Just finding my feet with a bit of spannering.  As part of a series of upgrades on my lads 80 small wheel today, I wanted to fit a better fuel tap, as the Beta OEM part isn't particularly easy to operate.

I picked up a Jitsie part: https://www.jitsie.com/en/fuel-taps/53781-fuel-tap.html

Got the fuel tank off to fit it and whilst it does fit the tank thread, no matter which orientation I put the tap in, it conflicts with either the engine itself, or the coolant hose off the top of the cylinder head.  There just isn't enough room as far as I can tell.  Two hours faffing didn't improve the situation.

I've put a query in to Jitsie directly to see what they say.  It's clearly sold as compatible for the Beta Evo 80, but I suspect it's only compatible with the Senior version, which presumably has more space due to the larger frame, yet Jitsie do not state such.

I just wondered if anyone had managed to fit an upgraded fuel tap to an 80 junior and if so, which one, please?

Considered an inline tap such as those used on mowers etc, but I've already fitted an inline fuel filter so theres little room, plus I feel like the OEM part might sieze eventually, if left permanently open.

Thank you

The snr and the jnr 80s have the same frame.  The difference is in the wheel size to make a smaller bike.

Never had a problem with the stock fuel tap on ours. 

19 hours ago, gasgasman280- said:

The snr and the jnr 80s have the same frame.  The difference is in the wheel size to make a smaller bike.

Never had a problem with the stock fuel tap on ours. 

Then thats very strange.  Thanks.  I'll have to wait for their reply I guess.  The OEM one is just a bit stiff for little finger and I prefer a tap for the visual aid.

I used this one https://www.trialsuk.co.uk/Beta-Fuel-Tap---EVO80REV80REV50---Lever-Style?search=beta fuel tap on both the medium and standard wheel 80.   It could only be in one position to operate and I just used fibre washers so that it was tight at that position.   Definitely  a worthwhile mod.

1 hour ago, arthritic said:

I used this one https://www.trialsuk.co.uk/Beta-Fuel-Tap---EVO80REV80REV50---Lever-Style?search=beta fuel tap on both the medium and standard wheel 80.   It could only be in one position to operate and I just used fibre washers so that it was tight at that position.   Definitely  a worthwhile mod.

Hello.  Thank you for this.  This is the same tap I had, but I couldn't find a position where it didn't conflict with the other components of the bike.  I see how fibre washers may help tighten it down into a specific rotational position, but to me it seemed as though there was no suitable position at all.  I had the tank off and was there for hours mucking about trying to orient it so it would both function and not kink the hose.

I don't want to impose, but would it be at all possible for you to take a photo of your installation, so I can have a look.  I've taken a bunch of photos to supply to Jitsie in case they ask, so I would be most interested to compare.

Photo's of various positions I tried, to no avail.  I was trying to keep the fuel outlet oriented downwards as the system is gravity fed, but even so, it was very tight in there.  I wasn't the only one who looked at this either! lol

Edited May 21, 20233 yr by lowside

Sorry, both Beta 80's gone now as we've moved up the classes. It did take me several attempts but it does fit.

1 hour ago, arthritic said:

Sorry, both Beta 80's gone now as we've moved up the classes. It did take me several attempts but it does fit.

Ah OK, thanks anyway.  Got to admit, this has me stumped.  Hope someone eventually comes along with a photo of it in-situ.

Just to close this off and in case anyone else has the issue in the future.

I emailed Jitsie customer services.  They have been excellent, going so far as to find a photo of the petcock (Jitsie Part: FTSHERCO3638) installed on a Beta Dealers sons' bike!  Can't really ask for more than that can you?

Photo attached.  The fuel does appear to run against gravity in the example and needs a longer hose, so I'd never personally have installed it that way without knowing for certain it would not affect the fuelling, but apparently it works just fine.

Cheers

My only gripe about the EVO 80 is the fuel valve and I like your solution!  I went the cheapo route and added an inline valve.  The OEM unit was retained and is always open.  Your idea looks nicer...  -Doug

I can't take credit for anything I'm afraid.  Just a confused newbie.  Jitsie market the fuel tap and just guided me on installation as it wasn't obvious to someone as devoid of knowledge in the mechanical arts as I.  Nothing stopping you getting a tap, I think they cost about £10