WeaponMX Tank Foam- Review

[LawDog101]

I saw the WeaponMx Tank Foam post in this forum and I gave them a call. I spoke to two folks and asked them a bunch of questions (fit, size, problems, research, testing, etc.). Let me be very straightforward here. I did not think that this stuff would have any effect on my 05 CRF450. I had made up my mind that it was worthless.

I knew that folks with road race bikes had been using foam or some type of baffle in the tank for 15+ year. But, they hold 5 gallons, so I didn't think that the 1.9 gallon tank on my CRF would be much of anything. But it was free, so who cares right? Besides, Honda engineers are some of the best, if it was necessary, they would have put it in there.

So here is my review. I received the box promptly. Upon opening the box, I discovered excellent packaging, research and reviews, cool t-shirt, instructions, and stickers.



It was all taped up and the foam was sealed in a plastic bag. Here was my first mistake. I took the foam out to photograph it and made the mistake of mixing up the levels and sizes of foam. No amount of shifting got it back in the same order. Not to worry, see below. I didn't specify whether I had an oversize tank or not, so they sent me the oversize kit. Tons of foam. I did not use all of it.



The instructions provided adequate information, but the idea is pretty simple. I think it is better to take the tank off when you are working with this stuff. Makes it easier to get it all in and if you have to take some out, you don't end up with gas everywhere. I took the time here to clean out the tank. You wouldn't believe what it in your tank after a year or so.



I was originally worried that the foam would have dirt, funk, and other stuff in it. I soaked a few pieces in clean gas. Guess what, no funk. Excellent.

Since I had the oversize kit, I picked out five pieces of foam that were a little wider than my tank and started stuffing them in. I used a long T-handle to get them to lie flat. Easy, took about 10-15 minutes to get all of the pieces in the tank.

I was so skeptical about the stuff that I put 1.2 gallons in the tank before I put the foam in. I then shook the tank several times to get the feel of the gas sloshing back and forth. It really does have some weight. I then retested when I had the foam installed. Felt like the tank was one solid piece. Cool. I was starting to feel less skeptical.



Once installed you use a t-handle to check the fuel level. A little annoying, but it did not present a problem at the track.

I headed out to Nocona MX. A loamy sandy track with the best dirt ever. Track is filled with corners and direction changes as well as sand and ruts in some corners. I honestly did not think I would notice anything different.

In fact, I went out for a short moto, about 10 laps, and after about 2 laps, I really began to feel what the folks at WeaponMX were telling me. Not too much when the bike is up and down, but a key point in going fast is the turn-in point. That point where you go from straight to turning. I can tell you that the bike felt much more solid and when I turned in or dropped it into a rut leaned over, it felt less top heavy. It went where I put it and stayed there. Plus, the bike did feel lighter as there wasn't gas sloshing back and forth during transition from corner to corner.

Does it work? Yes. I agree with the reviews. Can you tell a difference? Yes, absolutely. However, my bike is well set up and is adjusted for each track, so I think the difference for me will be more pronounced. Basically, if your bike is worn out and the last time you changed your suspension fluid was when bikes had conventional forks, you probably will not notice that much. If I had to pick a negative it would be only that I think they could shape and select the foam for each tank specifically so there is less confusion upon installation. I really did not want to write a positive review, but the difference was noticable and does exactly what it says. Good stuff. It wil stay in my bike from now on.

James

P.S.- no spam emails or other nonsense to date.

[yamah177]

well, that doesn't sound too bad. So, all i have to do is call them and say i want to test it and they will give it too me free? and if i like it, i promise to tell 20 guys at my local track about it maybe, just to do something for them giving it to me for free, kinda like you are doing by writing this report? more info on this please.

[LawDog101]

I do not know what you are implying. They offered, I called, they sent me the product. No agreement whatsoever exists to do anything other than review it and post my review, good or bad. In fact, I told Heather at WeaponMX that if it didn't work, I would post that just as happily as if it did.

It works. Simple.

James

[pragmatic393]

Good review, James!

..and I have no doubt you would have posted a negative review if warranted

[The Baron]

I gotta get my review done. I've been trying to acclimate myself to the new scooter before trying it because I want to give it a fair shake. I do believe the foam is different for each bike, though. Mine came in a totally different looking box, so I assume the foam is cut different than yours.

BTW - I'm a little pissed, I didn't get a t-shirt or stickers.

[LawDog101]

I gots me some mad skillz, yo!

James

[The Baron]

Originally Posted by LawDog101

I gots me some mad skillz, yo!

James

Glad to hear it.

[UnsafeHaven]

wow awesome review, i will have to look into this product.

[sparta4188]

Good review, Might be looking into one of those!!

[tamucc2004]

Very good review. At my skill level I dont think that it would make much difference, but you never know. Thank You for posting.

[ossagp]

I have a tank for a shorttracker with some baffles in it. You could tell the difference it made in handling on them. less than 1.25 gallons it that case. I can well imagine that it will make for a more precise corner on something as tall as an MX bike is. one of those things that if it results in a half second in one race, it is well worth a position. Like "free" horsepower.

[The Baron]

Here's my review too, y'all.
My Weapon MX G-Zero Foam Review

[Woody_393]

Wow, I didn't see this previously. That's a great review and I know based off the reviewer (James) that it's not fluff.

When I get a new bike, I'm going to have to get some of this for sure.

Does anyone know how much it costs?

Also, do they give an estimate about how much gas it displaces -- so if you have a 1.9 gallon tank, with this installed you'll be down to 1.7 or something similar?

[pjg351]

I got in contact with that nice lady about that foam after Barons review, but i cant bye it direct from them, i have to go through their Australian supplier. So when i rang them they told me to go through a bike shop. Then i get slugged with the ole middle man slug on top of the right price. How much does it cost over there? I am defently going to run this foam in the Kawi's for next season. Maybe someone can help me out and buy it over there and send it to me here

[TRXman86]

Pjg, here is the price I was sent and got from their web page. This may vary since mine is for an ATV: Tank Foam: 54.95 I am REALLY glad I am a sponsored rider I know that what it is supposed to do is keep your fuel from moving around. It should make a big difference in my quad for the XC races for sure. I hate having a half tank shake me around. If anyone needs info on it, you can send an e-mail to [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] or call
877-706-0181 I will be running their Missel series pipe and the foam this year. Hopefully they will make some more stuff I can get I have them for 2 years so it will be time well spent.

[FFRacing11x]

Contact [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] HRC part # 17522-NF5-690 Tank foam for an RS125. $8 per piece. 3-4 pieces should do any MX tank. Tdub

[ossagp]

that is my kind of price. i called a rubber supply place today to buy some hose. since it was on my mind, i asked about open cell foam that would stand up to gas. the man is looking into it for me. he rattled off several types of rubber that it could be made of and thought some were available in 'foam'.

[TRXman86]

Originally Posted by Woody_393

Also, do they give an estimate about how much gas it displaces -- so if you have a 1.9 gallon tank, with this installed you'll be down to 1.7 or something similar?

Woody, if I am not mistaken, it only takes about 1-2% up. Thats about what it takes up in our race car fuel cell also. We use the same kind in it and it works awesome for eliminating the "unsprung" weight. Weapon is also in the process of making custom skidplates. I have been looking into this one pretty hard but they are still in developmental stages for it.