Differences between US J1 and European J3 fuel tanks

[gsxkat]

I have a US import J1 and have finally got hold of a good condition Euro spec J3 fuel tank. Being fairly clueless about Kawasakis I thought the swap would be straight forward but... The J3 tank is narrower than the J1 tank at the front end where it sits on the circular rubber mounts. Has anyone come across this issue before?
The solution seems to be to get the grinder out and trim back the metal frame posts that the rubbers sit on by about 5 mm each side.
Has anyone done this before or knows whether this "adaption" will allow the tank to sit properly?
Regards,
Martin

[Mr Puffin]

Put up some photos please so someone can help you, as this sounds like you have aquired an earlier Tank ...not a J

[gsxkat]

Thanks for the reply but the bike is definitely a J1 (says on the frame number) and I got the tank from Lomi who is selling J3 parts).

http://www.z1ownersclub.co.uk/forum/vie ... c&start=15

I will get some photos tonight.
Martin

[paul doran]

Thanks for the reply but the bike is definitely a J1 (says on the frame number) and I got the tank from Lomi who is selling J3 parts).

http://www.z1ownersclub.co.uk/forum/vie ... c&start=15

I will get some photos tonight.
Martin

US spec J1 has a different tank to J3

[gsxkat]

Ok, thanks. Looks like the grinder will becoming out tonight !!!
Martin

[paul doran]

Ok, thanks. Looks like the grinder will becoming out tonight !!!
Martin

I have a US spec J1 bike
I can take a picture and You can see the vast difference,s in the tank

[gsxkat]

Paul,
Thanks for the offer. I will post some picture tomorrow that may explain the problem better. Maybe I should have asked if there is any frame differences between the US J1 and European J3 particularly around the tank mount area.
Martin

[gsxkat]

Well, after a few minutes of thought and measuring in the garage last night I bit the bullet got the grinder out and trimmed the frame tank mounts back by 5 mm each side and the J3 tank fits. I had to use different rubber cushions (katana ones) but essentially it now fits and just needs the rear cushion fitted to line up correctly as well as the seat fittings.

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n63 ... C_0094.jpg

The bike is generally all there (and works) but needs a major tidy up but has GPz A1 wheel, V & H 'zorst, Eddie seat, Goodridge, Pingel (not fitted yet), and had RS36's but will be replaced by EFE 36's. There is also a GPz 11 A1 lump with 1170 and flowed head to go in. In the long term it will get ungraded wheels and suspension but first of all I need to finish the Kat.
Thanks to all for the replies and suggestions.
Martin

[big green bus]

the mounts must be different because my early style lawson has a round type US tank and if is loose on a UK frame it could do with 5mm on the mounts.