Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
fitting big tanks to an XR600R fitting big tanks to an XR600R
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Nov 2005
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 59
fitting big tanks to an XR600R
I have the Acerbis 21l. tank on my xr600. I could do with more range. I see the Acerbis 24l. and IMS 27l. tanks for the XR650R. Has anyone tried fitting these to an XR600. Better still, there is that Acerbis under-seat tank for the 650 - again, has anyone tried fitting this to an XR600?

Best regards,

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Nov 2005
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
I think a XR 650 R would be impossible to fit.
The frame and engine attachment is diferent.
I have a 40 liters tank from Acerbis.If you are looking for big reserves!
They surface from time to time at Ebay.
Bye
KH
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Nov 2005
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 59
Looks like you are almost correct. I just got some pics from Wright showing someone's L with the seat tank fitted. However, the rear subframe had been extensively modified. So not impossible, but a lot of work. It might be easier, as you say, to get one of those big front tanks.

M
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Nov 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
forget the rear tank set up. I like Acerbis gear, but the XRR rear tank is a festering piece of junk. they split too easy so you lose all your fuel. if you're lucky, the bike catches fire, too, so you have a big smoke signal. if you're unlucky, you run out of fuel and have nothing to set light to the bike with ;-)
40 litre front tank is the way to go. its a little easier on the 600 than on the 650L, but you need to shorten the seat and consider improving the mounts at front and rear.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Nov 2005
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 59
Thanks Guys, I think its back to the drawing board. I've just realised that the 40l. tank is the one that Chris Scott and his mates used in Desert Riders. No way, now how am I riding with that thing. Mass too high and too wobbly.

A compromise might be that 27l. IMS tank for the XR650R. It looks like it might fit on the XR600. Anyone tried this?

Alternatively, it might be time to change bikes. My winter project might be to overland prep. an XR650R.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Nov 2005
POB/London's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
How about the tank you have and a couple of auxiliary 10L jerries? Plastic ones weight nothing when empty.
__________________
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Nov 2005
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 59
Thanks Pob,

Jerrycans would probably do it, but hey, why don't I admit it - I WANT A WINTER PROJECT!

There now that's out of the way ... I've been thinking of fabricating some tanks out of alloy or composite. I was at the dirt bike show last week and couldn't help but admire the alloy tank setup on Mick Extance's 450X. Two very neat saddle tanks and a slightly larger than stock front tank. I haven't done any tig welding for a long time. Its time to get me an inverter for Xmas I think. Alternatively, I could do something in carbon fibre or kevlar. Again, its been a while, but all the techniques are in my brain somewhere.

I seem to remember African Queens doing a big alloy tank for the XR600. It had deep cells to keep the weight down low. Simon Pavey used one in the 98 Dakar I think. I can't afford to buy one, but might have a go at knocking one up myself. I would couple this with some saddle tanks - maybe designing these so that they triangulate the rear sub-frame.

Alternatively, its composite over lost-foam. I'm not sure whether composite would be too brittle for off-road use though.

Any thoughts guys?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Nov 2005
mattmbishop's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Galway, Ireland
Posts: 74
This is what we decided when thinking about Aussie next year:

How often will you be riding with full tanks? We reckoned probably only the first day of any extended legs, and because of that went for a medium 22l tank and then 2 10l fuel bladders. The beauty of this is that most of the time the bladders take up next to no room under the gear rack. Sure, for the first day you are carrying 20 l of fuel up high but it doesn't last all that long.

Another thing to think about would be a bashtank, if you're looking at getting weight down low and have access to a tig welder. This is what we're looking at, a 7 l under-engine bash plate/water reservoir.

http://www.yonder.orcon.net.nz/XR650...%20concept.jpg

note: this is only a concept, no filling or drain details are shown.



[This message has been edited by mattmbishop (edited 24 November 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Nov 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
just a line or two on the XRL with 40 litre tank ... Chris mounted his very high to clear the engine. I modified the tank to clear the engine and several others (including Chris' mates) copied my design. if you mount it properly, its awesome! its very manageable off road though I'd recommend nice big footrests as riding standing up is so much better on a heavy-ish bike.
now for the XRR and bladders. bladders are a great idea, but they can be a bit of a liability off road as they are hard to mount and hard to protect. we used them in addition to 42 litres of IMS main and alloy rear tanks, but I'd have rather had the 45 litre alloy front tank. I think its £1500 so its not cheap, but its a bargain compared to bespoke stuff! one problem with the IMS tank is it can crush the radiator in a tumble or literally pull it apart at high speed. the other bugger of rear tanks can be breaking your ankles so think carefully about corner details etc. I also found the lack of rebound damping adjustment on the rear shock was a liability at full weight and low speed - the shock got hot and rebound damping dropped off!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 27 Nov 2005
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 59
Thanks Matt and Rich,

I like the idea of a bash-plate tank. Can't get the weight much lower than this! Rich, when you mentioned the 45 litre alloy tank were you referring to the African Queens one?

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 Nov 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
for the XRR, some swiss/german dude was advertising his work very discretely last year. I can't find his site today so I took a look at the AQ one and their's is the same so they either copied or rebranded his tanks.
in short, yes, that's the same one for about the same money: 2700€ and no faffing. ie a bargain if you want serious range!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 18 Dec 2005
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 59
Thanks for your suggestions and help with this guys. I think I have a solution now. I found one of the 36 litre alloy tanks. Its used, and a little beat up, but looks like it will do the job. I've agreed a price, sent off the banker's draft and should take delivery in the new year. Its got a deep cell on the left hand and a shorter one on the right. There is a pic of a new one here: http://www.dirtbike.at/honda/xr600/xr6tank.html

scroll down the page a bit.

The same page also shows an 8 litre saddle tank which looks pretty nifty. I'll try to find one of these for the left side of the bike.

Nadoleg Llawen,

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 3 Jan 2006
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 59
Happy New Year All!

My big tank came in the post at the weekend.

Its a litle beat up, as I mentioned earlier, but not bad at 1/5 the cost of a new one. Its still got its Dakar scrutineer stickers on it.

It could do with some of the dents being taken out and strengthening here and there. Can anyone reccommend a good welder who could do this work for me? I'm in the W. Midlands (S. Birmingham)

Thanks in advance.
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

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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 09:21.

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