SO I bought  a 98 for $600...pretty sound mechanically just a few little things here and there but man the gas tank is beat up.  I really like the bike and right now it is a hodge podge of parts.  I am planning on restoring this bugger proper but the first piece I need is a tank.

I can't seem to find one anywhere.  Would love to pick the collective brain here.  And I will post pics when I start tearing it up on Saturday 

I'm pretty sure there were some gas tanks in the for sale section not that long ago... That'd be a good place to start. Be aware that the tank design changed in 2000 (I think, I can never remember if it is 2000 or 2003, but a quick search will confirm) so you'll want to get a tank from the 1989 to 1999 era if you want something that will bolt right on. Depending on the area you live in, it might be useful to check craigslist or the local motorcycle junkyard. I'm in Los Angeles, and there is a great motorcycle specific junkyard not too far from my house that usually has all the GS parts I need. Also, if you aren't in any great hurry, contact Buddha about gas tank de-denting. You could also just ride it. Both of my GSs have pretty beat up tanks that I plan on eventually fixing, but the bikes run, so I'm mostly interested in riding them as much as possible... People occasionally ask me if I'm a motorcycle messenger, but I don't care, it is great theft deterrence: every time I park at school next to all the shiny new sports bikes, I'm confident that my 1994 GS 500 with a dented tank is going to be the last bike anyone would steal from the lot.

89-00 and 01-current are the compatiable years with tanks, seats and tail bodywork.

Good condition tanks are sometimes hard to find. They notorious for rusting on the inside.

Thanks for the tip...I haven't found anything in the area (Phoenix) as far as craigslist.  Found some Cali craigslist ads parting out bikes, but no one ever wants to ship. 

I know whatyou mean about just riding it...but I have a 96 Shadow 1100 ace that I drive right now with a dent in the damn tank it it angers me everytime I see it, lol. 

This tank is pretty beat up, I'll post pics on Saturday in a new thread so you guys can check  it out.  My Uncle is stoked to paint this bike so I kinda want to fix the tank.  I'll check out the internet for a bone yard...I just moved to Phoenix from Chicago so i am not familiar with the area.

I'm from phoenix myself and have been searching craiglist for about 8 months now and there are NEVER any GS parts on there!  Ebay has tanks every now and then, or I think there were some slightly damaged ones for sale in the for sale section.

Nick

Yeah I noticed, I was trying to get out of it cheaply but apparently that won't happen....I think I will take some pics for Buddha and see how much he will charge me to fix it...if not there is always *Bondo*   

I just bought some Clubman bars to put on it.  I'll have those Friday.

[/quote ]I'm from phoenix myself

Quote

Nick

Once I get this thing lookin a bit nicer care to go riding?  PM me.

It might be awhile, I'm in the process of a complete rebuild on mine as well (i've cut off the read tail/frame section and am grafting in the rear from a Buell X1).  I'm still a couple months away from nearing completion unless I come across any more stumbling blocks (I recently fractured my 5th metatarsal so haven't been in the mood to work on the bike at all for a couple weeks).

But if/when it ever gets back together I'm sure we can hook up for a ride.

Thanks,

Nick

I have a coated, undented and powdercoated couple ...
I can do it on your tank.
Undenting is 50. Coating - read that thread in the top of the for sale forum.
Powdercoating - well if you want it it be whatever they charge. $50 and on.
You need to see some of my work.
PM me I'll send ya link to my picassa.
Cool.
Buddha.