Foam in the gas tank?

[jesusgatos]

Anybody running foam in their gas tanks? What about the desert racers? The change in capacity would hardly be noticeable and all that gas sure sloshes around a lot when the tank's halfway-empty. Most automotive racing fuel cells use foam, why don't more bikes?

[Naru]

While I don't run it (no companies offer it for the Clarke 4.3 gallon tank), I've heard that it results in an overall fuel capacity loss of ~5%, but makes a very noticable difference, especially with tight and technical riding. However, I've also heard numerous horror stories about problems installing the foam (50 piece 3d jigsaw puzzles with unintelligable instruction manuals). Also, there is the lingering question (which no company has adequately answered) about how the foam breaks down over time if at all. Overall, an interesting but sketchy product (as of current, at least).

[witdogg]

I have never used it on a bike before. I had a 20-gallon stainless steel fuel cell made for a truck once. I filled it with foam to keep the gas from sloshing around and it made zero difference at the pump when filling it. The foam takes up very little or no space.

[jesusgatos]

I know there are at least a couple of companies that MARKET foam to dirt bike riders, but I haven't talked to anyone that's actually tried running foam in their tank. Just wondered why not.

The foam would HAVE to be supplied in small cubes or blocks, in order to get them into the tank. What difference would it make if together they fill up the same volume as one larger chunk?

All of the types of foam that I know of will eventually break down, but we're talking long-term, over the course of at least several years. I think Fuel Safe recommends changing the foam in their racing bladders every five years or so? Would have to look it up, but I don't really think the foam breaking down should be much of a deterrent.

[gchidest]

http://schnitzracing.com/

http://schnitzracing.com/

These guys have the foam you are talking about

[redlinefor69]

hey i have the foam in my bike the difference is noticeable with a big tank or on a tight track but not as much on open tracks i think its worth the money but i ride on a tight track and trails most of the time turns also feel much more stable

[gchidest]

http://secure.mycart.net/catalogs/catalog.asp?prodid=4933897&showprevnext=1

Here is a better link

[Mighty_Whitey]

Funny. I just spoke to (name with held) a friend who is deeply connected to the motocross industry by way of AMA Supercross, MB1 Suspension and Cycle News.

According to his testimony the foam is the "real deal." He has been using the Weapon MX version of tank foam.

The quick summary:

Only lessens the fuel capacity by 1%

Easy to install = 5 minutes

Perceived feeling of less overall bike weight = 25+ lbs

Factory KTM tested center of gravity = 6 inches lower

Read it here:

http://www.*************/index.php?&page=products&a=Gzero&id=2

For some reason I can't link to Weapon MX? Here is the link...just add the www

*************/index.php?&page=products&a=Gzero&id=2

EmDubya

EmDubya

[XR650L_Dave]

Funny. I just spoke to (name with held) a friend who is deeply connected to the motocross industry by way of AMA Supercross, MB1 Suspension and Cycle News.

According to his testimony the foam is the "real deal." He has been using the Weapon MX version of tank foam.

The quick summary:

Only lessens the fuel capacity by 1%

Easy to install = 5 minutes

Perceived feeling of less overall bike weight = 25+ lbs

Factory KTM tested center of gravity = 6 inches lower

Read it here:

http://www.*************/index.php?&page=products&a=Gzero&id=2

For some reason I can't link to Weapon MX? Here is the link...just add the www

*************/index.php?&page=products&a=Gzero&id=2

EmDubya

EmDubya

Interesting.

I could believe that with adding foam the perceived Cg is lower, but no way does it actually lower the Cg, unless that is just accounting for the lost capacity.

Or did I read that wrong and its a whole new tank?

Or are they doing a Cg calculation for the worst-case instantaneous "slosh"?

Dave

[xr650l bum]

If you put the foam in the tank, one draw back will be seeing how much gas you have in the tank! Unless you run white/clear tank.

[XR650L_Dave]

If you put the foam in the tank, one draw back will be seeing how much gas you have in the tank! Unless you run white/clear tank.

I don't think many of us that ride a 350lb bike will worry about a little slosh, 'cept maybe those with the 6 gal desert tank!

Dave

[Scotty Breauxman]

I thought I'd put some foam in our tank for last race in Baja. My team mate, who is a tech and experienced racer pulled it all out.

a) 650R is one of the heaviest bikes out there

the foam material shedded fibers when rubbed lightly with the fingers. A potential clog to fuel lines....that scared me a little. But the realization that I'm not Johnny Campbell and I'm riding a heavy ass bike, helped me agree to not running it. My bike already has every conceivable goody (except the totally gay anodized brake resevoir covers-sorry if you have those, but)

Anyone else worry about decomposing foan shedding into your fuel system???

[jaydizel]

i just bought a bike today w/ foam in the tank....cant see shight in there. just have to feel it out how long i can ride.