Engine to tank clearance rule?

[Shill]

Question on recommended clearance from the top of the valve cover to the bottom of the tank.

On my B12 zuma, the gap is smaller than I'd like, <10mm. I'm imagining in some worst case scenario, say I forget about this and in a year sling a heavy tank bag on there, it could contact, and hot engine directly contacting a metal tank would be bad news. 

Is there a rule of thumb for this in terms of clearance? Plan is to space the front mount up with some rubber strips to gain an extra few mm - does anyone use any heat reflective / insulation material in applications like this? Am I worrying too much as long as there's some fresh air there?

Edited July 15, 2019 by Shill

[wraith]

As long as there is fresh air between the tank and engine you'd be ok unless your rubber are very soft.

I've seen some race bikes use heat reflective tape/ insulation on tanks but this is more to keep the fuel cool for better performance.

If you're worried about it, there is no harm in lifting the tank.

[Shill]

Magic, cheers dude

[Danm54]

I've used a heat mat under the tank on the turbo 1100w, the tank and frame still get warm but I'm assuming it actually does something to help keep the tank cool.

[1100fred]

I lifted the rear of the tank with a 10mm spacer plate where it bolts to frame under the seat 

[Racer-X]

I have a ally fuel tank that sits very close to the engine I use silver heat shielding from merlin motorsports maybe worth a look if you're concerned.