WHY DO? I've always wanted to know this one... Why is it race bikes fuel tanks have the breather pipe fitted ( well I guess that's what it is ) eg the plastic pipe coming out of the top of the tank and yet Road bikes don't... I'm guessing it's something to do with fast fuel filling and poss pressure but I'd like to know the real reason.. Thanks
Well, on a road bike, how often does the tank have to be removed? Once every couple of years maybe?. So the breather can be fed down behind the fairings for aesthetics and forgotten about. On a race bike, doing this is time consuming, so having the breather out of the top of the tank and sitting in the headstock is easier and faster when working with the tank. My take on it anyway. I'm probably miles off and it'll be for some strange reason.
On my 5 gallon 'Manx' petrol tank is a front facing breather tube coming out from the top of the tank.A pipe then goes from this to the top of the headstock and down the front tubes.Any petrol which vents out the tank will therefore overflow away from the engine.
Clear plastic will give an instant indication of whether the tank is venting or not.My tank however has a rubber tube which is ancient.
many valid points above, anything visible that helps with safety when racing plus a large diameter breather can help with quicker refills particularly on older style rigs.
Every time ..... You are n.........ear...just like me, (not) they long to be.. Close to you.... I'm old enough to know that tune is by the Carpenters ... Made me chuckle though Nelson..
