Reelthing wrote on 02/06/08 at 07:46:28:why? - because of the placement ?
Our 'design and use' vehicle regulations are pretty stiff. We're even limited to the size of fuel can we can keep in a garage at home.
A traffic cop would go ape over dangerous placement/insecurity of that fuel tank. it may be strapped down, but it doesn't look like it would stay connected to the bike long if there were an impact, so you'd have a leaking gas tank rolling round the accident scene.
I'm sure it does the job and it's been well fitted - but not to whatever government or industry-approved standard is required for type aproval. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great idea and I for one would happily strap something like that on if I were going touring round some remote region.
Think back to the massive punitive damages that were awarded against one of the motor manufacturers in the States a few years ago when a pick up truck’s tank exploded after side impact from a car – that woke the industry up a little in terms of fuel tank safety, and the law as well.
I suspect an enthusiastic cop your side of the pond could be just as interested in that tank!