Slimline tank rear mounting hook

Tanks made in the Norton factory  could be different to those made at Woolwich.  Which side of the tanks are the filler caps on?.

No idea Anna, but they certainly changed things for no apparent reason. Threads on steering columns, threads on bearing rings finishes on fixings,etc.

My -68 650SS had this tank when I bought it. Cap on the right side. It has been repaired. Seems not uncommon that they start to leak. My guess is that the square piece with hook could be obtained from somewhere for repairs.

My slimline tank which I am sure is original fitting has the filler cap on the near side and the loop is part of a square plate, as per photo.

Hi Tony

Here are pics of my Slimline featherbed 1960 Manxman tank that was just chemically dipped.  It has the square plate just like Colin's above and filler cap on the left-hand side (sitting on the bike).  Cheers, Mike

My understanding is that the earlier Bracebridge tanks had the filler on the left.(pre 63?)  Later Woolwich tanks seem to have them on the right. Possibly to resist leaks and aid filling when on the side stand?. All guesswork but it would appear that you have spotted yet another Woolwich anomaly re the bracket fixing ,which would seem to be a cheaper backward step as it concentrates the stresses in a smaller area. That Manxman tank of Mike's looks to be very different in construction and shape to the UK slimline tanks.At first sight one would assume it had been heavily cut about for a repair,or more likely it was  handmade (like the silencers) in a prototype way ,in expectation that the big run would get a proper pressing tool by Shelleys?. Fun this guesswork isn't it!!.

While on the subject of odd tank details ,I was looking through some photos of early De-luxe slimlines( sad old git) and found a Factory shot (Bacons 1981 Osprey Twins page 43) that clearly has many clues that it was  a well used  prototype.  One being Mazack tank badges that have different fixings and shape like a lightweight and it also has no tickler slot in the sidepanel that production bikes have.

A side stand is a really usefull device, particularly as one gets old  and less athletic , I managed perfectly well up to the age of 70 without.   Could not manage now!, fit one while you can.