I think some of us recognize that the s40 tank is not the most attractive for doing a custom bike, but finding an alternative is a pain.

What if we could use the stock tank, and just purchase a more attractive 'cover' or 'falsie' (?) to go over top. Paughco sell them in steel and I'm tempted to call 'air-tech' and see if they would sell one in fibreglass. They have a huge supply of moulds of every style. OR:  cut the bottom out of an older, better-looking tank
Crazy, or what?
ps: anyone tried taking off the lower heat shield with the 2 rusty screws? wot a pita!

All that trouble & $$$ & STILL need gas every hundred miles? Not my idea of an answer,