YZ450 2009 IMS Tank

[farmerjohn42]

In all the research I have found that some IMS tanks fit better than others. It seems I should use a WR petcock from a 2003-2005 to turn the correct way to turn on and off. What I have not found is can I use the IMS tank with Unibiker radiator guards? or How much room is behind the radiator? This is on a YZ450 2009. Any input would be great or pics without the side shroud attached. Thanks!

[drtrcr400]

Yes, it will all fit together. Sorry I don't have any pics though. Any steel framed WR will have the correct petcock you need as well.

[cowboyona426]

Initial install of my IMS tank on my 06 was a pain in the arse, but once the rad shrouds and seat take a "set" to the tank it goes much easier. One trick is to install the lower rad shroud bolts first, or you'll hate life. And I am using the WR petcock from a steel framed bike. Not sure how much bigger the Unabiker guards are, but no fit issues with my Works Connection radiator cages.

[grayracer513]

Mine was the same as the Cowboy's. The tank itself went right into place, but the lowermost point at which the seat meets the tank is back a bit farther than it should be, and that makes it hard to get the seat slid forward far enough to get the seat bolts in the frame straight. I went so far as to roll up a rag, rest it on the back of the seat, and drive it forward with the end of a 2x4 and a mallet, but it goes right back on, now.

And the shroud bolts are a problem because the shrouds need to be pulled forward (or the radiators back) a little bit too. You can bolt them to the radiators first as Cowboy suggests, or, here's an alternative approach that makes it hugely easier:

https://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/847288-simplifying-shroud-installation-on-an-06-09-with-an-ims-tank/

[WB450]

Mine was pretty easy, I used slightly longer bolts on the lower rad connection points. I have Zip-Ty rad guards and have no issues, but they're more for crush than front and rear protection..

[cowboyona426]

Mine was the same as the Cowboy's. The tank itself went right into place, but the lowermost point at which the seat meets the tank is back a bit farther than it should be, and that makes it hard to get the seat slid forward far enough to get the seat bolts in the frame straight. I went so far as to roll up a rag, rest it on the back of the seat, and drive it forward with the end of a 2x4 and a mallet, but it goes right back on, now.

And the shroud bolts are a problem because the shrouds need to be pulled forward (or the radiators back) a little bit too. You can bolt them to the radiators first as Cowboy suggests, or, here's an alternative approach that makes it hugely easier:

http://www.thumperta...th-an-ims-tank/

I still need to do that...

[QuadStrokeInvasion]

I thought the IMS 3.1 fit well. Same seat issue as grey. It's much closer to the back of the radiators then the stock tank on my yz450 08. Feels fine between the legs. It did widen where the top edge of the radiator shrouds meet the seat. I can feel the ridge on the inside of my knees. Not much wider, not as smooth into the seat as stock. Ill try to post some pictures.

[farmerjohn42]

Awesome! Thanks for the advice!

I installed mine tonight and it went right on. Plenty of room behind the radiators for the guard rods the Unibiker utilizes. Although the same issue of the seat bolts just barely go in once the seat is installed. Had to keep applying pressure to the rear of the seat as I threaded in the bolts. I used a 05 WR450 petcock and bolts to install the petcock so it points toward the rear, so its a straight shot to the carb. I did have to drill the main inlet hole of the tank slightly bigger to squeeze the plastic filter on the stem of the petcock into the tank. I do have spacers and longer bolts on the bottom corners of the radiator shrouds so I did not notice much of an issue to connect.

Edited June 4, 2013 by farmerjohn42

[QuadStrokeInvasion]

Fit good, but the seat knob is too far back.

[grayracer513]

That's part of it. But some of the problem also is that the whole surface the seat sits against is too far back. In fact, the entire tank needs to move forward about 3mm to fit better with the seat and shrouds, but overall it works nicely, and it's a high quality part.

[cowboyona426]

That's part of it. But some of the problem also is that the whole surface the seat sits against is too far back. In fact, the entire tank needs to move forward about 3mm to fit better with the seat and shrouds, but overall it works nicely, and it's a high quality part.

When I did the initial install I played around with some spacers to try and get the tank to fit more like it should. The spacers I have are roughly 1/4" thick and when installed between the rear mount under the seat and the tank, they moved things too far forward. I ended up using them between the tank and the front mount behind the steering head. Somewhere right in between the two would probably be ideal, but then getting the lower shroud mounts into place would be more difficult.

[grayracer513]

... but then getting the lower shroud mounts into place would be more difficult.

We know how to fix that, though: https://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/847288-simplifying-shroud-installation-on-an-06-09-with-an-ims-tank/

[Jim813]

In order to get my seat to slide on easier, I put a washer under the forward seat post that mounts to the tank. This made it easier to catch the seat mount when putting the seat back on.

[cowboyona426]

We know how to fix that, though: http://www.thumperta...th-an-ims-tank/

True, its just somewhat disappointing that the fit of aftermarket tanks on these bikes needs tweaking in order to make them work like they should.