BIG Tanks

[snaphappyninja]

has anyone fitted a bigger tank to their @? touratech or african queens sell them and i was just wondering what the implications were?

[iswoolley]

If I remember correctly there are 2 sizes of big fuel tank; 45 litres and 56 litres. Both fit onto the bike using the original mounting points, and mate up with the original fairing and seat. However I believe that the 56 litre tank is so wide it is incompatable with most engine protection bars. On the African Queens website they sell bars specifically designed for the larger tank.

At the risk of hijacking this thread into a discussion as to why a big tank is necessary... why are you considering a big tank? The standard tank is good for about 200 miles, which is sufficient for pretty much anywhere on the planet. It's only if you're considering a trans-Saharen or Mongolian trip that you're going to need more fuel. For example, Matt has just come back from riding the length of South America, and even in the Atacama and Patagonian wildernesses there is fuel available.

Iain

[Phoenix]

Iain
everybody knows you dont need a big tank but snaphappy ninja might really want one. Just think cruising to a meet showing off your big tank!!! think of all the pretty young groupies all going ohh ahh.

[c stillythemanwivno]

oooh yeeeeeaaaar a nice big juicey tank mmmmmmm.
it does it for me, i supose it makes up were i lack esle were..................

[Tikka]

Why dont you consider rear tanks? They are made for AT's

[modrover]

I'm did a AT tank mod onto a TA... just because I'm a BIG tank type of guy. I'd have to say... I'm not lacking now that I've actually got an AT (with stock tank). I'd say what Tikka said about the rear/side tanks. I think that'd be better for weight distribution.

[iswoolley]

Why dont you consider rear tanks? They are made for AT's

Rear tanks are still available new from African Queens. However.... they're more expensive than a big front tank, and only have a 15 litre capacity. Also they require a fairly extensive rebuild of the bike, as the space for your electrical goodies (left hand side) and shock remote resevoir, coolant expansion tank, etc. (right hand side) is used by the tanks. Bear in mind that you'll probably also need to get some pannier frames custom made, if you want to keep using panniers. The weight distribution is an open discussion as well. It depends on how you use them, but I suspect you need to do more than just tee them into the fuel feed from the front tank.

Iain

(However, if money was not a problem, I'd have a set in no time at all! 71 litres of fuel capacity on a bike? Yes please!)

[paultheold]

Seen a big tank on a BMW it looked brill. The standard tank is bad enough to remove when full, so what will the larger tanks be like

[Maverick]

I have always loved the look of big tanks on bikes, what would my baby of looked like with an ordinary tank....



However if you planning to do long trips around the world (like we do ) and it's going to involve sand, mud and nasty terrain remember every time that bike goes over you going to struggle getting the bike upright again with all that weight of the large fuel tank and kit.

If I was to travel only tar roads and do long distance would not hesitate to put a big tank on for convenience. For offroad even though it looks cool and love it would rather have some fuel strapped on the back with a normal size tank.

Just my 2p

[snaphappyninja]

big tank...mmmmmmmmm want one

yeah it's mostly just a look thing but i have to say i don't seem to get the milage most others do. if i was getting anywhere near 200 out of mine i wouldn't even bother looking but i get about 150 average and 170 if i'm taking it realy easy (which ain't often).
any ideas why i'm getting crap milage???