Is there any distinct difference between the mc16 and mc 18 fuel tanks....if I were to go by the part numbers and corresponding frame numbers ( in the part manual), the part numbers for both appear to overlap ..this means the same tank and frame was used for both bikes(?) and that and mc16 of a late sin. could be using the same tank as a an mc18...is this correct?....here's the short of it ....my mc16 tank looks ..not so good. I have seen both mc16 and mc18 tanks ,that look like the same item ... in very good condition, on the yahoo japan auction sites ...are they interchangeable ?

The parts manual is wrong! The part listings under the MC18 fuel tank diagram are for the MC16 tank. I think this isn't the only error of its kind in the manual, so watch out when ordering parts.

There seem to be two critical differences in the tanks, which make cross-compatibility difficult. One is the shape of the rubber mounts that each end of the tank sits on. The other I'm not sure about, but I think the MC18 tank is 1-2cm longer. How do I know this? I have an MC18 tank on my MC16. It came with the bike, and it looks like someone has welded a piece on the front of the tank to fit the MC16 frame, and they welded a new mounting point (on the subframe) about 1-2cm back from the original. I've since put on an MC18 subframe I had spare, and the tank now aligns perfectly with the original threaded mounting point.

In summary, I would buy an MC16 tank.

Thanks for the info..it is very ...very , hard to tell from a photo on ebay, however now that I know what to look for there does appear to be a difference in the mc 16 and 18 fuel tanks...the front seems a little elongated and almost pointed..I am lucky enough to have one, but would like to go a step better....
Have been buying parts from anywhere and everywhere I can get them... and just purchased the rare and discontinued 10mm OEM crank seal..the small one was easy to come by and I had already gotten one , but bought both as a package $ 200 USD..Yike ! I love this bike
Previous crank discussions were extremely useful while I was sifting through the adverts for a crank and more recently a case as well. The case was ever so slightly damaged in the engine failure , but it was scored right in the most critical seal retaining groove. Rather than risk another failure ..after I managed to purchase a serviceable mc16 crank , I decide to replace the case set. I am sure I have a positive lead on the proper case and will find out soon enough..will keep you posted on the progress.

I'm working to fix the Parts Manual, but it's not my top priority in life, hence the disclaimers to cross-check numbers before ordering.
_________________
Andy.
NSR-WORLD.COM

Please keep all responses to Forum posts on the Forum so that others may benefit.

Please DO NOT PM me for technical advice. My time is precious, and you will probably receive a faster response on the Forum anyway.

Check us out on Facebook! Please "like" our page!

Sometimes, ya pay yer money and take yer chances ...especially off the net...paid big coin for a crank seal off ebay , only in next few hours ...to have an American distributor send me one off my wish list with an order..cost 23.78 $ USD!
The parts manual is a ....GOD SEND to a guy like me , just trying to learn everything possible to get my bike back on the road again

Unless you see the tank right there in your mits and compare to your own or at least know the serial of the bike it is from, it appears buying one for the earlier models may be a bit iffy...maybe Ill repaint and decal the one I have ....at least I know theres no rust to deal with !