A fuel tank made of... ?

**Eriks** · #1 14 Oct 2004

Hi, a tank question for you folks:
I have an 18 liter Acerbis tank on my Yamaha, but it is not large enough for the really long rides. Now, in the department of big tanks I've found several options, that is plastic tanks, aluminium tanks, carbon tanks, a who knows what more. I suppose there are pros and cons with whatever I choose.
What is the best fuel tank material for long distance riding, and why?

**Margus** · #2 14 Oct 2004

I doubt there's any serious difference between the materials that tanks are made of on travel use...

For example my BMW has 41 litre tank made from polycarbonat. Some say it's excellent and much more resistant than metal tank, some think otherwise. I'm the one who thinks it's excellent and i never want the original tank again.

I think most important thing for travel use would be the size - you presumably don't want to refill too often on the road. Then probably comes the design aspects - dynamics-masscentre, how comfortible it is for your legs, tankbag options, vibration resistance etc

I think Acerbis makes very fine tanks for enduros. But if you think the original tank is better somehow for your needs, then go for it.

Good luck on choosing the suitable one, Margus

**simmo** · #3 22 Oct 2004

stay away from fiberglass!

**javkap** · #4 22 Oct 2004

Simmo:

You can’t only say "stay away" with out any a explanation.

I have a fiber glass one and is really easy to repair if it break in any fall down.

Thanks.
Javier……

**Mr. Ron** · #5 25 Oct 2004

Hello. I recently met an Australian fellow who had a head-on with a car in Morroco on his KLR. The Acerbis tank had a huge bend in it, but didn't leak. I'm sold!

**pajaro** · #6 18 Feb 2008

Acerbis is plastic and almost bulletproof, it's light but sturdy, good design provides comfortable knee room and aerodynamics.

After finishing my Australia / S. America trip on my XT, I am selling my Acerbis 23 L tank. It's black color, double petcock, and it's in Colombia.
23 litres was always enough for me, and I did get off the beaten path, big time. I was getting 400-450K on a full tank, on an XT 600 year 2000.

As a test, I ran the bike until the tank was dry. I got 500 km (310 miles) out of it, on the dot.

It's got a few scratches on it. It's working great and I sell it for half of what it’s worth new, plus shipping to wherever you live.

Cheers,

Juan