I am sure you can get away without the 23l. Doesn't mean you shouldn't think about getting one though.
I took the 23l tank off my XT after I came back from a long trip in 2006 as it was a white one and looked very stained and scruffy and I figured I no longer needed it. I was also toying with selling my bike anyway.
Shortly afterwards I bought another one (black this time!) because I missed having all those carefree miles of not planning my petrol stops. I just ride in the UK at the moment (when I can!) on pretty short rides, but the acerbis still feels like a bonus.
On my long trip I was really glad of just being able to fill up when I got lowish and not worrying about distances. It was great for piece of mind knowing you had loads of range.
Of all the mods to do to a bike I reckon this is one of the best. JMHO, but I'd rather have a 23l tank and cheap or soft luggage, than expensive luggage and a standard tank.
They are not cheap, though. If you can get a second hand one it would be well worth it.
As an aside, I've never really noticed any difference in handling when riding with the acerbis. If you are bad-roading and know your next fuel stop, you can always only half fill the tank. The 'wings' are pretty low on the acerbis 23l and this keeps the weight fairly low.
Matt
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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
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