4qNggW/A
https://xssive.smugmug.com/Tank-Trim...Tf/i-JmjzRTF/A

Cheers,

Glen
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[DeanR]

Good to know Glen.

Do you have a link for the stuff you got?

[XSSIVEUS]

I found it under "Gold Car Door Edge Guard Trim 8' Full Size U Shape" on eBay. Seller is carbeyondstore. US$15.95 for 8', enough for several bikes and available in gold, chrome, black and clear. Search for U Shaped Car Door Edge Trim and you'll find a bunch though these prices were the best and they shipped from N America. Some are from China and questionable.

I've found measuring the original with a string is best, folding it in half, marking the half way point on the string with a felt pen, placing the half way point in the center of the tank and then running the string to one end or the other on the sides. Mark that and THAT is where you start pushing it onto the rim, not in the center. This way it will install easily and centered. The U channel is not exactly equal. I put the slightly shorter side outward as that dimension matches the original molding the best. The "longer" side is on the inside and can't be seen. Just a suggestion.

Cheers

[Ranger_xs1100]

Thanks for the tip Glen,
I just ordered some of the gold trim.
Your tank looks great!
What paint did you use on it?

[XSSIVEUS]

Paint

The Yamaha paint code is 006G (NYB). Apparently Yamaha painted, water sanded, repainted, water sanded, repainted and clear coated (hard to tell and info is sketchy) to get a final mirror like finish with zero orange peel. I had a local shop that specializes in motorcycle painting source this color and follow this scheme to get the results you see. It was automotive paint, but I'd have to ask to get the brand. Had both fenders, taillight bracket, tank and side cover done this way. Results were impressive.