Dong Fang DF 250 RTB Bobber Information

**freezerboy** · 06-26-2013, 11:47 PM

Originally Posted by birdmove

But, there was a problem with the gas tank mounting system they used. Not every bike leaked, but enough did that there was a problem there.

can you provide a link to this info?

**birdmove** · 06-27-2013, 12:27 AM

Well, I just finished reading this entire thread, and I don't plan to reread it again right now. I don't think there is a "thread search" feature here. There were quite a few owners who had their gas tanks just start leaking. They would remove them and there were photos of the mounting brackets with studs attached, and many were quite unevenly spaced. I don't recall anyone saying there were rubber grommets it mounted on, but could be. The more traditional way to mount a motorcycle gas tank is with 2 "ears" welded to the lower front of the tank, and often a third mounting bracket mounted to the back of a tank. Start your way through this thread and the tank leak will come up pretty quickly. This leak is very much a safety item, as a biker isn't made to become a flaming torch while riding down the road. I hope that yours will be one of the older type tanks that does not leak. I think Barnone can settle the issue of whether the newer tanks have a better mounting system or not by looking at his new bobber. Maybe some of you that had your 2010 model tanks can toss in youe 2 cents here, as I am not an owner, but I know what I read, and seeing the photos I saw here I am not surprised they leaked. BY the way, the shearing of rear sprocket mount bolts is not unique to this bike either. I have seen several references to the same thing happening on the CCW Tha Heist on the Facebook page for that bike. But, for some reason, I have not read this of Tha Missfit.

Originally Posted by freezerboy

can you provide a link to this info?

**freezerboy** · 06-27-2013, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by birdmove

I don't recall anyone saying there were rubber grommets it mounted on, but could be. The more traditional way to mount a motorcycle gas tank is with 2 "ears" welded to the lower front of the tank, and often a third mounting bracket mounted to the back of a tank..

That's exactly how mine is mounted, and has been from the start. Of course it has rubber bushings under the studs.

Also when i asked for a link, i thought you had read factual info from an external site. I didn't really mean opinionated info from here. I think most of us here have all read the entire thread now.

I have read here how the tank mount brackets were welded on at an angle on a couple.

**birdmove** · 06-27-2013, 01:40 AM

Here is what I was reffering to as a traditional tank mount system: http://www.jpcycles.com/product/721-...C-671361463565 2 ears in front welded on and, and a bracket welded on on the rear. The 2010 DF bobber tanks mount photos I've seen here look nothing like this. I am thinking maybe the new model uses a setup more like in this in photo I refer to here?

**axa** · 06-27-2013, 02:10 AM

Originally Posted by birdmove

Here is what I was reffering to as a traditional tank mount system: http://www.jpcycles.com/product/721-...C-671361463565 2 ears in front welded on and, and a bracket welded on on the rear. The 2010 DF bobber tanks mount photos I've seen here look nothing like this. I am thinking maybe the new model uses a setup more like in this in photo I refer to here?

Yes the tank has welded ears at 4 points, the 2010 has I believe 2 welded studs.

Done my share of welding, and getting a strong bead a linear ear is much easier and reliable than on a perpendicular stud...

**barnone** · 06-27-2013, 01:05 PM

Cranked in the max preload for the seat spring. Might need some helper springs to keep it from bottoming out for my 210 lbs.

**SR.MAILMAN** · 06-27-2013, 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by axa

Yes the tank has welded ears at 4 points, the 2010 has I believe 2 welded studs.

Done my share of welding, and getting a strong bead a linear ear is much easier and reliable than on a perpendicular stud...

The problem with the 2010 tank, was the bracket the stud was attached to was "stick" welded to the tank. Sheet metal is very hard (temp wise) to weld in a hurry.
spot welding might have been a better choice. But to save money and production line speed they chose the faster/cheaper method.

Also, rubber flat washers were used between the bracket/stud and frame.

I did the JB weld fix and blue locktite on stud,before even putting any gasoline in the tank. It never leaked.

**4950cycle** · 06-27-2013, 03:25 PM

Yes, I agree with your second opinion on resale value also axa. I'm a little late in posting, This 8 mile long thread moves right along.

**axa** · 06-27-2013, 06:47 PM

so has any one bothered to check if their wheels are balanced?

**4950cycle** · 06-28-2013, 01:35 AM

I go by feel at higher speeds. If I have a wheel that's humping or bumping I look into it and balance it . I balanced my front wheel with a little bit of thick lead solder wire wrapped around certain spokes. straightens them right out. A little tedious to do sometimes. An easy free spinning rim helps.