Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Plastic Fuel Tanks Plastic Fuel Tanks
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Jun 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London / Limerick
Posts: 22
Plastic Fuel Tanks
I've been thinking about swapping the tank on my R1100GS to a plastic one for an African trip next year.
This is purely for weight reduction purposes.

I've often seen plastic tanks on pure off-roaders/scramblers/desert raiders but never on bigger tourers/dualies.

Any advice or thoughts?

Does it need a separate expansion tank or is a breather pipe/vent sufficient?
Does anybody produce these already - either off the shelf or to order?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Jun 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by gilles27 View Post
I've been thinking about swapping the tank on my R1100GS to a plastic one for an African trip next year.
This is purely for weight reduction purposes.

I've often seen plastic tanks on pure off-roaders/scramblers/desert raiders but never on bigger tourers/dualies.

Any advice or thoughts?

Does it need a separate expansion tank or is a breather pipe/vent sufficient?
Does anybody produce these already - either off the shelf or to order?
The only reason to change for a plastic tank is for capacity. If you already have 200 + mile range then there's just no point. Any days you might need a bit more range, just strap on a container !

For those of us with tiny tanks on trailbikes (Mine has 10L), an Acerbis etc is pretty much essential for overlanding but I think your 1100 has a good 20 litres already.

Plastic tanks crash better than steel but I've not seen a pressed steel tank burst in anything but a MAJOR street crash. Even then, they are designed to bend rather than split.

A replacement for the 1100 is going to cost ££££££££££££££££££££ too. Money best spent elsewhere.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Jun 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London / Limerick
Posts: 22
Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum View Post
The only reason to change for a plastic tank is for capacity.
Thanks Tedmagnum

Do the plastic tanks have heavy wall thickness and therefore have no weight advantage?

How do plastic tanks cope with fuel vapour expansion?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jun 2009
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by gilles27 View Post
Thanks Tedmagnum

Do the plastic tanks have heavy wall thickness and therefore have no weight advantage?

How do plastic tanks cope with fuel vapour expansion?
Depends on the tank but I don't think they offer any genuine weight saving. They are pretty thick you see and are of a similar weight as the original.

As for vapor expansion, they usually adopt the same technology as trail bikes. The caps have either breather hoses or vented locks. Your GS will probably have a breather hose running under the tank.

Whats the range on your 1100 ?? Anything over 200 miles is just a bonus and for any long hauls, just strap on a plastic container and top your tank up when it will fit in.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jun 2009
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
I have twin Elkamet tanks on my F650 (aka wrongly as Touratech tanks as they sell them but they are made by Elkamet)

Both tanks have a venting pipe to the air. No vented locks or caps- Just good old fashioned tube open to the air-
IMHO, these are much tougher than OE tanks but no weight saving there
I took a dive at 60mph and the bike slid on both sides on the tanks- they got a bit like 'grated cheddar' where the rub was but did not puncture.
Aside from the added range the other benefits are one of convenience and more importantly their central location and proper weight balance -
and as for range...oh yes, a hair over 1000kms! The max I ever 'pushed' these were in Africa and 815Kms without finding any fuel!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: On the road ...
Posts: 262
In addition to the breather hose, most plastic tanks are permeable to petrol vapours, so it can also breath through the walls of the tanks. The downside of this is that you can't put any stickers on, and painting them is near impossible by simple means, as it'll throw bubbles and peel off eventually. On the other hand they neither rust nor get dents.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Jun 2009
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
Just a little correction if I may Sirakor- as far as Elkamet tanks are concerned-
I was curious as I have Elkamet tanks- so I telephoned them today and put the question to their technicians-
The answer is: "no- our fuel tanks are not permeable to petrol vapour." Pffewwww, my HU stickers are safe after all!
Last edited by Bertrand; 30 Jun 2009 at 11:15. Reason: shameful spulling mistook ;0)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Jun 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: On the road ...
Posts: 262
Thanks for that Bertrand - I should have added that this applies to Acerbis tanks!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Jul 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London / Limerick
Posts: 22
Thanks for all the info guys.
Good stuff!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
plastic fuel tanks graysworld Equipping the Overland Vehicle 20 15 Aug 2008 23:14
plastic tanks and stickers ukiceman Yamaha Tech 7 2 May 2008 10:33
How durable are these plastic gas tanks? Bamaboy Yamaha Tech 3 26 Feb 2008 20:31
Plastic / aluminium fuel / water tanks Andrew Baker Equipping the Overland Vehicle 9 27 Jul 2005 06:20
modifying plastic bike tanks RichLees Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 6 14 Oct 2002 20:13

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:36.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top