Sportster tank on my XJ (Slight set back)

So i get a old peanut tank from a guy that i know dirt cheap w/ a petcock
for 30** super happy! strip the paint then i 'm gonna reweld the tabs for mounting. set the tank on for placement and step back to take a look and THAN..... the petcock is allll the waaaayy up top! i'll run out of gas in no time.so today i'm cutting the petcock out with a holesaw and relocating it about 3 1/2" from the bottom and shorting the fuel tube. yeah, i know i'll have alot less reserve, so when i hit it i have about 15 miles to get some gas.
has anyone else strayed away from the normal tanks that come stock?
i have a 650 & 750 and the 650 tank was the lesser of two evils. but that peanut looks great for my yamabobber! 8)

 

You know, I was thinking about putting a harley tank on my xj, but I don't know squat about welding... is their another way? Is it difficult?

 

I like the tear drop design but I cant find any that will drop over the back bone enough to my liking, im thinking about going with a 2 piece tank

 

the welding is just to make me happy and easier to mount. with the stock brackets you can mount it still. i did have to cut out some clips so it would set properly though.....
and i'm surre there's a way to go with a split tank i just wanted a slim look.
right,right?

 

btw, mack. do you have a clutch pedel on the left er what?
any pics?

 

my suicide shifter is still in mock up, I think im gonna ditch it at first because I just wanna ride the damn thing. my clutch lever was gonna be on the handle of the suicide shifter