Help to identify a 500 tank.

Maestro, SEI-V
Bedfordowner
Posts: 63
Joined: 12 Oct 2020 12:51
Location: stafford

Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by Bedfordowner »

Hi all, I am buying a 500 basket case and wondered if you could help. The petrol tank has a wide raised section, about 50mm, along the top left side of the tank. All the tanks I have seen are flat on top . I have seen a tank like the one I describe for sale at obsolete Bikes which is descripted as being for a 500. I am a bit confused as to the difference between a 500 Maestro and the other 500's. Does anyone know the differences and if the tank with the ribs on top is a particular version.
Thanks for your help
hendre
Posts: 600
Joined: 11 Aug 2007 06:51
Location: The Netherlands

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by hendre »

is this the one? https://www.obsoletebikeparts.com/a-378 ... o-benzina/
Image
I do beleive this is a 350 tank, it has the bold system up front. To my knowledge 500 have a slip over system without bolds
'It must be a .....'
Posts: 365
Joined: 12 Sep 2010 12:25

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by 'It must be a .....' »

Hi, I had a look at the Obsolete Bikes 500 tank and yes I agree with Hendre, it's from a 350.

I've only seen 3 types of 500 road tanks
Early 5 Speed - Plain top with flip up filler to the right
Later 5&6 Speed - Central flip up filler with a lowered section in front of the filler
Final 6 Speed model - Central round filler on central raised section which is quite high/wide

All 500 tanks have C front mounts which locate on a rubber boss either side of the headstock, whilst most 350 tanks have front holes for bolt type mounts.

Trust this helps?
Bedfordowner
Posts: 63
Joined: 12 Oct 2020 12:51
Location: stafford

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by Bedfordowner »

Thanks for the help.
I have posted two pictures to hopefully help make sense of it. I think it would suggest it being the latter 6 speed but not sure.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/191667973 ... ed-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/191667973 ... ed-public/

Not sure how to put the image direct into the post sorry.
Bedfordowner
Posts: 63
Joined: 12 Oct 2020 12:51
Location: stafford

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by Bedfordowner »

Think I have cracked posting photos in the message. Thanks again all.
Image
Image
'It must be a .....'
Posts: 365
Joined: 12 Sep 2010 12:25

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by 'It must be a .....' »

Hi, it looks like a late 350 tank
And not one of the 500 tanks I described
hendre
Posts: 600
Joined: 11 Aug 2007 06:51
Location: The Netherlands

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by hendre »

indeed it looks like a 350, it is too short for the frame (500 tanks are longer)
finding a goor 500 tank is pretty hard, practically none left in the wild. Maybe it helps you have a trade-in :mrgreen:
hendre
Posts: 600
Joined: 11 Aug 2007 06:51
Location: The Netherlands

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by hendre »

https://www.subito.it/accessori-moto/mo ... 172964.htm
I think this is a 500, deep air filter reccess in the bottom (500 filter is higher than the 350) and dimples for the frame rubbers in the rear
Image
Image
hendre
Posts: 600
Joined: 11 Aug 2007 06:51
Location: The Netherlands

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by hendre »

for comparison the bottom of a 350
Image
Bedfordowner
Posts: 63
Joined: 12 Oct 2020 12:51
Location: stafford

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by Bedfordowner »

Thank you both for all your help. I can see how different it is to the tanks above. I might need to get a replacement when I have collected the parts. The one in Italy looks really good so will see if I can join that site.
Keith
mbmm350s
Posts: 666
Joined: 22 Jun 2018 10:18
Location: Reading UK
Location: Berkshire UK

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by mbmm350s »

Hi Keith,

Do you have a picture of the underside?
It looks suspiciously like a 250 2C tank from the first series, its the strap wire on the back and the pin striping.
Both taps at the rear then its a 250 tank

The seat is 77/78 350 sport seat.
mark
Bedfordowner
Posts: 63
Joined: 12 Oct 2020 12:51
Location: stafford

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by Bedfordowner »

Hi Mark,
This is what I was telling you about yesterday. I wondered about the 2c tank. Mine is the 1983 2c and it is different to mine in shape and position of the filler cap. Mine is in the centre and this one seems to be on the right hand side. I don't have any other tank photos but the guy selling said he has the 500 log book. I thought the seat was not the right one but hope the 500 ones are available. I can't go and see the bike due to restrictions but hope I am buying a 500 and not bits from lots of different bikes. The frame looks 500 to me based on the rear master cylinder bracket but not sure. Maybe you would be able to tell.
Thanks again
Keith
Bedfordowner
Posts: 63
Joined: 12 Oct 2020 12:51
Location: stafford

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by Bedfordowner »

hi Again,
Just looked at pictures of an early 2c tank a you are spot on Mark. I need to be a bit careful going forward with this to make sure I get what I am after, that is a 500 for restoration. Mark, would you mind if I emailed you to discuss it a bit more.
Keith
hendre
Posts: 600
Joined: 11 Aug 2007 06:51
Location: The Netherlands

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by hendre »

250 tanks are even shorter... I missed the pins and it must be a 125/250 (these were similar)
What is the frame number and engine letter on the left front bottom? Before you spend loads of money on 500 parts it is good to make sure it is indeed a 500
Bedfordowner
Posts: 63
Joined: 12 Oct 2020 12:51
Location: stafford

Re: Help to identify a 500 tank.

Post by Bedfordowner »

Hi hendre, I don't have the details yet as the seller is finding the v5. When I get the numbers I will post them here. Thanks for your time and help
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