Anyone have experience legally and honestly shipping the fuel tanks for these bikes? I have two tanks that haven’t had fuel in them for thirty plus years, but I think the shipppers are leery of used tanks and I won’t lie about what’s being shipped. I am considering sealing the tanks first and declaring them as refurbished and see how that goes.

I have had a few fuel tanks shipped to me in New Zealand via USPS .
They were all used , but probably hadn't held fuel for some considerable time .
No one seemed to bother . I don't imagine shipping internally in US would present any difficulties .

My own courier here in the UK told me to describe everything I send as "gift", as the exclusion list for insurance claims is as long, if not longer, than your arm. Clearly there's no safety issue in what you're sending.

Empty liquid container. Emphasis on "empty" whatever you call it.

Over the years I have had at least 10 tanks shipped to me within the US and one shipped from the UK (Sammy Miller) to the US with no problems. I did have a fiberglass tank damaged in transit within the US.

I use "Motorcycle Parts " as the description. I have never been asked " what part ". I am honest when asked if flammable, perishable, liquid , perfume etc..

I do the same as yamahoper. Never had an issue. I've shipped tanks to Florida via UPS, and one or 2 elsewhere via USPS. I've had tanks shipped to me from places (eBay purchases) without issue.

Just make sure they don't even remotely smell like gas! That might attract attention!

When shipping tanks I covers the tank several times with plastic food wrap, I’ve never shipped tanks that had any fuel smell. I’m sure if they smelt fuel it would be confiscated and maybe thing it’s a bomb.

Thanks for the input!

Midlife Motor,

When my Xterra was totaled with my RT-3 on the rear rack, it took out the bars, tank, and rear fender. Got REAL lucky and located better of all three, and the fender and tank were packed up by the old owner and UPS's to me; both made it fine.