[dganey]

I searched for a while trying to find used values for TW tanks with no luck. I want to ebay mine to offset the cost of a new clarke tank. The tank is off a 2006. The mounted exterior is showroom condition with high gloss--no exageration. The underside has a couple of very small superficial rust spots which can be easily be revmoed. The inside looks pristine with zero visible rust. I am planning on selling with the cap, one key, and the complete petcok assembly. I know it is not new, but the very best price I could find on new tank, cap, petcok is 485.00 from powersports plus. over 500.00 with shipping. What is a reasonable asking price? It is not in the classified because I am not trying to sell it now, just figuring out the price. Also, any tips for the best method to store/preserve the tank would be appreciated.



Dusty

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[joeband]

looks beautiful, but they don't seem to have as much value as what the new price would indicate. i'd guess around $100, though that clean and with a key and petcock, you might get 150+/-.



if you get the right person.... i wouldn't guess more than $200.

 

[rm_hm]

I pickled and saved mine. If you decide to sell the bike, having a mint stock tank to go with it is a big bonus.



The first thing people look at when buying a bike is the tank. You think the bike will sell for more if it has a beat up aftermarket tank or the mint original one.

I've walked away from bikes with trashed tanks. Cause some are hard to find or no aftermarket ones exist.



Or if I wreck my clarke tank I can go grab the stock one and keep on riding.



I fogged the tank good with one of these, I can't remember which one.





Sealed it up and put it away. These will protect exterior metal for a year, so it should last much longer inside the tank.

Of course if you need the cash i'd start out at 200

 

[dganey]

I pickled and saved mine. If you decide to sell the bike, having a mint stock tank to go with it is a big bonus.

What process for storing the tank did you use?

 

[peruano]

Dusty, I think Joe Band gave you reasonable information. Trashed xt350 tanks and similar go for $40 or so plus shipping (thats with dents, scratches, etc.). Admitting that TW200 tanks are not totally comparable, I'd say a good tank should be worth $100 or more plus shipping (and thats what I priced my 2002 tank in comparable condition recently). I'll store it and let it take up space rather than go lower. Obviously color, distance etc. all could play a factor. As I recall shipping a tank within the contiguous USA was in the $25 to $28 range the last time I shipped one. The humidity in Michigan is higher than New Mexico, but a cosmetic spray of WD40 or a light oil will certainly ward off most risk of rust if you don't store it in the potato cellar. Your tank is nice so price it as you see the market. Good luck. Tom

 

[bbagwell]

I sold mine for $50 bucks. The tank was in great condition, no dents and had a rust preventative coating on the inside. I had sanded and painted it though. Might have been worth more being stock colors? That was with no petcock or cap as well.

 

[jflynn]

I don't think you would have to do anything to store it for the next 30 years other than throw it on a shelf.



However, if you wanted to be really sure it would never rust or get a scratch, you could throw a few silica gel packs into the tank and wipe down the metal with CLP gun lubricant and wrap it in a synthetic blanket and then lock it in a locker or lock box or something. This would be a lot of effort for very little payoff. THis is also how people accumulate way too much junk and wind up being an old coot on American Pickers.



I would also respectfully disagree with the assertion that having the stock tank would be a big selling point. Most buyers probably couldn't care less about a second tank. I certainly wouldn't pay any more for a used bike (nor would my decision to buy or pass be swayed) if the owner pulled a stock tank out and says "I also have this." While you can't reliably predict when or if any vehicle will be a classic, I would be very surprised if these bikes become the next big thing people try to restore to factory fresh glory. They simply aren't rare enough or exceptionally pretty. I do like the way they look, but I'm not foolish enough to think it's a Ducati.



If it were me, I'd list it on the classifieds for a little more than I think it's worth (in case a motivated buyer really wants it), and in the meantime keep it in the garage. Who knows? You could lay the bike down and scratch up the Clarke and then change your mind and decide the factory tank looks nicer.

 

[Ayers Garage]

Mine went for 105 plus shipping on eBay and it wasn't near that nice.

Ones as nice as yours sometimes top 200 on eBay auctions. I watched them for a long time before I put mine up for auction. If you can cut an extra key and include the cap and key in with the tank, it will bring significantly more.

 

[retmotor]

If I was in market for a pretty street bike, the condition of the fuel tank would be very important to me. Some guys never take the TW off-road, so this may be a valid consideration. If you do choose to store it, fog the inside with an aerosol as was mentioned above and thoroughly wax the exterior.



If you do sell it, you could list it as used, but in like new condition. That tank is beautiful. If the right buyer found it, you might very well be able to pay for the Clarke tank. The only TW tank that has sold on ebay in the past two weeks sold for $25 and it was dented and ugly; link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1987-YAMAHA...3064&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr



If you sell it, auction it on ebay. Make a high reserve if you don't want it to go for too little. You can always re-list it later.

 

[old white truck]

dustyg - beautiful tank.



I agree with retmotor, when buying a used bike the first thing my eye is drawn to is the condition of the tank.



I don't know if this helps, but this guy sure wants a lot (in my opinion) for a beat up XT350 tank. XT350 tank for $125

 

[dganey]

Thanks for all of the feedback guys. I think I will post it up on our classified section for a great price before ebay.