How big a Tank do you really need
 

I notice the first upgrade every does for an adventure bike is to put a big tank on their bikes.

Is a 12 litre tank enough (with an emergency 5 litre reserve can each).

The route we are planning on taking is UK to Turkey. Accross Iran and Into India then on to Nepal.

South east asia then touring Australia.

Riding the americas then back accross Russia and Mongolia.

This will give us an approx 200mile range with the total 17 litres.

Bigger is always better. Even if you don't need it, at least you have options.

There's nothing worse than not being able to take the road less travelled because there is no petrol station.

Every long trip I've done I've had 'enough' range with 200 miles with only 2-3 times where I've had to carry a Jerry can or some coke bottles etc. I've always wished I'd had more though. It removes stress and head scratching from a route choice.

If you can afford it and don't want old pop bottles stashed all over the place just to go into a national park etc, then get a BIG tank.

Sadly, they don't come cheap but jerry cans are HORRIBLE to carry. They take loads of space, are heavy and are easily nicked.

Big tanks - and I'm not talking about Tigers...
 

In my opinion, a 200 mile total range would be fine most of the time but only if it were in the main tank. I think you'll want or need all of it more than you think and get really fed up with stopping for fuel or transferring from your 'reserve' tank.

I've had a number of bikes in UK with very small tanks - eg original XT500 with less that 10 litres, HD Sportster ditto, and it gets really boring to be stopping every 60 or 70 miles,(100km) and even more boring when you risk it and end up pushing. doh

And remember I'm talking about riding in civilised places here with reliable fuel stations less than 20 miles apart. Once you start getting into the wilds - and I even mean parts of Wales and Scotland, or France on a Sunday, let alone further East/South, you'll want all of your 17 litres plus a 5 litre reserve can.

My Guzzi (21 litres) and Tenere (23 litres:thumbup1:) carry enough in their main tanks and give a true 200+ mile range which is fine for covering distance without stopping at every fuel station (ie there is some margin for error) and are ok for civilisation. If I'm heading off the beaten track, I bung an extra 5 litre can on the rack, though try and keep it empty most of the time, as the weight isn't really in the best place.

Bottom line: you'll probably be ok, but get a bigger tank if you don't want to be filling every hour or 2 and always worrying where the next fuel is, as you have little margin for error.

Personally I like to have a 300 mile range. this is because I live nearly 300 miles from the channel ports and sometimes it is not possible to get fuel between the ferry and my home.
This is easy to do with a car but not so with a bike. The BMW I had did about 50 ish mpg and I could get about 200 miles before hitting reserve. I never managed to put more than 18 litres into the 22 litre tank even after switching to reserve.
My Enfield does over 90mpg and I can guarantee 200 miles before needing reserve (240 if I switch over). I have never managed more than 12 litres into that tank. It is supposed to hold 14 litres. I hope to change it out for one of 18 litres which should give me my desired 300 mile range. It is time consuming searching for fuel, an ideal situation would be to be able to do a full days riding without -needing- to refuel. Even so I find I do more miles per day on the Enfield than on the BMW even though the BMW does more miles per hour. The difference is my ability to ride longer between fuel stops and to only stop for fuel in conjunction with some other reason.
I like to fuel up late in the day before finding a campsite. That way in the morning I have a free run until the following afternoon.

IMHO, it'd doable but in a few places you'll find that you would be using your emergency five litre every fill up, which can become a bit of a pain if you are using it regularly as opposed to just as an emergency.

In places like Mongolia, eastern Russia, central Australia, and South America there are times when you will likely need to carrying an extra five litres on top of the emergency five you have already.

I'd say the tipping point is frequency of use. If you can get away with rarely using your spare gas can then you have a large enough tank. If you would have to use it regularly, then you are better off getting a larger tank. I've travelled on bikes with a 23 litre tank, 22 litre, and a 16, I don't think I would go much below that for the places you describe.

Don't forget the mental side either. Ride until you are ready for a break then look for petrol all on the main tank, or find the perfect campsite on a Saturday night when you've got 150 miles left in the tank and you just ride and enjoy. Knowing you've got to top off the tank in case the only petrol station is closed means sitting there doing mental calculations. Worry about what a 40 mph head wind is doing to your fuel consumption becomes even less fun when the bike goes on reserve.

Andy

There is some truth in bigger being better :innocent: but for the 600cc single cylinder old nails that I ride I've concluded that around 23-25L is optimum. Both the bikes came to me with much smaller tanks, one a 10L and the other a 13L and I toured much of Europe using them. Fuel was a constant worry, particularly during evenings, weekends or in the more remote areas and I've had to work my schedule round garage opening hours on a number of occasions. even to the point of sleeping overnight on a garage forecourt waiting for it to open in the morning.

For the XR600 I eventually ended up with additional 20L and 40L tanks. On the basis that bigger had to be better I put the 40L on but after a few trial fill ups it was mostly run half full. The main reason was that the bike is hugely top heavy with 40L of fuel high up - particularly when loaded with luggage, much of which is high up also and was just horrible to ride. Never mind that, just think of the range, I hear you say. Well, even in the Western Sahara where I thought it would be necessary, the furthest I had to go between fuel stations used just over 1/4 of the tank.

I now run the XR with the mid size 20L tank and that can give me a comfortable 250 miles with a bit left in the bottom. The CCM has an ex Paris-Dakar 23L tank with an additional 2L in a small container fixed to the rack. That's probably about right - enough range to stop me constantly worrying about the next fill up but not enough so that the weight bends the stand when it's parked on a slope.

The reason for my question is that the bike I am planning on using has a 12 litre aluminium tank. It would be pointless to spend the money on this machine then replace the tank as the tank gives much of the character to the bike.

We shall probably take 2 5 litre cans each instead of just 1.

Australia
 

Most towns along the eastern side are close together. In central Oz, it's great to have 350km plus capacity. My Tenere (23l) allows me to do loops out around Alice Springs that have no fuel for 350km or a bit more - gives me a great amount of latitude. Some mates can't come with me as they only have 200-250km range. I don't like the idea of carrying extra fuel in containers, and will put up the with extra weight up front on the Tenere.

Fishing hooks......! A big 'un, catches big fish.. a small 'un catches small AND big fish!

reverse..........


Fuel tanks.....! A small 'un does small distance... a big 'un does BIG AND SMALL distances! Now it's up to you how much fuel/weight you put into it! Nay Bother!7

Here's another.........

Wise man say... "better to be looking AT fuel than looking FOR fuel!"

or a line from the band 'Pearl jam'..... "Gas in the tank is like money in the bank!"


I think you can see where I'm going........? LOL!

I agree with Guzzibob that a 200 miles range is usually enough, I took your proposed route a while ago and carried on to Australia, with a 200 miles to reserve range I only once used it when an Iranian sent me the wrong way to the nearest petrol station.
The only places I have needed more is in Australia and Sudan.

Sorry to say it, mate, but I think there's a bit of 'form over function' going on here: I'm not immune to that myself, and I persevered with the original small (less than 10 litre!) polished alloy tank on my XT500 for years for just that reason, and earned grey hairs and blisters from worrying where the next fuel was, or pushing the bike to the next station!
As a number of other contributors have said, a larger tank gives you choices and really reduces the stress: dig out your Adv MC Handbook for confirmation from the 'master' - water equals time, fuel equals range. 2 x 5 litre cans will not only eat into your available cargo space, they will also do little for the aesthetics of your machine! If that's what you really want, why not get the Tank Shop (or similar) to make you a larger alloy tank? Be prepared to both pay, and wait a while though: I know people who have had to wait 18 months for their tank....

As in the rest of life, money can get you to the front of the queue -

The Tank Shop, Aluminium Petrol Tanks For Motor Bikes

You don't mention what bike you have but second hand Acerbis tanks for popular biles like the XT600 and XL600 come up on this site and Ebay occasionally, with 18/22 litre capacity and sell for about £100-200, keep your eye out for one.

The bikes were are planning on taking are 2 of these:

SR-40

There are good reasons for this:

Seat height: My wife is 5'3" and longer in body than leg so the CCM fits the bill. If we both take the same bike we don't need to double up on spares
Light weight: only 120 KGs
Engine: The DRZ 400 has been used on loads of trips on this forum

The looks are an added bonus, but I wouldn't want to change them so if I can run with the stock tank I would prefer it:

If i put one of these on the back of the bike it Might sort the problem:
Acerbis Auxiliary Rear Fuel Tank 6L

That looks like a good choice of bike for the trip for the reasons you mention. If you are planning to buy new and given that CCM are an unusual choice, how about approaching the company for some help with bigger tanks, I know most motorcycle companies are not in the slightest bit interested unless you are Ewan and Thingy but it could be worth a go for the sake of a letter. They could at least point you in the direction of the original manufacturer who if they are in the UK might be able to help with something bigger.

Thanks Mark,

We are definatley going to approach CCM for any support they might be able to give, in terms of product support.

At the same time we are not going to expect anything as we understand that the company is a buisness and there needs to buisness interest for them.

We are currently saving to buy new and then run them in before setting off on the big trip.

horses for courses
 

I understand what you are saying about checking the bike as "stock" as possible but I would be changing the tank rather than adding another tank to the rear.

horses for courses.

Try asking them for a discount if you get the bike with no tank at all, and explain what you will use it for and what publicity you will get, should shave a bit off

Someone on here I think found a very slim steel or stainless 5L jerrycan that they fitted behind (inside) the pannier frame. I also like the idea of the Acerbis tank behind the headlight.

I agree that 200miles/300kms is sufficient range but you need to be sure that it will do that in all conditions (low gear off road) for peace of mind

I totally agree!

A big tank (and a healthy bike) allows you to take detours and remote routes. For me this equals freedom.
The only time I have had to skip a route was because of range, it's a long time ago but it still nags me.

Another point I forgot to mention...

Having a larger tank can almost pay for itself on a longer trip.

You can fill up in cheaper counties or built up areas. Petrol is often SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive in out of the way and more remote areas.

Getting stuck short and having to bribe 'DRY' petrol stations to give up their last dregs of gas will also seriously damage your wallet :innocent:

It also helps you to avoid having to buy dirty and often watered down 'fuel drum' petrol.

That £200 quid you save on not buying a bigger tank soon dissappears....

It's one of the many reasons I love my 34L XT600

30 litre tank as standard, no messing or altering the bike

300 miles range is easily achievable before hitting reserve

:mchappy: :mchappy: :mchappy: :mchappy: :mchappy: :mchappy: :mchappy: :mchappy: :mchappy: :mchappy:

And Ted above is right - The 4x4s that explore North Africa often have massive fuel capacity mainly because it makes the expeditions that bit cheaper. If you can fill up in Libya, Tunisia or Southern Morocco and not fill up till you've been home for a few weeks, that equals a big saving

What about fuel bladder type of equipment. fairly easy to stow away when not in use


http://justgastanks.com/product_info...oducts_id=1344

We may have a winner!!

33 ltrs
 

Gents currently have a GSA and love the tank size, been stuck doin the maths and it can really spoil a trip

Steve

nobody can make me hit the road with a tank less than 200 miles/300 kms fuel range.

What will be your feelings if have fuel enough for 30 miles and no station around?

No way...

Just seen this thread and only 'skimmed' through it but a few thoughts and points -

If you really need extra fuel capacity, the real beauty of most custom extra tanks is that they are usually forward of the rider, equalising to some extent the habitual rear end loading.

Check out how really remote is where you are going. Someone mentioned eastern Russia. If on the tarmac strip to the Pacific expect fuel every 50 miles or so. If you are not planning that most boring long distance 'adventure' of pure motorway (I kid you not!) look at the number of villages marked on maps - a few will have disappeared but the others are still small communities as dependent of the internal combustion engine as anywhere. If no official outlet, enterprise takes over and someone imports fuel to sell at a personal profit.

When going into the real unknown I have several times used the "Tonyatech" system.
First ride around a main road and pick up abandoned 5ltr plastic oil/antifreeze cans in laybys. Fill them and strap them on and when finished be ecologically responsible - leave them in another layby for the next traveller with more sence than money!

You may be interested in a company called Kolpin who make various plastic jerrycans with mounting systems designed to fit underneath luggage like top boxes and not crush, e.g: Kolpin - KOL89150 FUEL PACK JR. and: Kolpin - KOL89175 FUEL PACK JR.

You probably should also work out a reasonable mpg to expect and work from there in terms of the amount you need. Im running a Dr350 and get 250+ miles from just my 16L tank. You can also adjust sprocket gearing and ride economically to maximise your fuel economy and range with it.

If my bike had come with a 12L stock tank i doubt i would have ever bothered with an aftermarket tank.

Also, have you looked at and discounted Royal Enfield for any reason? As oldbmw mentioned they can give great mpg, and are a fantastic choice for any trip involving India. The Enfield Bullet in trails flavor seems to be the sort of bike you are after: http://www.royal-enfield.com/images/...ials-large.jpg

For what its worth, I crossed Mongolia in 2009 with just the stock 9.5 litre tank on my X-Challenge. That gave me 240-250km range (155 miles).

It was enough.

Reviving this thread, because its a question I'm currently struggling with. My choice is between a $260 Acerbis 5.3 gal (20L) tank and a $600 Safari 8 gallon (30L) tank - although reports are that it can fit 35L.

Bike is a Dr650 that seems to make about 53 mpg loaded, and the trip in mind is Africa West coast. Any further thoughts?

Hi.

You dont need a big tank because they are to expensive. Just get some old canisters on the way if you know there will be a big gap without petrol (or you want to take free petrol from Venezuela to Brasil) and throw them away afterwards. Old canisters are available everywhere.

The biggest distance i had to cross doing the westcoast of africa was Mauretania where they did not sell any peotrol for about 500 km.

Travel save, Tobi
Riding the rough west coast through Africa part 3

What's the standard tank size? How much are you investing per extra mile of range?

The Bonneville standard tank is 13/16 litres normal/reserve giving on average 160 miles before serious worry sets in. Not enough for Wales on a Sunday IMHO. My 9 litre auxilliary tank cost £80 in 2005. For an investment similar to your Acerbis offer I've added 36% to my range and so rarely muck about with jerry cans. Norman Hyde want £800 for a 22 litre tank (this is aimed at coffee in a multilayered 2 litre paper cup on a Sunday crowd, it's shiney to attract Bonneville OWNERS, so not a fair comparison) . Now if you are adding a lower percentage it's cans for cheapness or the Safari for convienience IMHO.

Andy

My stock tank is 3.2 gallons. Aside from worrying about having enough range, I just get annoyed stopping for petrol so often.

Thanks for the advice ta- rider. I'm leaning towards the 20 L tank and doing just what you suggest on those long stretches to avoid the added bulk and cost of the safari super tanker.

The one great benefit of carrying an extra 5 litres with you is you're not afraid of running on reserve until it runs out. It relieves the stress we've all had as soon as you turn that switch to RES. My Serow only has a 10 litre tank and will do about 140 miles before it hits reserve. Once on reserve I've got to 170 without actually running out. I would have been crapping myself if I didn't know that once it ran dry I wasn't walking. I use a slim marine container which sits behind my left pannier without compromising anything. I can even fill it up without taking it off the bike. It's a great option that gives me a true 250 mile range on my little 250. However, if they made a bigger tank I would get one in a heartbeat but still carry the extra 5 litres on a big trip.

Ocean Slim Tank - Fuel, Fuel Tanks | Mailspeed Marine

here is the container fitted behind my sw-motec rack

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/v...t/IMG_3882.jpg

http://i691.photobucket.com/albums/v...ett/water1.jpg


These look the best of the crop though...

Rotopax Fuel / Fluid Packs > Winding Roads Ltd

Slightly awkward choice as I'd say 20L is not enough and 30L isn't necessary. I'd go for the 20L plus a rotopax or similar - certainly less expensive.

I've now made my decision on fuel tanks. I have decided that, I'm not going to go looking for a bigger tank.

I am going to stick to the the 12 litre stock tank and carry the Ocean Slim line fuel tank giving me a range of around 200 miles or more. Where we're look at needing a bigger range, I'm going to mount 2 of these either side of my tank giving me a further 120 mile range. But when not needed they can rolled up in my luggage.

JAX Collapsible Utility Bladder (1 gallon) Just Gas Tanks.com

Nice setup Flyingdoctor! Very slick. I think that Clark makes a tank for your bike, shown here: http://www.procycle.us/bikepages/xt225.html

I actually like the feeling of having a 'second reserve' as Flyingdoctor describes as well.

Exactly. The new Acerbis tank for the DR650 was supposed to be 25L rather than 20L which would have been perfect! And I can't be bothered to do the fabrication to fit the older model Acerbis to my 2007 DR.

Reports on ADVRider of even these dromedary bags working just fine for fuel for years. I imagine they would be fine especially if not used regularly.

http://www.rockcreek.com/msr/dromeda...m_campaign=msr

Yeah its a shame the acerbis tank didnt end up at 25L, this would have been perfect IMO, im running the safari 30L on the DR650, it was expensive ($590/360 GBP) and a bit of overkill and I generally run it filled with around 25L.

However it did come in very handy in Argentina when there was a fuel strike on and gas availability was scarce in rural areas with long long line ups in the cities, if you are doing a western trans you can sometimes get this in Mauritania too with several day waits for fuel to arrive in Nouakchott. As Ted mentions, being able to fill up with a lot of gas in a country where its cheaper sure helps - for instance from Iran to Turkey.

Having the larger tank worked out as we were 2up and I didnt want to put extra gas cans on the rear of the bike, for solo id consider modding the older 25L tank to fit or do the 20L + Rotopax(s)

you might find that the acerbis 20L will increase in capacity by a litre or 2 if left full and in the sun (like the safari) and definitely go for a translucent tank - its very handy.

What about when you're unncertain about whether you need them or not?

I'll use the comparison of waterproof clothing that you wear over the top of your normal riding clothes. No matter how many times I got wet because I kept telling myself it's not really going to rain, i'm still reluctant to stop and put on the waterproofs unless it's really obviously about to piss it down. Getting waterproof clothing that is unobtrusive and comfortable helps loads, but I still resist sticking it on if I'm doubtful it will actually rain.

Running out of petrol 'in the middle of nowhere' is a far bigger deal than getting wet.


Steel petrol tanks are actually quite lightweight, are strong and crash well. Find someone who can weld thin steel well for beer money, then find an appropriately sized steel tank off a bike with similar tank geometry, and modify it to fit.

thanks guys - these are all great perspectives!

Make sure they really can weld if you go with a single volume. The advantage of an auxilliary tank is that when something breaks the fuel taps save part of the total. This may just involve less walking of course.

I talked to a shop in the NE of England about adding a section to the Bonneville tank. They were planning on using Petseal to make up for any pin holes in the welding. I didn't buy, I got a guy who makes lawn mower and grass track square section tanks to make me the auxilliary as he was 99.9% sure he was doing good welds into good metal. No gloop required.

Andy