Rally tanks for LC4

**javier** · #1 5 Nov 2004

Hello, I just read a message from Ian in which he says: "From my 640LC4-E with Adventure tank, rallye side tanks, ortlieb panniers and rallye engine guard..." It really sounds like the perfect setting for long distance travel in the desert. I have tried to find the rally tanks for a while now with no luck at all. Can anyone tell me where could I find them?
Thanks
Javier

**nomiskx** · #2 6 Nov 2004

You can get rear tanks from ktm-sommer.de but unfortunately fitting them is not easy. KTM no longer make rear tanks for any of their current models other than their full 660 Rallye. Trouble is that the 660 Rallye has a unique frame so those tanks don't fit.

It can be done though if you build a custom rack to fit the tanks. I have a pair of 1997 rear tanks made for KTM by acerbis and I had a rear subframe to made to fit them to a 640 adevnturer. But I needed to maek several modifications to make it all work.

Anyway, you can get rear tanks from ktm-sommer but you would then need to make a subframe and modify your bike to suit. Which model KTM do you have ?

Simon

**gozell** · #3 6 Nov 2004

The different versions, mounting tips etc etc

its all explained here

http://www.ktm-adventure.ch/22umbaut...zin/index.html

**javier** · #4 6 Nov 2004

Hi Nomiskx, I have a lc4 adventure 2000. Where did you get the acerbis tanks for your bike? Will they fit a 2000 model?
Thanks
Also thanks to gozell for the link

**nomiskx** · #5 7 Nov 2004

I got my tanks second hand when I bought my bike. THe guy I bought the 2003 Adventurer ahd them in the back of his garage so we did a cash deal for the bike and he threw in the tanks. Then I spent quite a lot of dosh getting them all set up with custom racks and panniers and stuff.

Try www.ktm-sommer.de or e-bay

Simon

**Ian** · #6 13 Nov 2004

The side tanks I fitted were, I believe, from a KTM rally bike, of around 1992 vintage, and made by Acerbis. The subframe required a considerable amount of modification, which was carried out by Swampy in the UK (07855 464922).

Do you really need them? I'd only fit them again if I was considering doing a large number of desert trips where I needed the extra range.

I spotted some for sale at the Dakar rallye website forum here http://www.dakar.com/cgi-bin/forum/u...c;f=1;t=000079

Cheers,

Ian.

[This message has been edited by Ian (edited 13 November 2004).]

**javier** · #7 14 Nov 2004

Hi Ian,
The only reson I am considering fitting them is because I am planning a dessert round trip around Morocco, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Argelia and Tunez. I am not 100% sure that I will need the extra fuel, but it will give me peace of mind knowing that I have more than enough.
Did theSwampy you refer to use to work for KTM UK?
Thanks for the link to the dakar forum
javier

**Ian** · #8 14 Nov 2004

I believe Swampy did work for KTM UK, and has been a mechanic on the Dakar rally.

Sounds like a good trip you've got planned. Your required fuel range will depend on so many factors - your route obviously, whether fuel stations actually have fuel etc.

Cheers,

Ian.

**javier** · #9 15 Nov 2004

Hi Ian,
I had a look at the dakar forum link that you posted yesterday and I am quite surprised to see how low some of the prices for the 660 rally bike are. I suppose they will make a perfect bike for traveling in the dessert, as there is no need to prepare it further. Is the engine on them totally different from the Adventure 640? or its just a bigger CC cilinder with some extra BHP? Fuel comsumption must be higher as well, do you know how much higher?
Cheers
Javier

**Ian** · #10 20 Nov 2004

The rally models of course still have an LC4 engine, but to gauge how much the motors differ would need a good look through the parts books. That said you find a number of parts from the rally bikes on the Adventure and LC4-E.

IMHO the better bike for desert touring (rather than desert racing) would be a suitably equipped Adventure (or LC4-E), simply because it's designed for touring and the rally models are designed for desert racing.

After owning an Adventure I now use an LC4-E, because it's slightly lighter and, again IMHO, more suited to the off-road going in Europe, where the bike is mostly used.

Cheers,

Ian.

[This message has been edited by Ian (edited 19 November 2004).]

**nomiskx** · #11 15 Feb 2005

My rear tanks and pannier system is now for sale. You can see detailed pics here:

http://www.overland-solutions.com/pr...on2/simon2.htm

Drop me a line if you're interested,

Simon

**RichLees** · #12 15 Feb 2005

I think I have a pair of these tanks down in Southampton. they're unused as they were bought for a project bike that didn't work out. complete with taps.
if you're interested, give me a call on 07930-400494 and I'll dig around at the back of the garage
Rich

**indian1919** · #13 19 Feb 2005

You also can see this french site:
www.mecasystem.fr it is a builder of rally
parts for KTM. See at Rally extreme preparation PN:KR62 and KR63, rear aloy tank 8 litters left and right(in project) it also have rear frame parts for adapt this tank. I don't know if it is easy to adapt to KTM adventure, you need to ask.