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PROJECT CHIMERA: An Across Long-range conversion

Discussion in 'Suzuki 250cc In-line 4's' started by Artemis, Jan 30, 2012.

  1. Artemis

    Artemis Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    So there are a number of us who ride acrosses here. Let's face it, we have good reason to. They're one of the few 250 screamers seen around these days, they're big for their capacity (making them comfy for us tall folks), they have a boot (BEER!) and they are just. so. goddam. pretty.

    Yup, we love them so dearly :p

    They do, however, have one universally recognised hitch. It occurs in every Across, no matter how old, new, broken or well maintained. They only have an itsybitsy fuel tank.

    Now I just got back from a 9-day camping trip with the sis and the father... we collectively hired a triton ute with a camper thingy in the back. It was fun, but the whole way I was itching to get on 2 wheels... the issue being you have to be bloody careful running out the outback with less than 200km of range to the tank. Sure, I could have stored fuel in the triton, but frankly, I had other things to do and I thought it would be cheating.

    Hence I hatched a plan.... Project Chimera. A plan to convert my Across, little Arty, from a sweet fun short-ranged hopper, to a nice long-distance sports tourer with an itty bitty engine.

    The experiemnt has 3 phases:


    Planning: To determine the maximum allowable range without substantial alteration to the bike- this will revolve mainly around the placement of fuel storage and the viability of an aditional tank. It will also be sourcing information on any other across conversions that may be stolen or adapted.

    Aqquisition + application: Buy stuff and weld/tie/insert/plumb/duct tape the monstrosity together

    Ride: yeah... like I'm just gonna let it sit when I'm done :p


    THE THOUGHTS SO FAR! It seems the simplest soloution would be a flexible fuel bladder in the boot... I recognise in all likelyhood that I'm going to have to sacrifice the boot in the process, but a removeable bladder would be only temporary... you'd take it when you needed it. besides, most other bikes don't have this, so although you do lose on of the Across's charms, she's still an across, and you're still only using it for storage :)

    The next step would be replacing the boot. I notice it is secured only by some screws and a hinge... my thoughts are that this could be easily removed and replaced with an appropriate custome-made fuel tank... perhaps someone else has already had this idea and made one? Maybe I'll have to contact some people to get the piece made...? I don't know... but such a piece COULD be made, and plumbled into the existing fuel system1

    The third option is a combo piece - a bladder inserted into the boot and semi-permenantly plumbed into the fuel system.

    The aim is to AT LEAST DOUBLE the fuel capacity of the humble across, though more would be good :)

    Thoughts?

    Artemis
     
    Artemis, Jan 30, 2012
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  2. Motown

    Motown Active Member

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    You're overengineering the problem, mate.  ;)
    [​IMG]

    Uploaded with ImageShack.us
    4 litre can, adding about 70 kms at my average economy.  Sure, I can only fit a six-pack's worth in the remaining space, but I've got other luggage for munchies and more drinks.

    Still, I'd be interested in any more permanent solutions you can come up with.
     
    Motown, Jan 30, 2012
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  3. kiffsta

    kiffsta Senior Member

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    Nice one guys,  what about getting more out of what you already have,  ie leave the tank alone and fuel inject your bike ??? that would improve your economy a heap.

    Chris
     
    kiffsta, Jan 30, 2012
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  4. Desmo

    Desmo Member Premium Member

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    Hah! wondered how long till someone posted a thread like this :p How many km can your ass take? :p

    I'd just get a tank of a GPX or ZZR250 and whack that on there with a T piece between the stock tank outlet and the new tank so the fuel pump will pull fuel out of both. The GPX/ZZR ones are already 18L and roughly the same shape and size, so that would yield ~ 450km out of a bike with poor economy like mine and well over 500+ on a frugal one with a full 30 litres.

    The tanks are cheap easy to get and available everywhere so why not use what works. Trying to fill a bladder in the boot at a servo i could only imagine to be a bit of a ***** of a job lol.

    About the tank mount, yeah it just has two bolts in the front, two on the sides (two inside the boot too but i imagine most people dont put those in) and it hinges at the back.

    Often thought about doing Syd - Bris or Syd to Melb on the 250 by chucking a smaller rear sprocket on so you could cruise at 110 at maybe 8000rpm in 6th with a zzr tank on there and a better seat so you could actually cover that much distance. That'd be great. Would love to do it one day  :D

    Good luck (p.s. do it! :p)
     
    Desmo, Jan 31, 2012
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  5. Artemis

    Artemis Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Hmm... you reckon a zzr tank would fit on easily... hmm...

    Thinkies, thinkies....

    Also kiff: How much would it take to set up fuel injection? Imagine the bike with BOTH! :p
     
    Artemis, Jan 31, 2012
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  6. Artemis

    Artemis Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    ok, found a little kit called microsquirt... http://www.microsquirt.info/ Or, I could potentially adapt a gixxer 650 unit...? hmmmm thinkies thinkies...
     
    Artemis, Jan 31, 2012
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  7. kiffsta

    kiffsta Senior Member

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    I looked at the Microsquirt controllers, but I think they have a max redline of 16000 rpm, should be okay on an Across  8)
     
    kiffsta, Jan 31, 2012
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