DR650 - Aftermarket fuel tank advice

[jdvisagie]

Hi everyone... I'm looking to make some "updates" to my "new to me" DR650. I've got a few things in mind, but thinking about fuel tanks specifically.

Options looks like: Clarke 14L, Acerbis 20L and IMS 18.5L.

Anyone has any experience with these? I use my bike as an all rounder. I commute 30km daily, do the odd funduro and 1-2 adventure rides (1000-1500km trips on gravel) to the Karoo each year.

Any input will be appreciated..

Thanks Johann

[Ri]

Hi Johann,

What kind of input are you looking for?

I've used an Acerbis 20l tank and an 18l tank on my current DR650, not sure but possibly IMS? I've also tried a 30l Safari tank but that made my lowered DR very front/top heavy.

Recently on a ride, chasing after a bunch of big KTMs and BMWs, I managed about 300km on the 18.5l tank before I had to switch to reserve. Put in 16l, so just under 3l reserve on that. I think my 20l tank held about 2l reserve.

The better range gives you more freedom, and if you ride at a slower speed of course you'll have a better range.

If you want to know about installation or other technical, chat to @Dux.

If you want to know where to get a tank, best chance is import, although someone might have something lying around.

Get one - best farkle for a DR650

[the ruffian]

Johann

I’ve had an Acerbis 25 liter tank on mine for over a year now. Love it. Doesn’t adversely affect handling... and I get over 500 Ks at backcountry speeds, with my best being just shy of 600ks! I know PK of Nomad Bikegear also has one, so maybe get his opinion...

Got mine from Runner ... no fuss with self-importing and at a good price too with lots of online and telephonic support in fitting (given that i’m 1000 ks away).

[Neo_za]

My vote goes to the smaller Clarke as it fits the DR very well, is of high quality construction and not so heavy when filled to affect the relative lightness of the DR. Besides at 14 x 20 = 280 km range is sufficient for most applications.

[the ruffian]

I’d wonder if it’s even worth getting the Clarke, given that the OEM tank is 13 liters...

[jdvisagie]

Thanks for feedback guys. I like the idea of a +- 20L size tank, due to the additional range and little effect on the bike's handling.

From what I gather, importing a tank is the best (cheapest) option. Any specific online retailers anyone will recommend?

Thanks again 

[walkaboutboertjie]

Hi jdvisagie

Did you end up importing one? 
I am also currently looking around at options - I imported and fitted one (Acerbis) myself for my TTR250 a few years ago.  But looking at options for my brother's DR to get it ready for a trip when he arrives mid-March.   

[shaun8500]

Hi Guys

Did any of you end up importing a tank? I'm wanting to buy, I'm always reluctant purchasing from overseas though. I see Amazon (MX South shop) are selling a White 20l Acerbis for 275$ incl shipping. I can also get a blue 20l from justgastanks for 325$. I prefer the blue (My DR is blue/white) but 50$ is a good saving and I think Amazon is probably the safer bet? Opinions?

Cheers

[Bensien]

I bought an Acerbis from Just Tanks. Didn't have any issues.

[ClimbingTurtle]

i know @Halfdaft imports tanks for customers too......

[shaun8500]

Ok great, thanks guys.


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[Ganjora]

i had the IMS on my DR.
worked brilliantly
i found that the acerbis tank on another bike and the IMS on the Dr both had issues with the tank's cap.
the rubber inner fucks out and drops little bits of rubber into the tank.
replaced it with a billet cap from some or other bike shop.
problem over
http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=32071.120

[lecap]

I’d wonder if it’s even worth getting the Clarke, given that the OEM tank is 13 liters...

OEM is more like 12. I have Clarke tanks on two of my bikes. The two litres extra make all the difference.

[lecap]

I have imported my tanks and a number of tanks for customers from Justgastanks.com  IMS and Acerbis have rather crappy filler caps. (Get billet aluminium one!). The fuel taps which come with some of teh tanks are also rather cheap and none of then has the auto shut safety feature of OEM. You can fit the OEM tap after a little bit of "fixing" to both IMS and Acerbis. For the Clarke the OEM tap is the standard scenario. The Safari is ridiculously expensive and has atrocious fit. Also too big IMHO.