G'day....names greg and I'm in a prep session for my DR650 (13 Mod). Looking at tank replacement. I have a particular trip in mind and have been looking at a Safari (30ltr) or an Ascerbis (25ltr). Has anyone had issues with these (I am aware of the many things written on other forums about issues all of which are denied by dealerships who fit them, when fronted with the concerns). So which is a better one to go? Part of my trip is across the Tanami and apart from fuel at an early roadhouse its a bit of a gap to the next - either tank would get me there with my backup 12ltr collapsible fuel cell - (Safari obviously will have more left in it) - but neither would get me past that fuel stop to the next.
Once on the tar at Halls creek it's not a problem - the standard tank with the fuel cell would get me home BUT is there significant fitting issues with either tank option? Is the safari a bit of a brute for riding off road (formed desert tracks)? Does it make it difficult for control with fuel 'slopping' around in it when half full? I have a suspension upgrade to do (front and rear) to beef the bikes load capacity but handling control is a concern. Some have alluded to this issue of control in overseas blogs but most of the other blogs mention very little about this. I'm getting a bit long in the tooth and rusty with off road travel (years since last trips). I'm happy with gearing and exhaust - I think the bike is running as best for economy as it is standard.
My lawnmower has a decibel rating on it and I don't want my bike louder that it - the helmet is noisy enough. I ride slow and steady these days 3rd & 4th gear mostly on the tracks abt 60kph enough for me - can't afford anymore broken bones) so I don't want to change front and rear sprockets although it will improve slightly fuel but not significant enough (the object is to get from one 'water hole' to the next and I can do that with either of the tank options). On the tar it's a different matter; sometimes the horns pop up and I give it some stick. Other changes are handles bars and bark busters of some sort - perspex screen (Feel like 'the parachute' at the moment) - suspension, engine plate - and something has gotta happen with the seat!!

So is there somethong you can tell me about this? Hope to hear from someone.