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How big a Tank do you really need How big a Tank do you really need
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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #16  
Old 2 Oct 2011
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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.
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  #17  
Old 2 Oct 2011
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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.
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  #18  
Old 2 Oct 2011
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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.
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  #19  
Old 3 Oct 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fantastic Mister Fox View Post
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.
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
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  #20  
Old 4 Oct 2011
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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
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  #21  
Old 4 Oct 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
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.
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.
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  #22  
Old 4 Oct 2011
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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

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....
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  #23  
Old 4 Oct 2011
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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



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
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  #24  
Old 4 Oct 2011
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What about fuel bladder type of equipment. fairly easy to stow away when not in use


http://justgastanks.com/product_info...oducts_id=1344
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  #25  
Old 4 Oct 2011
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We may have a winner!!
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  #26  
Old 5 Oct 2011
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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
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  #27  
Old 7 Oct 2011
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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...
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  #28  
Old 7 Oct 2011
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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!
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  #29  
Old 8 Oct 2011
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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
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  #30  
Old 8 Oct 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fantastic Mister Fox View Post
Riding the americas then back accross Russia and Mongolia.
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.
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