Hi
I have a 2001 c model KLR with a 14l. I am currently running about 20km per litre sometimes even 22. I will be doing a 6 month around South America trip in 2015 and am having a look at tank options.

I can get a 17l acerbis tank for my bike, however I am not sure if it is worth the expense for just 3l.

Does anyone know the fuel situation in S America, will I really need a larger tank or should I just take a jerry can with for the legs that offer fewer fuel options?
I bought a larger safari tank for my DRZ400 when I went across Siberia and Mongolia. The tank did not sit well and I was constantly needed to make adjustments to it, I also did not need the extra fuel as the DRZ was unbelievably light on gas. I don’t want to make the same mistake twice.

Any advice?
cheers

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My tornado gets around 280k per its rather small 11.5 tank, and I'll definitely be buying either a 5 or 10 lt can when I start touring. There are after-market tanks but 180 dollars feels expensive for a mere 3.5 lt rise in capacity. I think in Chile and on the panamerican you would be fine but not sure about those long and lonely roads through Brazil, so depends a lot on your route. For Patagonia and the atacama I would also be interested in hearing people's experiences.

My wife and I did it on Aprilia Pegasos, 15l tank. Only issue was in Chile from Arica to Iqueque so the 8l spare came out :-) The biggest problem will be Bolivia with the "not filling foreign vehicles" problems around La Paz. Again, just make sure you have an 8l spare can, and fill up often :-) Also I have met many KLR 650s on the road, they all managed.

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http://www.ytc1.co.uk

Good advice Bruce, ... but keep in mind, I'd bet most of the KLR's you met were the USA "A" models, which come standard with a 23L fuel tank. Far as I know, the "C" model is virtually unknown outside the EU. I've never even seen one. Far as I know, never imported into USA, pretty rare this side of the pond.

But as you say ... a plastic jug (or two) of just about any kind will suffice to carry an extra 8L or so of fuel.

Coastal Chile and Peru' and Bolivia's Uyuni salt flats, you for SURE will need more than 14L. Carry 8L extra at least. ... and never pass a fuel-up opportunity.

Alternate:
You may post around and find an "A" version tank for sale cheap. Will it fit on the "C" model? I've no idea.

I'm sure "A" tanks are for sale cheap in USA. But shipping one to EU would not be worth it. (probably $150 usd to ship?) But if you begin your S.A. ride in the USA, then it'd be easy to pick up a larger tank once in US. Just a thought.

Keep in mind, with a strong head wind (common) and a fully loaded KLR, your fuel economy may drop down far below your average. Also, sometimes only low octane fuel is available, this can reduce range further (kms per liter).

The other fuel issue common in S. America are labor strikes and political protests. This especially true in Bolivia, Peru', Ecuador and Colombia. Often times roads are blocked and fuel stations shut down or empty.

Also, at times, fuel stations RUN OUT of fuel because fuel trucks are blocked from making deliveries. Most travelers work around these obstacles. But pay attention so you don't get caught with no access to fuel.

An "A" version tank (around 22/23 Liters) will directly fit on the "C" model KLR I've seen it on Europeans and Australians KLR's travellers here. Apart of Acerbis I think IMS and Clarke in the states made bigger tanks. Also the Oz Safaris for the new (2008 and on) should fit on any older model with minor mods…
Saludos

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Javier...
Dakar Motos “ ”

My wife and I did it 2012 /13 on 650 BMW's 14 L tanks, carried a 4l can through Argentina & Chile, had to ask locals sometimes, never stuck, great people, just do it don't worry, it'll work out ok
Gino & Fiona Rondelli

THANKS for the great advice

I’ve decided to keep my tank and get a Fuel Bladder easy to pack, out of the way and available for just when I need it


http://www.skyshopeuro.com/shopexd.asp?id=33

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